John Gregory
ROCK legend Roger Daltrey put on a stunning performance at the Villa Marina in Douglas last night (Thursday) that will stay with everyone who was there for quite some time.
In fact, even though it is the morning after I admit I still haven't recovered from just how good it was.
Along with his band he performed the whole of The Who's classic album Tommy from start to finish as well as a number of other classic Who tunes and solo material.
When he appeared on stage Roger told the crowd that his flight had been delayed so there had been no time for a full soundcheck and he said he also needed to warm his voice up.
So, instead of launching straight into Tommy he performed a number of classic tracks first, opening with The Who's I Can See for Miles and Pictures of Lily.
Tommy - the story of a 'deaf dumb and blind kid' - was played in its entirety. He first did this at the Royal Albert Hall in London in March as part of the series of Teenage Cancer Trust gigs that he organises.
His band, which featured Pete Townshend's younger brother Simon, were absolutely fantastic and had a real energy about them.
The beauty of the concert was that it just kept getting better and better.
While I enjoyed the epic rock opera Tommy - and Roger performed it with gusto, swinging his microphone over his head and round his body - things stepped up another gear again when he performed Who classics such as Who Are You and Behind Blue Eyes.
A medley of Johnny Cash songs had the audience singing along, while Happy Jack was demanded (for those unfamiliar with the song it contains the line 'he lives in the sands of the Isle of Man').
Even though the band were not scheduled to play it - or had rehearsed it for that matter - they gave it a go and performed just a small snippet containing that magical line. They promised to have it right for next time they visit.
One thing that was perfectly clear to me was just how much Roger - and his band - love their jobs. They played for two hours 40 minutes and performed with the enthusiasm of a band just starting out.
In fact the passion coming from the stage was so impressive that if any young rock band wanted to see how you put on a show then they should have bought a ticket for last night's concert.
If I thought the Tommy section was enjoyable, I was completely blown away by the time I left the Villa. Roger - who has been a rock star for more than 40 years - is in fantastic shape and good voice and seems friendly and down to earth. The gig was a true rock and roll masterclass and an absolutely pleasure to watch.
Local singer songwriter Chris Gray had the pleasure of opening the show with Luke O'Reilly. It was a nice acoustic opening to a fantastic evening.
*As a side note Roger's bass player Jon Button borrowed Community Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney's motorcycle to travel round the Island on Wednesday.
He wrote on Facebook: "Borrowed a bike from the very generous 'Minister of Leisure' (really!). Rode the famed TT race course, then proceeded to see the rest off the island led by the most gracious concert promoter around! The weather could not have been better for seeing this beautiful Island. WHAT A DAY!'
The concert promoter in question was Kevin Madigan.
Jon commented on Kevin's Facebook page: "Thanks again for an epic day! You're a most gracious host. It was all I hoped for and more!"
