Townshend stopped to thank the expansive 52-piece ensemble more than once. The band were clearly thrilled by the powerful accompaniment. By contrast, the already-powerful crescendo of 1978’s “Who Are You” punched a hole in the sky with the heightened symphonic energy under Keith Levenson’s direction. Well-seasoned rockers like the frenetic “Pinball Wizard” didn’t require the extra orchestral majesty, but nor did they suffer. Daltrey slung his microphone in twirling arcs along its cable, eventually scoring a direct hit onto his drinks placed on a small table in front of Zak Starkey’s drum set. Daltrey and Townshend let their enthusiasm show during “Amazing Journey.” Townshend tore at his guitar with furious windmill strokes. The marriage of rock band and symphony on dramatic instrumental pieces like Tommy’s “Overture” and “Sparks” or Quadrophenia’s “The Rock” was so natural, it’s a wonder that the Who never attempted it in the past. The show leaned heavily upon those two influential rock operas, featuring abridged versions of Tommy and 1973’s Quadrophenia. The Moving On! Tour, however, is the first such excursion under the Who banner. Townshend brought his Classic Quadrophenia to the Rosemont Theatre in 2017, in support of Teen Cancer America. Last summer, singer Roger Daltrey toured a symphonic version of seminal 1969 rock opera Tommy that visited Ravinia. The principal players have tested the waters on their own. The British rockers certainly weren’t the first veteran act to present their music with an orchestra, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a band with a repertoire as perfectly suited to the format. It wasn’t a show any Who devotee wanted to miss. “They tell me tomorrow’s going to be 80 degrees!”Ĭhicago-area fans are a hardy bunch, so attendance was strong and spirits were high despite the chill. “I hope we can warm it up a bit for you,” said guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend as he welcomed fans from the stage. Ticketholders on the lawn encountered soggy seats, and everyone felt the chill of the 50-degree ambient temperature that was cooled further by a steady breeze. When the Who booked an outdoor show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park as part of their Moving On! tour, fans and band alike anticipated a great night of classic rock in fine spring weather.
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