Curtis Ross
TAMPA - Tuesday's Who concert ended seconds into the first number when vocalist Roger Daltrey left the stage, apparently unable to sing.
Minutes later, guitarist Pete Townshend announced the show's cancellation. Apologizing to the crowd of about 9,000, Townshend also announced a makeup date of March 25.
Tuesday's session would have been the first Who concert for Leslie Stallings and her sons, Britt, 13, and Brock, 11.
"We're disappointed, but we understand," Stallings said as the crowd began leaving.
In fact, Townshend's apologies and announcement of the makeup date were met with hearty applause from the crowd.
"I'd rather see 100 percent of The Who than 50 percent," concertgoer Alex Hutchins said as the crowd waited for the final word. "I'll take my refund and wait until they come back."
The group took the stage at 8:40 p.m., following an opening set by Rose Hill Driver. Townshend slashed out the familiar three-chord riff opening "I Can't Explain," but Daltrey walked off stage before singing a note. Townshend waved the song to a halt.
"Roger has bronchitis," Townshend told the crowd. He and the other musicians left the stage for a few moments before Townshend returned with the bad news.
"I've just been with Roger, and he can barely speak," Townshend said. "We're going to have to cancel."
The audience filed out without incident, obviously disappointed but showing no signs of the anger that fueled a riot at Tampa Stadium in 1977 when Led Zeppelin canceled a show.
Tickets for Tuesday's show will be honored at the March 25 show, and refunds will be available at point of purchase, according to a representative of the Ford Amphitheatre.
