The Who: Super Bowl XLIV Concert Review
By Jeffrey Hyatt
By the time Pete Townshend hit the last chords of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” it should have been perfectly clear The Who had every intention of making their 12 minutes in the Super Bowl halftime spotlight a rock n’ roll, good time for all. Just as Townshend mentioned in January, the Super Bowl set-list was a mash-up of Who classics: “Pinball Wizard,” “Baba O’Riley,” a snippet of “See Me, Feel Me” from Tommy, “Who Are You” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”
It was about as safe a set-list The Who could have put together. In any other situation there might be more grumbling here, but for the corporate behemoth that is the Super Bowl – it all worked out rather nicely.
Now, let’s get to the highlights….
First off, if you wanted vintage Who please get yourself a copy of The Who’s Live at Leeds.
Were the segues from one song to the other during the 5-song mash-up a bit clunky? Yes. I don’t know what was going on between “Pinball Wizard” and “Baba O’Reily.”
Did Roger Daltrey’s voice sound a bit gruff at times? Yes sir. But it’s Roger Daltrey for the love of god, so we cut him some slack.
It also looked like maybe Pete Townshend stole Elvis Costello’s hat and sunglasses. And that was Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr’s son) on drums.
I’d also like to know what the point of having 15 seconds of “See Me, Feel Me” in the medley is, but I won’t dwell.
If anything you have to appreciate the beautiful synergy between The Who, CBS and the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation franchise; three of the songs in the 5-song set are used as the opening theme for three CSI shows: CSI, “Who Are You,” CSI: Miami, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and CSI: NY, “Baba O’Reily.”
I have to think someone, somewhere during the halftime show jumped up and said, ‘Wow! I didn’t know The Who did the theme song to CSI!”
Daltrey’s harmonica work between “Baba O’Reily” and “Who are You” was excellent, the laser lights and pyrotechnics gave the show a big, stadium rock concert feeling and there were flashes of classic Townshend working the guitar; the man can still windmill!
The quick set ended with a round of fireworks and Townshend and Daltrey standing center-stage, arms around each other.
Even though fellow, major league acts like Bruce Springsteen, U2, Tom Petty, Prince, The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney have graced the stage for a Super Bowl halftime performance, the idea of The Who playing on the biggest sporting day in the universe always felt kind of peculiar. Not because they aren’t more than deserving to entertain the gazillions of people watching the game, but unlike the aforementioned artists, haven’t really been cranking out a lot of new material – more than happy to let the legacy do the talking.
The Who have every right to play the hits and carry on as one of the best ever without having to write another new song, but the Super Bowl gig definitely was rooted in the mythology of The Who, not an artist with a new album to promote or brand to reinforce; simply a megawatt performance that delights the faithful and awakens those just getting their first dose of the iconic British rock band.
In the end, it was a nice and tidy performance for Townshend and Daltrey. Not bad, not great… it was perfectly fine. If anything, people should go flip on Who’s Next or A Quick One to really enjoy a superb evening of The Who.
It’s a shame Keith Moon and John Entwistle weren’t around for the fun. Especially Moon. Good lord, Keith Moon at the Super Bowl would have been awesome.
What did you think of The Who’s Super Bowl XLIV halftime show performance?
Monday, February 8, 2010 1:49AM
The song selection. A coincidence, or timely?
Monday, February 8, 2010 1:53AM
They were good, but their joints must be sore by now … lol .. good guys!
Monday, February 8, 2010 1:53AM
Best Superbowl show ever….
Monday, February 8, 2010 1:57AM
I am from the era of the WHO when they were good.I found this absolutely ridiculous. Roger Daultry has no voice left and he and Pete Towsend both looked ridiculous. I would really like to know who is responsible for the choices made for halftime, they need to be fired. Some other Good choices would be Black eyed peas, Beyonce', Taylor Swift etc.. Hell, almost anyone other than the Who
Margie
Monday, February 8, 2010 1:58AM
Worst in recent years. Way past prime and it showed
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:00AM
Loved it!!
