Jim, I couldn't have said it
any better regarding The Who
performing at the Super
Bowl. WHO PICKS THE
PERFORMERS FOR HALF TIME
ANYWAY??? Maybe that could
be a topic for a future
column.
They might as well have
Milli Vanilli perform! I
mean, they don't really
exist, just the like The Who
no longer does. I couldn't
wait to change the channel
when they started their
halftime show. Exasperating!
I know that no matter who
performs it won't please
everyone, but some of these
old time rockers are just
way beyond relevant!
Just my opinion!
Gary
**********
I think Townshend,
Daltrey, McCartney & Ringo
should form a band (guitar,
vocals, bass, drums,
respectively) and call it
WHO ARE THE BEATLES?
John
**********
My first chuckle of the
day yesterday was the irony
in the origin of your
surname. 1495-1505; LL
dērogātōrius cursing, equiv.
Used as an adjective it is
perfect.
Daltry and Townshend will
always be "The Who" and will
continue to be icons long
after some of the other
bands you have awarded
stellar reviews. They have
spawned a generation that
yours, will never match in
musical creativity.
They were grizzled old pros
and my guess is, there
wasn't a Who fan in the
crowd that didn't want to
jump up and fan the strings
of their air guitar with
Townshend....if only we had
help getting out of our
wheelchairs!
Townshend's glasses were
totally acceptable to a
generation that has abused
their eyesight from watching
laser shows for a lifetime.
I'm surprised you didn't
mis-identify the earplugs
for hearing aids. I'll bet
the hat helped reduce the
camera flashes from the non
fans taking photographs.
I wish I was around to read
your reaction to the half
time show from Super Bowl
LXXIV. Unfortunately I doubt
the "Sun-quirer" will be
around then.
Until then....."Long live
rock, be it dead or alive."
Ed Iphish, Chicago
**********
YOU REALLY HAVE A LOT OF
NERVE INSULTING THE WHO!!
YOU HAVE TICKED-OFF A LOT OF
WHO FANS, FROM FRIENDS OF
MINE WHO ARE IN THEIR 20's
TO LONG- TIME FANS WHO ARE
IN THEIR 60's!!! THAT 12
MINUTES OF THE WHO WAS
REALLY A SHOT IN THE ARM TO
US WHO FANS THAT LIKE THEM
NO MATTER WHAT SOME TUBBY
4-EYED MUSIC CRITIC HAS TO
SAY ABOUT THEM. YEAH, I
INSULTED YOU , CAUSE YOU
HAVE INSULTED 1 OF THE BEST
BANDS OF ALL TIME. I WOULD
REALLY LIKE TO SEE YOU SAY
WHAT YOU WROTE RIGHT TO
PETES FACE!! AS OLD AS HE IS
, HE WOULD PROBLABLY HIT YOU
SO HARD, HE'D KNOCK YOU BACK
TO DIAPERS. BY THE WAY, HOW
OLD IS YOUR FAT-ARSE??? I AM
50 & I STARTED LISTENING TO
THE WHO AT 9 YEARS OLD ,
WHEN MOST OF THE KIDS IN MY
4th GRADE CLASS WERE
LISTENING TO THE " ARCHIES
"!! AS THE SONG GOES " WHO
ARE YOU?" , YOU ARE CRAP.
FOR 1 THING ,I DARE YOU TO
PRINT THIS LETTER TO, 2,
WRITE AN ARTICLE SAYING YOU
ARE SORRY FOR WHAT YOU
WROTE, 3 , E-MAIL ME BACK
SAYING YOU ARE SORRY TO ME,
4, I HOPE FOR YOUR SAKE, YOU
DON'T RUN INTO ANY WHO FANS
THAT HAVE READ THIS ARTICLE,
CAUSE THEY WILL PROBLABLY
KNOCK YOU IN THE HEAD, & 5
IF YOU DON'T DO 1,2,& 3 , I
HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF
ME, CAUSE I WILL WANT TO
HAVE A WORD WITH YOU FACE TO
FACE. HEY, I KNOW WHERE YOU
WORK, & IF YOU DON'T WORK
DIRECTLY FOR THE SUN-TIMES,
WELL, I AM 1 OF THE MILLIONS
WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED,SO WHEN
I'M NOT LOOKING FOR A JOB,
I'LL BE LOOKING FOR YOU. OH,
I'M NOT STUPID ENOUGH TO HIT
YOU & THEN GET SUED, BUT I
WILL DEFINITELY GIVE YOU AN
EAR FULL!!
