The Movie: A benefit for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Who returned for this charity engagement at Royal Albert Hall, bringing together some special guests for the event (Eddie Vedder, Bryan Adams, Noel Gallagher and others). The show's guests occasionally join the band to add their own little touches to the band's classic numbers, but the majority of the show has the band simply giving it all they've got as they intensely roar through a lengthy and entertaining set. The amount of energy the now somewhat older band offers during the performance really compares and outdoes the kind of spirit that most bands half their age bring to the stage. A really incredible performance from one of rock's best bands. The DVD: "Live at Royal Albert Hall" is presented in 1.77:1 anamorphic widescreen by Image Entertainment. One of their best concert film transfers, the presentation offers excellent sharpness and detail throughout the majority of the show, with the exception of a few shots here and there that seem a little softer in comparison. Pixelation and edge enhancement are kept in check and really don't show up during the show and I didn't find any other concerns or problems. Colors appeared richly rendered and vibrant. A stellar presentation. The sound: "Live at Royal Albert Hall" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1. Before I go any further, I must warn that this is one of those DVDs that, for those of you who have neighbors, they might not like you very much if you play this full blast for a few hours. I must say that, although I've been extremely pleased and often impressed with the audio side of Image Entertainment's concert offerings, I've never heard one that sounded this ferocious. From the opening moments on, this is an extremely L-O-U-D soundtrack, but one that's also quite positive in the way that it delivers its sonic assault. The amount of depth to the sound is truly remarkable. Where concerts usually present a strong amount of ambience, I've never heard one present such a convincing feeling of space. The information coming from both the rears and the front seemed to extend outward and provide an incredibly immersive and enveloping experience. Crowd noise and general hall ambience seemed almost breathtakingly realistic - I have to say that I don't think I've ever felt more like I was at a concert while listening to a DVD presentation than this. The surrounds provided solid re-verb for the music that seemed like it would strongly resemble the actual experience of the show. Thankfully, this isn't one of those presentations that throws too much musical information into the surrounds; the rear speakers offer just the right mix of crowd sounds and music to envelop the listener without taking the focus away from the front speakers. Again, the sound quality is marvelous. Although the music is presented at a level so powerful and dynamic that it may startle some at first, the actual sound quality itself is simply superb. Loud, but definitely not thin or shrill, this is a well-recorded live performance that is entirely comfortable and often thrilling to listen to. For those that don't have neighbors who are easily irritated, I'd definitely recommend pushing the volume to "11" while watching this performance. The entire performance offered some very strong low bass to go along with the already fierce sound, as well. The instruments also sounded very well defined across the front speakers, not simply blending into a mess. Vocals also shared space terrifically, really very strongly delivered by the front three speakers. I think there are some tremendous sound presentations of concerts out there on DVD and I've reviewed many of them. This was really something above and beyond, delivering a really exciting, rich and dynamic sound experience that really gives the viewer a "you-are-there" feeling. The menus: As usual, nicely laid-out menus from Image that are easily navigated. The second disc has all of the options presented on one menu, which is always nice. The extras: All of the extras are on disc 2 of this 2 DVD set. The second disc offers a performance of "Pinball Wizard" with seven different angles.(Also in DTS/DD 5.1, Dolby 2.0). Backstage: A short backstage clip is offered that shows rehersal footage and crew at work. Rehersals: Clips from pre-show rehersals for Eddie Vedder, Kennedy, Bryan Adams, Paul Weller, Noel Gallager and Pete and Roger. Interview: There's an interview with Roger Daltrey about the Teenage Cancer Trust. 7 1/2 minutes. Final Thoughts: A truly stunning performance that gets an amazing presentation on this DVD release, "Live at Royal Albert Hall" simply rocks. The DVD's sound presentation is unbelievable, an absolute treat for fans of the band and really, anyone who likes to experience a rock show on DVD. Highly Recommended.
"taken From Kerrang! Issue #831, December 9, 2000.
-Taken from "Feedback", k! Issue 832, London, December 16th 2000
29 November 2000 RAH review
All the reviews of the Royal Albert Hall show have been very good. This is a particularly good one which I thought you'd like to read from the Daily Express.
Albert Hall rocked as Who talk about their regeneration
When the first person I bumped into was Mick Jagger (literally, which was a bit embarrassing), I knew the stars had come out for the last date on The Who's tour - a special charity do for the teenage Cancer Trust.
Nigel Kennedy, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher and Bryan Adams all lined up to add their bit, but this was really all about The Who.
Pete Townshend, in black suit and dark glasses, was throwing windmills. Roger Daltrey, looking ridiculously young, was swinging his mike. John Entwistle was standing still. Moves patented over 30 years ago and still classic rock shapes.
Whenever the history of great British pop is written, The Who always come in third, between the Stones and The Kinks. But in Townshend, The Who had the single most visionary presence in UK pop. While Lennon was having a lie-in for peace, Townshend was writing a futuristic opus about a world dominated by a vast electronic communications network - 25 years before anyone had heard of the Internet.
They're collectively long in the tooth, but last night at the Royal Albert Hall The Who rocked with a verve and an energy that would frighten today's pop careerists to death. If there were a single pop band today that had half as much raw power, you wouldn't even have heard of Westlife.
It wasn't so much about my generation as their regeneration. Exhausting.