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:02AM
It's also worth noting that The Who's rhythm guitarist is Simon Townsend, Pete's brother and the drummer is Zak Starkey, son of Beatle Ringo Starr and his first wife Maureen.
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:02AM
It was just OK for me. I honestly can say that next to the pyro…. Zac Starkey (Drums) saved the performance.
Yes, that was Ringo Starr's son playing the drums. That's why there were so many closeup shots of him next to Roger and Pete.
Townshend Can You Hear Me?
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:07AM
It was utterly underwhelming & disappointing. Let's have Yoko play next year.
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:08AM
it sucked
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:10AM
Lip-SYNCED !
The first time he sang'get on my knees and pray' his voice says it before his lips. How Ironic ! Won't get fooled indeed ! same as the old boss
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:11AM
Who is the awesome drummer?
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:12AM
Sad to say I wasn't impressed. YES! Townhend was great, but Daltrey's vocals were horrid, don't know what harp solo you were watching between songs but I know local unknown musicians that have better harmonica chops than that. OVERALL, the Who was a dissappointment. Like I said I don't know what show you were watching.
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:14AM
They sucked and they used to be great but there is just to much talent out there to put these guys on. It's like Ozzy he is a legend but his time for singing has passed.
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:16AM
That was the coolest halftime show ever. The WHO ROCKS!!!
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:16AM
Who designed/provided the amazing light show?? It was fantastic!
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:25AM
Sorry I like the Who but I thought the performance stank. I'd rather they stuck to one song that would relate to the game instead of their past glory.
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:29AM
They were HORRIBLE!! They looked, sounded and acted every BIT of their old ages! The NFL and their fans are YOUNG and should have had a few acts from THEIR generation to do the superbowl!
Sunday, February 7, 2010 7:34PM
It was ok. A bit lacking on passion. However, technically it was pretty good. 6.25 out of 10.
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:42AM
Who? Who cares……. there are more younger people watching the superbowl than the era of the WHO….. they need someone that picks up the crowd…..not to put to sleep…. the light show was, outstanding, remarkable, fantastic, fabulous………ha ha
Sunday, February 7, 2010 6:44PM
I have nothing against The Who, but they did not belong in the halftime show. If they were looking for a classic act, they should have gone with The Eagles… or better yet, AC/DC.
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:45AM
Pino Palladino has been playing bass with the Who since the Ox died, and Pete's brother Simon plays a second guitar for the Who and has for a long time.
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:53AM
I'm 57 and an ex-musician. I couldn't have pulled it off–these guys are consumate professionals and anybody who thinks that show wasn't great may be a music fan, but certainly not a musician. You think it's so easy, you try it.
Monday, February 8, 2010 3:04AM
Some of you guys are idiots — Bill especially. Lip synced? That? are you serious? When would they have recorded the backing track — and why?
Taylor Swift? — no one will know who she was in two years
The Eagles? — They won't' even play together
All the haters need to get a life — and a clue.
Show a little respect for what came before — even if it's a little past prime, there's nothing like watching old soldiers still fighting.
Now I, for one, would like to see Brand New at next year's Super Bowl! Never happen, but that would be awesome.
Monday, February 8, 2010 3:11AM
The Who were outstanding. This was the best half time show EVER. These guys were and are the best of the best from rock's golden era, and their performance was spot on. Any of todays current rock stars will not be playing the Super Bowl 40 years from now for sure.
Monday, February 8, 2010 3:16AM
Pino Palladino on bass. Tallest bass player in the biz. LOL You'll spot him playing with many of the greats including Paul Roegers from Bad Co and on the live John Mayer Trio album with Steve Jordan on drums. Mayer's best work, that no 12 year girl will touch.
Monday, February 8, 2010 3:19AM
Incredible half time show. The Who have been my favorite since day one and they deserve to play this show. Give them a break Their OLD! but they still rock and have a ton of songs to pick from. Im so glad Super Bowl executive are picking classic rock bands to play this last few years and not picking the disposible music of today. Good JOB.