YOURS TRULY ( A WHO FAN),
CHUCK
**********
i do not like your words on
the who what was you doin 62
years ago you sir can kiss
my but
**********
I think it's sad people
make fun of aging rockers.
They're musicians, no matter
what their age. Townshend
still cranks out new music
and plays with passion. You,
on the other hand,
apparently have nothing
worthwhile to say.
Donavon
**********
You don't know your ass
from a hole in the ground.
You can't tolerate the sight
of 65 year old men belting
out a 12-minute medley of
anti-establishment rock
anthems that are now
mainstay commercial props on
our TV sets. There's
certainly something sad and
wrong about that, and I'm
sure it's offensive to some
that the surviving half of
The Who would "Sell Out" for
the Super Bowl stage. It's
undoubtedly the last time
we'll see this "tired act."
It's too bad you couldn't
show just a hint of respect.
For old geezers, they
performed well. Their voices
weren't flat -- they chose
lower-register alternatives
to some of the original
parts to avoid disaster. But
Daltry's voice was yet
powerful, and Townsend's
guitar playing was sharp and
out in front of the band.
Most of his licks were
updated. Your review didn't
even address his playing. I
think you just bashed these
guys for being 65 years old.
**********
As a card carrying member
of the "Old-Age Wasteland" I
found your criticism of the
Who's performance at the
Super Bowl both amusing and
addle-headed at the same
time. As a group of over the
hill football and music fans
sat and sang along with the
Who's performance we found
it fun that the fans at the
Super Bowl were singing loud
and proud with the Who. You
complained that songs were
over 30 years old but here's
a news flash for you...there
has to be some relevance to
the music that has endured
for three and four decades.
My 16 year old niece was
singing along with us 50/60
somethings. She recognizes
the music of all the groups
you disparaged in your
review. I daresay there
aren't a hand full of groups
or "songs/music" that will
endure 30 years from now let
alone a decade that will be
sung by all ages of music
lovers.
And finally "Who" do you
think is in attendance at
the Super Bowl...fans of
Flava Fla? "Who" makes up
the bulk of the viewing
audience...fans of a
bejeweled, lip-singing,
studio enhanced hip-hopper
with a career expectancy of
a year? I don't think so.
The people filling the seats
and providing the eyeballs
at home are the ones "Who"
were singing along with the
Who, "Who" have the money to
attend THE game, "Who"
normally don't watch the
halftime entertainment
because it just isn't
entertaining or memorable.
The Who and Bruce
Springstein and the other
"over the hill" groups you
disparaged will endure and
have their songs sung for
decades to come as opposed
to today's musical talent.
Know your true audience. The
Who were perfect for the
fans actually paying the
bills and buying the
advertised products.
Steve
**********
Go f--- yourself. You suck
as a writer. When you reach
your mid 60's you will most
likely be found in a adult
video store jerking off in a
back room.
**********
.....yep, they plain and
simple sucked....can't sing,
can't harmonize. I thought I
saw the 'finale' of their
touring prowess back in the
mid-80's (or at least that's
what they billed it as with
a show at the then Rosemont
Horizon), but they just
won't go away!!!
Please help!!!!
Hank Arnold
**********
I find it amazing how the
columns that I have read
have bashed the Who. The
stage and lighting were
great. The band was great
and Pete and Roger were Pet
and Roger. If you want to
talk about off vocals look
at Queen Latifah and Carrie
Underwood both were flat in
parts. Come on it is live
and the Who has always been
The Who. Love them or hate
them, you know what you are
going to get...a bunch or
loud fun!
Jeff Fox
Atlanta Georgia
**********
Jim,
Who are you, would be my
question to you, to even try
to understand what the
consequences of singing, no
make that screaming, your
heart out to legions of
faithful fans for DECADES,
and even come close to what
is expected of you. Yes I'll
grant you that they're not
the Who that hit the
Auditoroum Theatre
stage,spring of '70, the
first time Tommy was
performed in Chicago, I know
I was there, you, on the
other hand weren't even born
yet. I empathize with you,
having to grow up listening
to the sewer that was rock &
roll, in the 80s & 90s, but
please leave the great rock
bands from the 60s & 70s
alone, to bask in the glow
of their achievements, and
be enshrined,rightfully so,
in The Rock & Roll Hall Of
Fame.