Jeremy Novick Daily Express Nov 28 2000
News
LONGLIVEROCK 11/28/00 3:30 PM
Two Fan Reviews of Last Night's RAH Gig
Two reviews I found on the Odds And Sods Mailing Digest:
From Tim: Great show this one. I had a few worries beforehand as to whether it was going to be as intense as the regular shows. These weren't eased when the band came on at 7.30 - no support act - went straight into I Can't Explain while parts of the audience were still finding their eats. Brave move this by The Who, but given the show turned three and half hours it was the only way to fit it all in! Oddly enough, from the first song the front four or five rows stayed seated while large pockets hind (I was in row 13) were up on their feet heavily getting into it. It wasn't until halfway through the first set that the front section got up, evidently realising that the rest of us were already on our feet! As for those who were worried (me slightly!) that this might turn into a Who cabaret as per the Tommy RAH show in 89, rest assured - it was most definitely not! The guests didn't intrude too much and with the possible exception of Noel Gallagher added something to the show rather than detracting from The Who's performance. Will be a DVD worth buying....if only for the shots from the camera attached to John's guitar during the 5.15 solo! (another marvel BTW!). Around up of the guest slots: KELLY JONES - The Stereophonics' front man was probably the least known
of the guests but with a cherry SG and a rasping vocal he produced a
kicking version of Substitute. Best performance from a guest times ten.
This has always ranked among my top three Who songs, so it was great to see that in the hands of one of the current generation of Brit (Welsh)
rockers the song sounded as fresh and raw as ever - if it were written
today it would still be a major hit. Pete evidently loved it, grinning throughout and giving the guy a big hug at the end. Rock n roll!
PAUL WELLER - looking every bit the cool archetypal mod, produced a
beautiful duet with Pete on So Sad About Us, taking the lead vocal with
Pete harmonising nicely. A Who purist is Paul - loves the early stuff.
Would dearly have loved to see him do Sunrise with Pete.
NIGEL KENNEDY - came on to great applause to finish off Baba - shame he
got caught up in Pete and Zak's furiously sped up ending, joining in
rather than sticking to the solo.
EDDIE VEDDER - Evidently completely in awe to be sharing the stage with
the band. During Getting in Tune, with Pete head back eyes closed
pushing his guitar to the limit, he looked star struck at Pete and
mouthed the word "Wow!". Worked well with Roger during Getting in Tune
and Let's See Action and did a good job on I'm One (once the mixing desk
upped his mic).
BRYAN ADAMS - A surprisingly powerful rendition of Behind Blue Eyes from
the Canadian one. Roger would have been proud.
NOEL GALLAGHER - Took lead slot on WGFA again. Have to say I was a bit
disappointed. His lead chokes were no great shakes, and I can't say he
added much to the song. Knowing how well Pete can improvise during this
one it was a waste to see him restricted to rhythm. Still, the finale
had Pete windmilling frantically, evidently cutting loose from his
rhythm role. (BTW - I'm not an Oasis knocker, I'm a big fan of the first
two albums).
All in all a damn good show. Pete looked fit and healthy again and all
three of the guys seemed to be having fun - no end of tour fatigue in
evidence here. Another surprisingly up for it London audience, took
backing vocals on Magic Bus and You Better and joined in for the
Listening to You refrain at the close.
It's been a truly great tour. Thanks guys!
Tim
******************
From Kim and Lester:
The band blew the lid off the RAH tonight. It was a storming,
and largely Who-based show, similar, but not identical to the recent
tour when the guest were not present. The guest did not intrude too
dramatically - they added to the event, as billed 'The Who plus
special
guests' - in almost all cases - IOHO.
No initial announcements, straight into the usual great 'tour
versions' of:
I Can't Explain
Anyway Anyhow Anywhere
Pinball Wizard
First banter from Pete - 'this is kind of related to the Internet, but
not exactly....'
into -> Relay
My Wife
JAE - 'I wish I had a thousand quid for each time I announced this -
actually I have
though haven't I?' --- John's really getting the hang of this song
announcement lark, non?
The Kids Are Alright
Roger on acoustic J200 - Pete added the spoken verses - as per the
tour for regular readers.......
Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand
As per tour - except PT had a little more electric pickup on his
onboard guitar sound - more punchy ending as a result.
Bargain
Magic Bus
Actually - this one worked quite well. PT had issued the usual warning
that it was a 50/50 success rate,
Roger said it all depended on the crowd singing the refrain loud
enough. The audience believed him and
belted the 'Too much, Magic Bus' right at him - the size of the RAH
helped greatly here, though, we suspect!
Baba O'Riley
With a special guest - Aston Villa supported Nigel Kennedy on violin.
He's a great classical player - he
>came from the Menuin school. He's played pop before, and quite loud
>electric violin, at that......
>unfortunately he just jammed the BO'R solo. He received a great
>reception - but it didn't make the hairs
>on the back of your neck stand up like Gaby Lester's did at Sadler's
>Wells and Storytellers.
>
>Intermission
>
>Phill Jupitus came on and did a standup/monologue/funny
>story/anecdote - delete the appropriate
>items in this list as your guess is as good as ours - or indeed
>Phill's, who stated on several occasions
>'I haven't got a clue what I doing here, or why I'm here'.
>
>He received a dreadful reception, (one group in the boxes to the right
>of the stage struck up with 'who
>ate all the pies' - no time to explain this, but Phill is a quite
>portly). This is a little unfair at a charity bash -
>he had showed up, and tried to do his bit, after all? Roger came on
>and have a real go at the audience because of this.
>Pete also kept referring to 'the reception Phill Jupitus got'
>throughout the night.
>
>(Actually - RD did start talking about his Arsenal ' tendencies' -
>'no more Who until you shout we love Arsenal',
>but that's another story........).
>
>
>Drowned (PT solo)
>We generally report on how well PT remembers the words to this, as
>those of you who bother to
>read these posts may have noticed.
>
>He started playing a
