Review & photos by Joe Schaeffer
The Who concluded their U.S. “Hits Back 2022” tour at Park MGM’s state-of-the-art facility Dolby Live in Las Vegas. The show brought many classics, many which were played with a Vegas-based orchestra. The enduring music of the Who came shining through as Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, the remaining founders also brought their touring band alongside violinist Katie Jacoby, celloist Audrey Snyder, and backing vocalist Billy Nicholls.
Starting the show off were a bevy of tunes from the Who album Tommy, including “1921,” “It’s A Boy,” and “Pinball Wizard.” Daltrey’s voice was in fine form and was even seen swinging his microphone into the air on occasion. Townshend took center stage on “Eminence Front” from 1982’s It’s Hard. They finished off the nine-song orchestral set with “Ball and Chain” from 2019’s WHO album.
The orchestra was dismissed for a break while the band remained to put on a classic rock show including mega hits “You Better You Bet,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” and “Behind Blue Eyes.” It was sheer rock ‘n roll force all the way through with the crowd standing for much of the time.
The touring band features astonishing musicians and consists of Simon Townsend (Pete’s Brother) on guitar and back-up vocals, keyboardist Loren Gold, second keyboardist Emily Marshall, bassist Jon Button, and drummer Zak Starkey (son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr), who has been touring with the band since 1996.
The orchestra made its triumphant return to the stage with the band and began a five-song run from 1973’s Quadrophenia that included “The Real Me,” “I’m One,” “5:15,” and “The Rock.” Several giant screens displayed an array of The Who’s history including photos of original members Keith Moon and John Entwistle. Also shown were several points in history since their inception in 1962, their entire journey up until now. “Love Reign O’er Me” was a fitting climax to the run of Quadrophenia songs.
The final song of the night was the classic “Baba O’Riley” from 1971’s Who’s Next. Katy Jacoby set her violin blazing while Townshend was by her side, strumming along and windmilling his guitar. It was a fitting end to a two-hour journey with one of the most iconic bands in rock and roll history.