Mike B.
**********
Surely you jest! How can
you possibly rag on the
half-time Who leftovers when
they sounded neither better
nor worse than any of the
other maladjusted,
spoiled-brat misfits 40
years younger, making the
same maddening racket, that
you inexplicably adore?
There's no "there" there.
To a performer, they
think their high-decibel
noisemaking is an exercise
in artistry when in fact
they are merely throwing
angry, rebellious,
narcissistic temper tantrums
like all the rest in the
genre. It's all a scam.
Evidently it's easier and
cheaper than seeking
professional help ----
especially when there are so
many foolish enough to pay
to be aurally tortured by
them.
Bully for you for riding
such a godawful wave of
popularity among the music
know-nothings; at least it's
a meal ticket. It only means
that either you know better,
but are willing to play
along for money, or you're
posing because your editor
has saddled you with this
reporting assignment and you
dare not object or quit, or
that you're as musically
ignorant as the fools who
throw money at any of
countless
rock groups, plague take
them.
Will the next "new" wave
of popular musical
expression please step
forward? The sooner, the
better? Nothing could be
worse than the tastelessness
we are bombarded with now,
pretending to be music.
Ted Manuel
**********
In refernce to your comments
about the WHO. I will
consider the source. The new
genration who loves Rap
music and wants to be black.
It was great to see the Who
perform since the new
generation has nothing
better to offer.
Paul
**********
Hi!
Read your column about the
Super Ball's half-time
entertainment....
Observation: Obviously, you
are too young and/or didn't
care for the music of the
last five talents that
crossed the stage. Funny,
but most of those men didn't
move around much to begin
with and they happen to have
more talent that you have in
your little finger nail. And
yes, they're getting old.
Look in the mirror lately? I
image the mean age of
attendees is between 40 and
70. Duh. It's what we want
to hear and we are spending
the money. Maybe we should
have some rapper??????? Oh,
how about Nine Inch Nails???
I believe you like them....
I'm sure that they would wow
the crowd. Grow up. It's
business. Good thing no one
says the same thing about
you!
Ellen
**********
Your review of THE WHO,
proves that you have a tin
ear. THE WHO did not
lip-sinc, or undress, as in
years past performers.
Furthermore, LIVE music in a
venue will not have studio
quality sound. THE WHO
sounded better last night
than most of the wannabe,
alleged, no talent bums of
the Music Industry over the
past 25 years. However, I
would not expect someone
from your generation to know
talent from garbage. My
condolences to you for being
born too late, to have seen
many of the truly Great Rock
and Roll Bands. Keep up your
bad work.
Fred
**********
Typical of your
condescending reviews. As
one DJ in Chicago put it so
well Jim will rip into
legends like the Who or the
Stones yet tell you some no
name band will change the
world. Usually a band that
will sell life insurance in
about a year. It's too bad
your bitterness affects your
judgment.
Sean
**********
Jim,
Boy, you really took it in
the head re your review of
the Who's performance at the
Super Bowl. Sorry to
disappoint all the
50-60-somethings that can't
let go, but I thought the
Who kinda blew myself. I'm
in my mid-50's, grew up on
the British Invasion and
have been playing music
since 1966. The difference
between myself and the
Who-sterbators is that I'm
not afraid to show my age by
letting go of past heroes
who have seen much, much
better days.
While many, including
yourself, claim the Who died
along with Moonie, I think
they died when the Ox
passed. I saw the first tour
with Kenny Jones on drums,
and I was pretty much blown
away. The thing about that
tour was it happened in the
late 70's, when Pete and
Roger still had John and
were still relevant. I've
never been overly-enamored
with Pete Townsend. I think
his writing is just above
average, especially when
compared to many of his
contemporaries. For some
reason, too many people
worship at the altar of
Pete. Maybe one day I'll
understand why.
Anyway, I thought you might
like a little companionship
in your dislike of the
half-time show. However, to
put Prince and Petty in this
same basket is a large
mistake. I'm not a big
Prince fan, but I though he
kicked some purple ass in
his half-time show. Petty
and the Heartbreakers are
still, IMO, one of the best
live bands around. Sure,
there are no windmills nor
screaming, but for my money,
Mike Campbell's solos blow
away anything average Pete
ever played, especially
live. If Pete's hearing is
so bad as to affect his
singing in such a derogatory
way, maybe he should take
that hint and hang up the
live performances.
