Source: Excellent audience recording
Rating: (sound) 8 (performance) 9
Running Time: @ 90 min.
Setlist:
1. Heaven And Hell (J. Entwistle)
2. I Can't Explain
3. Fortune Teller (N. Neville)
4. Tattoo
5. Young Man Blues (M. Allison)
6. Overture
7. It's A Boy
8. 1921
9. Amazing Journey
10. Sparks
11. Eyesight To The Blind (S. Williamson)
12. Christmas
13. The Acid Queen
14. Pinball Wizard
15. Do You Think It's Alright?
16. Fiddle About (J. Entwistle)
17. Go To The Mirror!
18. Smash The Mirror
19. I'm Free
20. Tommy's Holiday Camp (K. Moon)
21. We're Not Gonna Take It!
22. Boris The Spider (J. Entwistle)
23. Summertime Blues (E. Cochran)
24. Shakin' All Over (J. Kidd)
25. Magic Bus
Notes: forthcoming
Source: Soundboard
Rating: (sound) 9 (performance) 10
Running Time: @ 90 min.
Setlist:
1. I Can't Explain
2. It's A Boy
3. 1921
4. Amazing Journey
5. Sparks
6. Eyesight To The Blnd (S. Williamson)
7. Christmas
8. The Acid Queen
9. Pinball Wizard
--Abbie Hoffman Incident---
10. Do You Think It's Alright?
11. Fiddle About (J. Entwistle)
12. There's A Doctor
13. Go To The Mirror!
14. Smash The Mirror
15. I'm Free
16. Tommy's Holiday Camp (K. Moon)
17. We're Not Gonna Take It!
18. Heaven And Hell (J. Entwistle)
19. Summertime Blues (E. Cochran/J. Capehart)
20. Shakin' All Over (J. Kidd)
21. My Generation
22. Farewell Jam ("Naked Eye" theme)
Notes: The Woodstock performance is one of the most famous ever given by the Who. It sparked off their superstar status by providing the real commercial breakthrough in America as it coincided with the tour that debuted Tommy. Members of the Who have since referred to this concert as the worst in their career, because of the miserable conditions they suffered (taking the stage several hours behind schedule, being "dosed" with acid without their knowledge, and playing to a crowd of American hippies with whom they did not completely sympathize). Also, there were interruptions by cameramen who were filming the festival for a motion picture release, and by political rabble-rouser, Abbie Hoffman. Hoffman took the stage after "Pinball Wizard" and began a rant in support of fellow activist, John Sinclair who had been jailed on a dope charge. Townshend unmercifully whacked Hoffman with his guitar and kicked him off the stage, with a venomous warning to other potential interlopers. All of this, thankfully, is preserved for Who-fans in bootleg form!
Despite the group's disdain for the festival, their playing is absolutely excellent. As usual, when the odds were against them, the Who rose to the challenge and gave a staggering performance. Everything from the vocal harmonies in "Do You Think It's Alright?" to Pete's improvised guitar riffs during the farewell jam is inspired. The contrast between the "peace and love vibes of the Woostock event and the awesome, aggressive attack (both musical and physical) presented by the Who creates an unparalleled rock and roll moment. Highly recommended.
Source: Excellent mono audience recording
Rating (sound) 8 (perfomance) 8
Running Time: @ 90 min.
Setlist:
1. Heaven And Hell (J. Entwistle)
2. I Can't Explain
3. Fortune Teller (N. Neville)
4. Tattoo
5. Young Man Blues (M. Allison)
6. Overture
7. It's A Boy
8. 1921
9. Amazing Journey
10. Sparks
11. Eyesight To The Blind (S. Williamson)
12. Christmas
13. The Acid Queen
14. Pinball Wizard
15. Do You Think It's Alright?
16. Fiddle About (J. Entwistle)
17. Tommy Can You Hear Me?
18. There's A Doctor
19. Go To The Mirror!
20. Smash The Mirror
21. Miracle Cure
22. Sally Simpson
23. I'm Free
24. Tommy's Holiday Camp (K. Moon)
25. We're Not Gonna Take It!
26. Summertime Blues (E. Cochran/J. Capehart)
27. Shakin' All Over/Smokestack Lightning (J. Kidd; C. Burnett)
Notes: Another great Tommy performance, this one from the European opera house tour. A killer version of "Overture."