The Who Opens 2019 Tour In Grand Rapids

The Who kicked off their 2019 North American Tour on Tuesday night at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founding members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend fronted not only their backing band but a 49-piece orchestra for a concert that featured symphonic versions of all but four songs played throughout the two+ hour performance.

Last night’s concert began with a series of eight songs from The Who’s 1969 rock opera Tommy. Next came the 1978 hit “Who Are You” before the biggest surprise of the show. The Who performed “Imagine A Man” from 1975’s The Who By Numbers live for the first time. “Eminence Front” and “Join Together” brought the first of two orchestral portions of the night to a close.

The Who then performed “The Kids Are Alright,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Tea & Theatre” without the orchestra. While much was made when the tour was announced about new material, “Tea & Theatre” from 2006’s Endless Wire was the only song in the setlist written after 1982. The second orchestral section of the concert started with six songs from Quadrophenia: “I’m One,” “The Punk & The Godfather,” “5:15,” “Drowned,” “The Rock” and “Love, Reign O’er Me.” For the finale, touring violinist Katie Jacoby was showcased during “Baba O’Riley.” The Who’s tour continues through October.

Fan-Shot Videos

Baba O’Riley (captured by Larry James)

Who Are You (captured by Larry James)

Overture/It’s A Boy/1921 (captured by Larry James)

Behind Blue Eyes (captured by Tom Shannon)

Love Reign O’er Me (captured by Nicolas Alan)

Eminence Front (captured by Nicolas Alan)

Setlist