The Who: A Legendary Night of Rock at the Royal Albert Hall
The fourth night of the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at the Royal Albert Hall promised an extraordinary musical journey, and the evening delivered spectacularly. Opening act Level 42, led by the iconic bassist Mark King, set the stage with a powerful performance that showcased their jazz-funk roots and greatest hits.
Mark King and his band electrified the audience with a carefully curated setlist that highlighted their musical evolution. From the opening notes of “Heaven in My Hands” through fan favorites like “Running in the Family” and “Something About You”, Level 42 demonstrated why they remain a beloved British band. The set culminated in crowd-pleasers “Lessons in Love” and “Hot Water”, warming up the audience for the evening’s headliners.
As the anticipation built, The Who took to the stage, proving that rock legends never truly fade. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend launched into a set that spanned their incredible musical career, beginning with the classic “I Can’t Explain” and quickly moving through a series of iconic tracks.
The performance was a masterclass in rock music, with the band delivering an expansive 22-song setlist that touched on virtually every era of their remarkable career. A particularly special moment came with the first performance since 2004 of “Love Ain’t for Keepin'”, a rare treat for long-time fans.
Daltrey’s connection to the evening’s charitable cause was evident when he shared a story about a young cancer patient before performing “I Can See for Miles”. His voice remained remarkably powerful, a testament to his enduring musical prowess.
The set traversed The Who’s extensive catalogue, from the energy of “Pinball Wizard” and “The Seeker” to the more introspective “Behind Blue Eyes” and “I’m One”. Tracks like “The Real Me” and “5:15” showcased the band’s rock opera roots, while “Love, Reign O’er Me” demonstrated their ability to blend raw emotion with musical complexity.
The evening reached its crescendo with a series of anthemic tracks that had the Royal Albert Hall crowd on their feet. “My Generation”, “Eminence Front”, and “You Better You Bet” built to the explosive combination of “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” – two songs that have become rock standards.
A touching encore of “Tea & Theatre” provided a reflective close to an extraordinary night, symbolizing the band’s enduring friendship and musical partnership.
The audience, which included music luminaries like Sam Fender, The Corrs, Micky Flanagan, Roger Taylor, and Paul Weller, witnessed more than just a concert. This was a celebration of musical legacy, resilience, and the ongoing work of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
As Daltrey himself noted, at 81, he continues to perform with a passion inspired by the young cancer patients the charity supports. The Who will return to the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, promising another historic performance.
Photos (c) John Stead