Sunday, February 7, 2010 8:42PM
okay, everybody’s points well taken. many asked about the members of the band. pino palidino took over within a week after the passing of john entwhistle in las vegas. zak starkey has been playing drums for the who for longer than palidino. and Pete townshend’s brother simon has also been supporting the act for this long. as mentioned, entwhistle’s passing in las vegas many years ago, i saw their show at the gorge ampatheater in george, wa. it was the same lineup.
Monday, February 8, 2010 3:42AM
couldn't of agree with you any more..and im 17 ..LOVE the who
Monday, February 8, 2010 3:47AM
so true. the who are in their 60's. people need to get over themselves. Who the fuck are you to say they sucked. they were outstanding
Monday, February 8, 2010 3:58AM
At least they didn't have to stop the show halfway through for them to take a bathroom break…
Go Depends!!!!!!!!!
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:01AM
I agree with you, I thought after his harmonica solo Daultry was gonna pass out. I like the who but they are just too old to pull it off anymore.
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:11AM
Pete's brother Simon Townsend played rhythm guitar; bass? i don't know.
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:30AM
The Who was horrible. It was the worst show ever
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:48AM
Gawd Awful. Any of you saying "awesome" have never heard the who. I don't even understand how Mullet-Tard got the trap gig. Awful.
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:51AM
Just because Starkey is the son of Ringo Starr, and has been playing forever-doesn't mean he's any good.
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:56AM
At least the light show was halfway decent
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:57AM
Zac Starkey, Ringo Starr's son.
Monday, February 8, 2010 5:02AM
moron
Monday, February 8, 2010 5:11AM
Freakin' awesome. Young follks need to respect the real musicians of the past along with the newer talent. I saw these guys in 2000 with Entwistle and was pretty much blown away. You can complain about them being old, or what songs they played, but there's no debate that they ROCKED.
Monday, February 8, 2010 5:16AM
Really…the Black Eyed Peas, over exposed Beyonce', Taylor Swift?….you should get a job a Zanies.
Monday, February 8, 2010 6:16AM
The light show was cool, The Who SUCKED! It is was past time for them to hang it up and retire. OMG that was pitiful excuse for a performance. SUCKED SUCKED! I like the old Who music but this was just pitiful! It was painful to watch, I was embarrassed for them. They could have done so much better. This was just AWFUL! SUCKED SUCKED!
Monday, February 8, 2010 7:16AM
i am not sure they 'sucked.' that's a bit harsh. were they classic who? not at all. but they are still the who, and it was good to see them play. good god, at least we didn't have to see someone like pink perform, or the jonas brothers… or… lady gaga. mediocre who is better than most pop junk out there.
Monday, February 8, 2010 8:52AM
XL Video
They did a wonderful job.
Monday, February 8, 2010 1:51AM
So who were the other musicians onstage with Roger Daltrey & Pete Townshend at the Superbowl Halftime show? I recognized Zak Starkey (drums) and Rabbit Bundrick (keyboards), but who were the other guys?
Monday, February 8, 2010 1:51AM
That drummer was pathetic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Monday, February 8, 2010 12:08PM
I thought I was the only one. That performance was an embarrassment.
Monday, February 8, 2010 12:56PM
I could't agree more gonzo don. They were awesome. The Who transcend the super bowl. Ironicallly
the Who's first U.S. Hit was released the year of Super Bowl #1. 43 years and 100 million records later, here they are. Fabulous!
Monday, February 8, 2010 6:26AM
I’m an old school Who fan and have seen them in concert many times, back when they could still hit the notes. Considering how old Roger and Pete are they did a pretty good job. Not great, but they’re senior citizens for goodness sakes. Rock on!
Monday, February 8, 2010 2:19PM
I'm with you on this though I think Macca's show 'may' have been a bit better, but NO ONE projects as much energy from the stage as The Who.
Yeah, I'm biased, but you know what? When you talk about legends, you can be.
The younger bands should have been paying attention and taking notes on rock done right.
Those two old geezers may not have the chops they once had, but they can still deliver.
And last night, they did.
Kudos to the rest of the band, filling in for John and Keith is no ordinary job.
Ringo had to be smiling.
