Regarding sound, there exists a so-called pain-limit. When that is passed, your hearing will be damaged. The question can asked if some friends of pop in Gothenburg have received, intentionally or unintentionally, damage to their hearing caused by yesterday’s very loud Who-concert at Liseberg.
The English guests played extremely loud, and concerts by Swedish bands that you have attended previously, can be compared to silent whispers to what Who achieved. But fans of the group should have been satisfied, because as much Who as we were presented with yesterday has never been heard in Gothenburg before!
The Danish teenyboppers Stoke Sect was the first opening act. They have much in common with Lollipops, but they should stay close to that group’s repertoire, and not attempt songs that “the big boys” perform…
Science Poption, who sounds nice on record, followed, and you weren’t disappointed. Science Poption sings harmonies and works with rather complicated arrangements. Bands like Lovin’ Spoonful, Walker Brothers and Beach Boys have all contributed to their repertoire, and, in addition, the Stockholmians play some original material. You get the feeling, however, that Science Poption take on numbers that are a tad too complicated, even for such accomplished singers and musicians. Their stage performance would also need some direction.
Who-happening!
Regarding the efforts of Who, I find it hard to speak objectively. I don’t quite understand the group. Things such as acoustic feedback and painfully loud volume doesn’t turn me on at all. But that Who probably wants to make a statement of some kind is obvious. It is just that we don’t speak the same language. That Who did manage to communicate with at least part of the audience was apparent, judging from the ovations and cheering.
The finale was quite effective, with the sound becoming a rising crescendo with the destructive Pete Townshend in close combat with speaker cabinets, which bore the marks of many previous encounters. It was a Who-happening. (What about the songs, then? Well, "Dancing in the streets", "I’m a boy", "My Generation" and "Substitute", I did manage to catch phrases from…)
Who was here! And I hope that their friends are satisfied. Because you cannot demand MORE Who than was served yesterday at Konserthallen.
Note
Translation by Jan Forsgren
