The Who, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - May 17, 2015 - Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Only a little more than a week after seeing The Replacements at the Festival Pier, it was time to see one of the most influential bands of a generation. Not only was it my first time seeing The Who, but it was extra special because it was The Who Hits 50! tour celebrating their 50th Anniversary. I was also fortunate enough to see The Rolling Stones on their 50th Anniversary tour as well back in 2013.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, who were newly inducted members of the Rock in Roll Hall of Fame a month earlier on the 16th of April, opened the show and exceeded my expectations. Jett's energy, charisma, and of course the music blew me away. I can only imagine what it would be like to see her in a smaller venue. Starting out the show with "Bad Reputation" and "Cherry Bomb" is second to none. She then ended her set with hits "I Love Rock in Roll," "Crimson and Clover," and "I Hate Myself for Loving You." Jett was a great choice by The Who for an opening act not only for the Philadelphia show because she is a Philadelphia native, but also because Jett and The Who have had a strong relationship over the years. The Who let Jett use their recording facilities to make what would go on to be the Bad Reputation album and spark her solo career. They told her to pay them back whenever she had the chance.

Before The Who hit the stage, the crowd was asked not to smoke as Rodger Daltrey is allergic to marijuana smoke. Although no smoke was reported in Philly, the following night at the Nassau Coliseum in New York, Daltrey threatened to end the show after smelling Marijuana. When The Who arrived on stage, they picked up their guitars and played hit after hit. For their age, Daltrey and Townshend held up pretty well over the course of the two and a half hour set. However, about halfway through the set, especially during "Join Together," anyone could tell that Daltrey was struggling to hit the high notes. It was hard to watch and listen Daltrey trying to get through it. To help Daltrey, several of the other band members sang backup vocals, including Zak Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, Pete Townshend's brother Simon, and one of the best bass players in the world, Pino Palladino. The Who was rolling along with the setlist until they reached an ironically titled 9 minute rock mini-opera "A Quick One (While He's Away)." Many fans took the song as an excuse to head to the concourse for refreshments. After a couple other oldies but goodies, The Who got back on track with the hits "Pinball Wizard," "Baba O'Riley," and "Won't Get Fooled Again" to finish an already incredible show. Townshend sang his solo in "Baba O'Riley" while strumming with his signature windmill. Daltrey needed some help with a voice over for the final scream in "Won't Get Fooled Again" but finished strong. It capped off a great show from both Joan Jett and The Who. Both were fantastic and I can't get my head around how amazing both bands must have been in their heydays, especially The Who with John Entwistle on bass and Keith Moon on drums. I recommend seeing both acts but you better act quick before you miss your opportunity!

Setlist:

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts:
1.  Bad Reputation
2.  Cherry Bomb (The Runaways song)
3.  Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) (Gary Glitter cover)
4.  You Drive Me Wild (The Runaways song)
5.  Light of Day
6.  Love Is Pain
7.  The French Song
8.  Fragile
9.  I Love Rock 'n' Roll (The Arrows cover)
10. Crimson and Clover (Tommy James & the Shondells cover)
11. I Hate Myself for Loving You

The Who:
1.  I Can't Explain
2.  The Seeker
3.  Who Are You
4.  The Kids Are Alright
5.  Squeeze Box
6.  I Can See For Miles
7.  My Generation
8.  Behind Blue Eyes
9.  Bargain
10. Join Together
11. You Better You Bet
12. I'm One
13. Love, Reign O'er Me
14. Eminence Front

15. A Quick One (While He's Away)

16. Amazing Journey
17. Sparks
18. Pinball Wizard
19. See Me, Feel Me
20. Baba O'Riley
21. Won't Get Fooled Again