Jimmie Scott Lawless
Guitar, vocals and
songwriting, The Lawless
Brothers
**********
Ok, now it's my turn for
a free swing. In the next
few yrs. my friend, the
artists like Springsteen,
Mcartney, Petty, Stones, Who
etc. will be gone from the
music world. You and your
ilk can then petition for
Lady Ga Ga, Lil Wayne, Black
Eyed Peas, Jay Z or whatever
flavor of the month you
desire. These classic
artists bring something
called passion to their
performances. The talent and
creativity spans a couple of
generations. They play
instuments, write songs
which stand the test of
time, and draw the largest
live concert audiences along
with country. There is
something compelling about
bass, drums and guitars.
Oh....you have to practice
and be dedicated as opposed
to the electronic,
lip-synching garbage. Of
course you sing in a lower
key at 60 plus than you do
at 30. However, the essence
and instrumental skill do
not diminish. What is the
most active and passionate
thing you do in life when
you leave your cubicle? Cut
the lawn, try to walk a
mile? We should all be so
fortunate to do something we
truly love, and yes, still
be damn good at it. Most of
us tolerate our jobs. These
lucky and talented people
embrace and share something
with the world. They brought
serious force for 64yrs.
old. Snow Patrol ain't
getting that gig. Maybe NIN
or Metallica or Chili
Peppers. Be cool.
Gary
**********
Are you out of your mind?
Sure the years have taken
their toll on Daltry's vocal
cords.. but God love him and
Pete. It seems sacrilegious
to discredit or smear such
legendary talent. I thought
they were spectacular last
night.. (and Townsend's
guitar work was absolutely
superb). Your critical
analysis was abhorrent.
Paul
**********
Hey, who ever you are -
You are so full of s--- on
your Who review.
I watched it with a
packed house and everyone
loved the halftime show.
Remember: Those who can,
Do. And those who can't,
Review.
**********
View As Web Page
Mr. DeRogatis,
Your review of The Who's
halftime show tells me that
you don't know a damn thing
about Rock 'n' Roll. That
was a wild and raucous
performance worthy of The
Who's legacy. Townshend and
Daltrey were occasionally
out of sync? Who cares?!?
What is this, chamber music?
It's Rock 'n' Roll! Tell
Strummer and Jones they were
out of sync. Tell Neil Young
he's out of tune. Tell Bob
Dylan his voice is weak.
Heck, why don't you go tell
Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee
Lewis to hang it up, since
you're so convinced that
performing is a young man's
game? Comparing rockers
playing music to athletes
playing football? Are you
really that clueless? You
even have the nerve to say
The Who haven't really been
The Who for twenty years,
now. Twenty years ago is
1990, one year after The
Who's uber-professional,
thoroughly rehearsed,
perfectly in sync, and
utterly soulless 25th
anniversary tour. That
wasn't Rock 'n' Roll. But
that Super Bowl halftime
show? That was thrilling and
wild and exciting and
powerful. I loved every
second of it. To paraphrase
Ash in Army of Darkness: You
know two things about Rock
'n' Roll, Jim. Jack and
Shit. And Jack left town.
Tim Eimiller
Manhattan, NY
**********
View As Web Page
Jim -
Finally, someone with an
honest assessment of a
painful spectacle.
As a music lover, I have
the utmost respect for what
this band has contributed
over time (and that's from a
guy who has little patience
for The Who's music).
However, it's time Daltrey
and Townshend focus their
efforts in the studio -
specifically sharing their
craft and knowledge, etc.
with up and coming bands.
Otherwise, as demonstrated
last night, they have become
a characture of themselves.
Nice piece.
P.S.: Spoon is over-rated
(just one guy's opinion).
All the Best,
Dave
**********
Man I hate articles like
yours.
**********
View As Web Page
Dear Jim,
I follow you on Sound
Opinions, and love that NPR
show (I'm even a Fan on
Facebook!). Ironically, it
was my parents, being from
Chicago, and visiting me in
Durham this Spring, who
forwarded your review the
Super Bowl Half Time "Show"
- The Who. I'd been griping
and snipping since I sat
down for the game last night
and learned that the half
time show would be performed
by The Who. It's the only
reason I watch the Super
Bowl, so I want to look
forward to it. But I dreaded
it from the start of the
game. I was able to name,
with incredible accuracy,
the boring, tired list of
songs they'd play. I mean,
when was the last time The
Who had a new release,
anyway? (only you would
know) I only recognized two
of the band members, and
your review explained why. I
think it is time that the
NFL, or whoever the
powers-that-be are who
select these acts, to review
the statistics on the
decade's top selling albums,
artists and singles, the one
you shared with us on Sound
Opinions. Not that I can see
Eminem doing a Super Bowl
show (even if he isn't
incarcerated at the
time)...but it doesn't hurt
to ask him.
