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Videos
Full show part 1, part 2, part 3
I Can't Explain
I Can't Explain/Substitute
Who Are You
Love Ain't For Keeping
Behind Blue Eyes
Behind Blue Eyes
Going Mobile
Pinball Wizard
See Me Feel Me
Eminence Front
You Better You Bet
I'm One
5:15
Love Reign O'er Me
Baba O'Riley
Won't Get Fooled Again
The Song is Over
Press
Review by Lauren Eastman
The Who played for over 2 hours for the opening show of "The Song is Over" North American final tour.
I arrived at 5:45 PM and had to wait until 6:30 for the doors to open. I noticed that most people in line (there early like me) were probably in their 70's. I thought this was going to be a pretty old crowd. But once the arena filled up, that was not the case at all. There were people of all ages there from their 20's to their 80's. The arena did not have many empty seats when The Who hit the stage.
The opening act was Billy Bob Thornton's band, the Boxmasters. I had never heard them before but they were strong and very likeable. They started at 7:30 and played for 45 minutes. Billy Bob kept apologizing and asked the audience to bear with them until The Who came out. I guess he realized the trials and tribulations of being a warm up band, as people were still streaming in. But overall the audience was attentive and enjoyed their performance.
Before The Who came on the stage, they played a short clip on the video screen talking about Teen Cancer America, ending with Roger asking the audience to make donations by texting TCA1 to 41444. Shortly after that a short video started with an audio clip where Pete explained that the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 was the band's first major performance in America. They played Eric Burden of the Animals voice introducing them. He said that The Who had been passed by in America, but they won't be after this.
Roger's voice was very good and Pete's playing was exceptional. There were some sound issues which hopefully will get ironed out by the next show. There were a few times where Roger got ahead of the music; but he kept his cool all night. At one point Pete went to start the intro for Behind Blue Eyes and Roger said he was not ready. He was pulling wires from the back of his shirt, presumably for his ear monitors, and someone came up to hook him back up.
Overall there was very little banter, but Pete told a story about rehearsing for Tommy years ago, and Keith said to him "I think this is going to be a HIT". Roger then replied "I remember that rehearsal. As far as rehearsals go, you'll never remember a perfect show, but you'll remember all the fuck ups!"
Pictures of Keith and John were shown on the video screens throughout the show, as well as graphics that have been used in past tours.
After Won't Get Fooled again, Pete and Roger had a moving moment singing Tea and Theatre, then they closed the show with The Song is Over.
I didn't know what to expect but I left happy, somewhat emotional. I did shed a tear during Love Reign, as I remembered hearing Roger sing it at the Boston Garden in '73 - at which point I was also in tears.
Review by Flash Page
Roger’s voice was really amazing tonight, really. Maybe the best I’ve ever heard him sing and I’ve been going to Who concerts since 1982! His scream on Won’t Get Fooled Again left my ears ringing, not kidding, they cranked it up LOUD!
Pete played with his dazzling talent on electric and acoustic guitars switching frequently through the night between intricate picking and devastating power chords that shook the building.
The main difference tonight was a fantastic combination of backup vocals, they really filled out the songs, even I Can See For Miles finally sounded like the record. For those who worried about the drumming have no fear, the “ new guy” did an excellent job and never faltered through all the demanding songs.
They all seemed to be having a good time onstage even though there were a few technical issues here and there. And the setlist contains a few surprises!
The “Song” will never truly be over, their music will live on through many generations to come and the story needs to be told, maybe we’ll get a Kids Are Alright Part 2!
Long live rock, and long live The Who! Thanks guys for the phenomenal sendoff!
Review by Todd Ellenberg
A fantastic celebration and goodbye: last night at Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida. I was not planning on going...between ticket prices and recent video clips that didn't send me. I love The Who, seen them 7 previous times since 1979...have all the albums, bootlegs, etc. And then I won some free tickets.
The show far exceeded my expectations, a rousing 2 hr 10 minute set. Scott Devours did a very good job assuming such a tough role so soon. The band had some sloppy parts here and there, but I'm OK with that, I like my R&R with some rough edges. Some standouts for me included The Seeker, Bargain, the 5 songs from Quadrophenia. But really dug it all, very happy to see them this last time.
Review by Marc Starke
Last night, The Who opened their The Song is Over/ Farewell Tour of North America at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
Roger's vocals were perfect and powerful… searing his voice thru the ears and minds of the close to 20,000 in attendance. Pete's guitar was turned up a notch, crisp and loud... proving once again to the masses that he is the king of rhythmic guitar playing, which was enhanced by 'power and volume' !
Highlights for me were the Qaudrophenia songs, especially “The Real Me", “I've Had Enough", and “Love, Reign O'er Me.
Who's Next was represented almost in full sans two songs. Simon Townshend's always beautiful lead vocals on "Going Mobile". Roger's vocals alternate between power and melodic beauty on “Bargain", “Love Ain't for Keeping", and "The Song is Over", which just blew me away.
The band, most noted Roger and Pete, are usually spending opening night shows flubbing lines and hitting bum notes. But not tonight. Delirious screaming in happiness and astonishment with numerous standing ovations (from me!) and the 20,000 concert goers, many in tears, proving it to be a night of power and awe.
If it's goodnight to South Florida forever for this band, they went out proving that they really are the greatest live band in the world. It's always been that way. They've worn the crown for six decades plus now.