Monday, February 8, 2010 8:05AM
The Who sounded horrible, but considering how old they are, they did the best they could.
I just can’t believe anybody chose such an outdated band to play. The Who sounded great when they played at the concert for 9/11, but that was nearly a decade ago.
Monday, February 8, 2010 8:08AM
Townsend plays really well, but from the second Daltry waddled onto the stage and began croaking…
How the mighty Gods fall.
It was as if a cruel shadow of the Who had taken the stage to make millions of fans break down in tears.
The Rolling Stones all have it still, and can carry their sets. But this one left me wishing they’d died before they got old.
Monday, February 8, 2010 3:50PM
It's time for Roger Daltrey to to a lesson from Robert Plant who offered this sage observation regarding a Led Zeppelin reunion: "Can you envision a man my age getting up on stage and singing "Communication Breakdown'?" Yet, Plant continues to perform at a high level within the realities of his currents skills. Perhaps Daltrey doesn't have those options, or that voice.
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:13PM
Come on. They struggled thoughout. They looked SO uncomfortable and you felt it as a viewer and listener.. I always liked The Who, but this was not a very good performance, I'm not a hater, had hopes of it being better than it was.
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:35PM
HORRID. Music&vocals sounded like a bad group American Idol audition and that is being kind. Daltray's lost his voice years ago and proved it again yesterday. Lip Synced ? No one would sound that bad by choice. So sad, rockers have to learn when to quit.
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:49PM
It's a shame that many will not be able to see The Who for what they once were. But let's give them credit, this was only 50% of what they were (minus Keith Moon and John Entwistle) and into their 60"s they are still Rocking. Keith and John we miss you! Roger and Pete thanks from your loyal fans, those of you nmot familiar with the group pick up a copy of Who's Next or Quadrephenia and get ready for a treat!
Monday, February 8, 2010 5:19PM
I'm not much of a Who fan, but I'd much rather see them than another wardrobe malfunction, or an overrated group like the Black Eyed Peas. Sure, they did fine, for their age, much better than seeing some of those lame commercials, plus, unless we were actually at the game, the concert was free! It's got to be tough to go out there cold, in fromt of all those fans, & pull off a flawless, abreviated selection of hits in such a short time, especially since they haven't played much in years. Good for them!
Monday, February 8, 2010 5:47PM
Lip Synched? No way! I wish they HAD lip synched the lyrics because their live performance was pathetic. Didn't anyone from Super Bowl entertainment audition these clowns? They wouldn't even have made the cut on American Idol they were so uninspiring. If I were any of them ( including Ringo's son), I would have been too embarrassed to get on that stage with so many people watching and thoroughly botch so many rock and roll classics as badly as they did. The only part of the show worth watching at all was the special effects.
Monday, February 8, 2010 6:47PM
You are wrong. If they lip synched, they would have chosen a more flattering take. If you want to see them lip synch, look up thier appearance on the Smothers Brothers show over 30 years ago. Keith Moon is actually mocking it.
I am a huge Who fan and no question they are not what they once were. But they are still willing to get up there. It was some time ago, but they STOLE the concert for New York. And as it was pointed out, they lost agruably the greatest drummer and the greatest bass player of…..let's see, EVER.
Some need to learn how to give respect for their elder statesmen.
Monday, February 8, 2010 12:53PM
If Keith Moon were still alive, just the thought of how he would’ve gone “off message” would’ve kept the halftime honchos from approving the Who in the first place.
I wasn’t disappointed because I had no expectations of it sparkling (despite Palladino, who hardly even got TV time)…just copies of past greatness.
Monday, February 8, 2010 10:52PM
I agree completely! I for one would like to see Iron Butterfly and 15 minutes of In A Gadda Da Vida next year…
Monday, February 8, 2010 10:53PM
obviously you have no idea what you are talking about .
Monday, February 8, 2010 11:00PM
Just wanted to say, as a young adult, I was impressed with The Who. I am so glad that the Superbowl gives back to America the artists that it helped make give who are still giving back. May they be able to give back as long as they live! I want to see them when I'm old one day too….. I look up to these guys!
