The Who Concert Guide

There is no shortage of visuals at The Who’s epic Quadrophenia at Sheffield Motorpoint Arena, writes Rachael Clegg. Huge screens form a backdrop to Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and their backing band as blasts of colour flash across the background.

This is, after all, their Quadrophenia show and its live rendition as much like a film as the film itself. Each song is illustrated with images as the band blaze through one of rock and roll’s most famous operas.

Daltrey and Townshend are clearly on top form too - often smiling at one another as Daltrey swings his mic lead and Townshend strikes his guitar with his signature ‘windmill’ arm.

Is It Me? makes for an emotionally moment, with the spotlight on Daltrey and Townshend. The song captivates the crowd though there are moments where Daltrey’s voice sounds a tad strained.

The set moves through the Quadrophenia set list and visually, this is marked by changing imagery. At one point a huge foundry blasts across the back wall - a familiar sight to many of the fans here this evening.

Townshend is also keen to make regional connections with the crowd, taking the Mickey out of Peter Stringfellow and talking about The Who’s early shows in the city.

And as if the Quadrophenia material wasn’t enough, The Who then play a screaming encore packed with the hits such as Pinball Wizard and We Won’t Be Fooled again, making for a very satisfied audience.