Sincerely, reverently,
and with appreciation,
Sabrina
**********
Attachments:
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Greetings,
Wow, I just read your Who
review from the SuperBowl.
Seriously, was this supposed
to be an "attention grabber"
on your part? I thorougly
enjoyed the Who's
performance. Most of the
reviews I saw today also
were very positive except
for yours.
I like all kinds of music
from various generations. I
have no emotional investment
in the Who what so ever. I
like to hear songs I know, I
like the artists to have
energy and appear to be
enjoing the moment, and I
like the crowd to be into
it. I believe the Who
accomplished all of the
above. I'm not quite sure
what you were watching.
Thanks for reading my input.
I just wanted to take a
moment to write you with my
thoughts. It seemed to me
from your artice you are
either very young and don't
appreciate some of the true
music pioneers or you wanted
to get some headlines by
trashing the Who. It is sad
you could not have a
non-biased view of the Who.
I think you had your mind
made up way ahead of time
about how your article was
going to go. This is
unfortunate and made you
look like a music amateur. I
"Won't Get Fooled Again" and
read any of your out of left
field music reviews.
Thanks,
Charles Johnson
**********
Maybe we need some of
that corporate country rock
eh? You know -
where nobody even knows who
actually wrote the song on
Protools - but
it's current? Rock is dead
they say...
Tim
**********
I am not a football fan,
but I checked out the Super
Bowl as civic duty. It's not
just the Who, the entire
thing is so hyped and
self-important that it
collapses under its own
weight.
I did notice the Arcade
Fire music used in all the
NFL promos. Maybe next year
the NFL will give Arcade
Fire a shot. We can only
hope.
Jack Siegel
**********
Jim, I found this part of
your article ("Out there in
the field, fossils barely
resemble the Who")
particularly amusing:
But the lasers,
fireworks, geysers of flame
and an elaborate illuminated
stage that put U2's current
tour setup to shame couldn't
disguise the fact that these
were two grizzled old pros
going through the motions
for a high-profile payday,
with barely a hint of the
powers they possessed at
their peak.
Uh, Jim, I've seen U2's
current tour twice (once at
Soldier Field and once at
the Georgia Dome in Atlanta)
and that stage show isn't
1/10th of what U2's current
setup is currently like.
Have you even seen the
current U2 tour? Apparently
not or you wouldn't have
told such a big lie. Critics
lying. Who knew?!
Give me what is left of
The Who over the s--- that
passes as music today every
single year during halftime.
Justin Timberlake, Janet
Jackson or some other
senseless pop/rap bulls---
is just that. Bulls---.
**********
Turn it up and give it
another listen. Best
halftime show in years.
Beats the hell out of trying
to mash up country/hip-hop
and rock and roll into a
Donny-and-Marie style
medley, as they've done in
the past. I'm surprised by
your opinion, especially
since as a musician you
understand the value of
seeing a band perform live
playing all its own
instruments. Too bad you
felt the need to add your
voice to the youth chorus
that abhors anything but the
latest thing. Grow up,
Jimbo.
Gary Lazarski, Chicago
**********
I noticed you not only
ripped the who but every
halftime act since
Jackson/timberlake. Do you
just hate life in
general???? Ok who should be
the halftime act since no
one else is qualified to do
it?
**********
Attachments:
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Jim, I normally agree
with and enjoy your reviews,
but will have to
disagree with you about the
halftime show. Not about the
Who being old
and past their prime, yes,
they are. But, I still think
that was a
great halftime show. We all
thoroughly enjoyed their
performance and
it was far better hearing a
menagerie of old hits rather
than the
latest top 40 one hit wonder
(timberlake/jackson) then
forgotten by
the next day (the song, not
the titty). Yes, I'm older
and grew up
with the Who, so I'm biased.
But that was still a great
halftime show,
again, thoroughly enjoyed at
our place.
Just had to give you my 2
cents.
Thanks,
Dean
**********
Your review of the Who
...sucked...and was wrong.
They were great. you're
just another music critic
who doesn't know squat.
