See The Who Blast Through 1st ‘My Generation’ In 6 Years

In 1965, The Who released “My Generation” and it became their highest-charting single in the U.K. and helped break the band to American audiences. Widely considered The Who’s signature song, “My Generation” was also one of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Famers’ most played tunes live through 2017 when it suddenly disappeared from setlists. Last night The Who finally dusted off “My Generation” during their concert at Sewell Group Craven Park Stadium in Kingston upon Hull, England.

Thursday’s show in the East Yorkshire port city kicked off The Who Hits Back! Summer 2023 UK Tour. Each concert features the group performing with an orchestra for the majority of the night. However “My Generation” came during the middle portion of the show when The Who’s Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend were joined only by touring members vocalist Billy Nicholls, drummer Zak Starkey, guitarist Simon Townshend, keyboardist Loren Gold and bassist Jon Button.

Pete Townshend addressed the crowd before “My Generation,” telling the audience:

“Even though I’m 78 … but, I heard the other day because I was born in 1945 — Roger was born the year before, I think — but neither of us are entitled to call ourselves ‘Boomers.’ Boomers are between 1946 onwards. So, we’re pre-Boomers. It’s not our fucking fault that the world is fucked up. It’s all you fucking Boomers. I’m with Generation Zed, I am. Seriously, it’s nobody’s fault. It’s just the way life is.”

The Who then made their way through the proto-punk anthem. Button pulled off the dynamic bass runs first created by the late John Entwistle. Roger Daltrey’s voice held up as he sang each iconic lyric. The first “My Generation” since October 1, 2017 climaxed with a tasty jam the band worked into an even bigger bust out as Daltrey sang a shortened version of “Cry If You Want.” The song from The Who’s 1982 album It’s Hard was last played on December 9, 2014.

View fan-shot video of last night’s “My Generation” encapsulating “Cry If You Want” below:

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The Who began last night’s show backed by an orchestra on seven tracks from their 1969 rock opera Tommy. Hits “Who Are You” and “Eminence Front” closed out the first portion of the concert. “My Generation”/”Cry If You Want” were fit in the “band only” section along with such beloved songs as “The Kids Are Alright,” “You Better You Bet,” “The Seeker,” “Substitute,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Behind Blue Eyes.”

Last night’s third and final set saw The Who and orchestra play Quadrophenia gems “The Real Me,” “I’m One,” “5:15,” “The Rock” and “Love, Reign O’er Me.” Lead violinist Katie Jacoby was showcased on the “Baba O’Riley” finale. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend returned for a duet on “Tea & Theatre” from 2006’s Endless Wire as the encore.

Watch Katie Jacoby wow the crowd in fan-shot video of “Baba O’Riley” from Thursday’s concert:

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Source: JamBase.com