Comments on: Surprise Saints of My Generation: The Who

By: wwolfe

wwolfe — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:14:33 +0000

Thanks for the heads-up about the commercial-free showing on VH-1. I saw the 9/11 concert on TV and was startled by how “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” were given new meaning, and the band’s performance given new passion, by the terrible context. As far as the documentary itself, I was most impressed, and pleased, by what decent guys Townsend and Daltrey have grown up to be. Townsend, of course, remains one of the very best rock critics - his comments on the transformation allowed Daltry by playing the part of Tommy on stage were especially astute. Surprisingly, Daltry’s take on the Who’s performance at Monterey were equally sharp. And kudos to Chris Stamp for being the snappiest dresser: the Mods would be pleased.

By: M.A. Peel

M.A. Peel — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 05:17:55 +0000

Hey Manny, there’s something from Leeds in the film. I don’t remember which song. When I watched it again, I was surprised how much talking they did over “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” which I didn’t notice at the premiere, where I was so stunned be the performance.

I’ve watched the clip repeatedly now on Youtube, and there get a sense of the “transformative moment” Tom talks about.

By: Manny Maher

Manny Maher — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:52:36 +0000

Wow,
I am getting chills reading your post, MA.
I will be buying the DVD even though my wife K plugs her ears when I crank up “Live at Leeds”–the one that never, ever makes me feel old.
Is that concert (Leeds) in the documentary?

By: Tom Watson

Tom Watson — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:39:50 +0000

It was a mind-bender. Total emotion like I hadn’t felt since being a skinny kid at a Who show at MSG in the 70s, or pressed up against the tiny stages of Max’s or CBGB or the Pep Lounge.

And the place was filled with grieving firefighters and their families, filled beyond capacity - people sitting in aisles. They were drunk, stoned, and weeping openly. The Garden gave free beer to anyone in uniform. McCartney had gone around the week before personally handing out tickets at firehouses. Bowie opened it up with an elegeic Heroes. But the Who provided the transformative moment. I’ll never forget it.

By: M.A. Peel

M.A. Peel — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:34:45 +0000

Tom, I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be at that concert. This footage is going to blow you away.

By: Tom Watson

Tom Watson — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:05:30 +0000

Thanks for the terrific review! We should have a Who channel here, if Mr. Townshend agrees. I can’t wait to see the film - can well remember The Kids Are Alright about 25 years ago.

MA, I was the Concert for New York in 2001 and the Who’s segment was one of the most emotional public moments of my life.