Barnes & Noble

Leave it to the Who -- the most propulsive, manic live band of their day -- to blow away all expectations of a rock charity event. The performance captured here in splendid DTS stereo proves that singer Roger Daltrey, axeman and author Pete Townshend, and ace bassist John Entwhistle can still deliver a blazing reminder of the influential group's durability -- even a mere 40 years into their career. They have ever been the defenders of youth, and this set for the Teenage Cancer Trust on November 27, 2000, added fuel to their already combustible catalogue with handpicked guests Eddie Vedder, Oasis' Noel Gallagher, and Jam founder Paul Weller in tow. Abetted by Ringo Starr progeny Zak Starkey on the skins, the original three members blaze through incendiary opening of "I Can't Explain," "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere," "Pinball Wizard," "Relay," "My Wife," "The Kids Are Alright," "Mary Anne with the Shaky Hands," "Bargain," and a funked-out "Magic Bus." While all these versions hold their own -- even next to the majority of the performances on the new, extended Live at Leeds album -- the set hits a new level when the guests come on board and the energy modulates. Weller and Townshend's acoustic "So Sad About Us" turns an anthem into an elegy, and Vedder's turn on "I'm One" is breathtaking. The "Pinball Wizard" sequence also wields multiple angles on the DVD, for the viewer with a subtle grip on the remote. Chas Turner

All Movie Guide

In 2000, the Who staged one of their periodic reunions, and the highlight of the British leg of their world tour was a date at the Royal Albert Hall, in which the band was joined on-stage by a number of guest stars (among them Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Noel Gallagher of Oasis, Paul Weller, Bryan Adams, and Nigel Kennedy) for a special show to Britain's Teenage Cancer Trust. This video presents highlights of that evening, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the rehearsals for the show, and a glimpse of the goings-on backstage. Selections include "I Can't Explain," "Pinball Wizard," "Behind Blue Eyes," "Baba O'Riley," "So Sad About Us," "Magic Bus," and 17 others. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 014381065923
• Source: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Alternate Wide Screen (1.78:1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital, stereo
• Language: English
• Time: 2:24:00
• Sales Rank: 33,355

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