Monday, February 8, 2010 4:12PM
the 'see me/feel me' interlude was to remind people of what put them on the mainstream map. not 'my generation' or 'woodstock' but TOMMY. personally, a sample of quadrophenia would have pleased me greatly. Keith Moon used to babysit Zak for Ringo back in the day. so it all makes sense.
Monday, February 8, 2010 5:00PM
Of course they lip synced. ALL super bowl halftime shows have been pre-recorded since the early 90s. Look it up.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 2:34AM
You must of been a complete retard then. There is NO way you are from the Who era!!!! No one from the real Who era could ever like the no talent ass clowns like No Talent(Just Looks) Beyonce, The Black Eyed Peas Suck and Taylor Swift is good but for little girls and boys. You are a complete idiot. The Freakin Who Rock and still way better than the awful no talent crap of today. Seriously name a good band of today?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 4:31AM
This was the worst engineered and mixed performance I have ever heard. 12 years as a front line live and studio engineer gave me all the refernece points i needed to identify… PURE INCOMPETENCE WHEN I HEAR IT!!!!! This sounded like the producers favourite nephew was given… "a go with the mixing board." The balances being run showed a complete lack of knowledge of the structures of the Whos' classics and definately don't blame Daltery, any body would struggle if their vocals or harp were left hanging out in the breeze unsupported as his were. For once don't blame the band but definately shoot the mesanger, better known as the fool who volunteered to go a step beyond his ability.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 10:01PM
They did a good job. Its a bitch to get the sound right if you are not on the road 8 months every other year ( Springsteen, et al). Its sad some just don't get it. The WHO played. The person who would rather have had Taylor Swift…I think that says it all. Good grief.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 6:05AM
They were fantastic. I never had the chance to see them in concert when they were younger so I cannot judge how much better they used to be but they definitely can rock now. It is unbelievable that Roger Daltrey can sing that good at his age, so what if he isn't as good as he used to be he is still great. My 18 year old daughter and her friends loved them and we did too. It was nice to have a multigenerational act that everyone could enjoy. Thank god we didn't get some no talent, lipsyncing modern bimbo who has to have a 100 backup dancers to make it a good show. That or some strange oddball that is just trying to outrage us. Let the music stand for itself and the Who's music has definitely done that. Lets see if anyone is listening to Janet Jackson in 25 years from now.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 10:14AM
It's tough getting old and it showed on the Who halftime show. Love the band of old. But, it's time for these old rockers to hang up the cleats at the biggest U.S. TV venue. I would rather see less visible Jazz musicians who make a pittance of what these guys made in their lifetimes and probably this show, and our well-deserved accomplished musicians.
The SuperBowl is an American icon, and it should really showcase American music. Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, Folk, rock and roll, rap. At least most of it is American.
Put the Who and all the other overpaid old rockers on another venue, say the Tribute Channel or something.
Friday, February 12, 2010 1:57PM
I'd just like to find out of Roger sang the "yeah!" of "won't get fooled again", or if that was pre-recorded.
Friday, February 12, 2010 5:11PM
You all need to know fact; 80 % of what you heard INCLUDING DRUMS was pre recorded. I know people don't want to hear this but it is absolutly true. In Zac's favor that was the most impressive lip synced druming in HISTORY. He played it all , just not durning the super bowl. Dear WHO boys.I don't care about any outside factors EVERYONE would prefered seeing you do it live mistakes and all.
You tarnished the legacy BAD MOVE! Still love you.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 10:27PM
Pino palladino on bass…
OH and to Geoff Hyatt, the who have released new material…Real good looking boy ffive years a go, and endless wire the album (with a concept mini album in it,) two years ago…
Thursday, November 25, 2010 9:09PM
[...] last year’s Super Bowl halftime show was all about classic rock by way of a solid performance by The Who, this year should feature quite a bit more booty shakin’ grooves courtesy of [...]
Saturday, October 1, 2011 2:30PM
The worst performance of The Who I've ever seen.
If you truely want to see an Awsome performance by The Who,
watch there GIG at the 9/11 concert