They might as well have Milli Vanilli perform! I mean, they don't really exist, just the like The Who no longer does. I couldn't wait to change the channel when they started their halftime show. Exasperating! I know that no matter who performs it won't please everyone, but some of these old time rockers are just way beyond relevant!
Just my opinion!
Gary
**********
I think Townshend, Daltrey, McCartney & Ringo should form a band (guitar, vocals, bass, drums, respectively) and call it WHO ARE THE BEATLES?
John
**********
My first chuckle of the day yesterday was the irony in the origin of your surname. 1495-1505; LL dērogātōrius cursing, equiv. Used as an adjective it is perfect.
Daltry and Townshend will always be "The Who" and will continue to be icons long after some of the other bands you have awarded stellar reviews. They have spawned a generation that yours, will never match in musical creativity.
They were grizzled old pros and my guess is, there wasn't a Who fan in the crowd that didn't want to jump up and fan the strings of their air guitar with Townshend....if only we had help getting out of our wheelchairs!
Townshend's glasses were totally acceptable to a generation that has abused their eyesight from watching laser shows for a lifetime. I'm surprised you didn't mis-identify the earplugs for hearing aids. I'll bet the hat helped reduce the camera flashes from the non fans taking photographs.
I wish I was around to read your reaction to the half time show from Super Bowl LXXIV. Unfortunately I doubt the "Sun-quirer" will be around then.
Until then....."Long live rock, be it dead or alive."
Ed Iphish, Chicago
**********
YOU REALLY HAVE A LOT OF NERVE INSULTING THE WHO!! YOU HAVE TICKED-OFF A LOT OF WHO FANS, FROM FRIENDS OF MINE WHO ARE IN THEIR 20's TO LONG- TIME FANS WHO ARE IN THEIR 60's!!! THAT 12 MINUTES OF THE WHO WAS REALLY A SHOT IN THE ARM TO US WHO FANS THAT LIKE THEM NO MATTER WHAT SOME TUBBY 4-EYED MUSIC CRITIC HAS TO SAY ABOUT THEM. YEAH, I INSULTED YOU , CAUSE YOU HAVE INSULTED 1 OF THE BEST BANDS OF ALL TIME. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE YOU SAY WHAT YOU WROTE RIGHT TO PETES FACE!! AS OLD AS HE IS , HE WOULD PROBLABLY HIT YOU SO HARD, HE'D KNOCK YOU BACK TO DIAPERS. BY THE WAY, HOW OLD IS YOUR FAT-ARSE??? I AM 50 & I STARTED LISTENING TO THE WHO AT 9 YEARS OLD , WHEN MOST OF THE KIDS IN MY 4th GRADE CLASS WERE LISTENING TO THE " ARCHIES "!! AS THE SONG GOES " WHO ARE YOU?" , YOU ARE CRAP. FOR 1 THING ,I DARE YOU TO PRINT THIS LETTER TO, 2, WRITE AN ARTICLE SAYING YOU ARE SORRY FOR WHAT YOU WROTE, 3 , E-MAIL ME BACK SAYING YOU ARE SORRY TO ME, 4, I HOPE FOR YOUR SAKE, YOU DON'T RUN INTO ANY WHO FANS THAT HAVE READ THIS ARTICLE, CAUSE THEY WILL PROBLABLY KNOCK YOU IN THE HEAD, & 5 IF YOU DON'T DO 1,2,& 3 , I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF ME, CAUSE I WILL WANT TO HAVE A WORD WITH YOU FACE TO FACE. HEY, I KNOW WHERE YOU WORK, & IF YOU DON'T WORK DIRECTLY FOR THE SUN-TIMES, WELL, I AM 1 OF THE MILLIONS WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED,SO WHEN I'M NOT LOOKING FOR A JOB, I'LL BE LOOKING FOR YOU. OH, I'M NOT STUPID ENOUGH TO HIT YOU & THEN GET SUED, BUT I WILL DEFINITELY GIVE YOU AN EAR FULL!!
YOURS TRULY ( A WHO FAN),
CHUCK
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I think it's sad people make fun of aging rockers. They're musicians, no matter what their age. Townshend still cranks out new music and plays with passion. You, on the other hand, apparently have nothing worthwhile to say.
Donavon
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You don't know your ass from a hole in the ground. You can't tolerate the sight of 65 year old men belting out a 12-minute medley of anti-establishment rock anthems that are now mainstay commercial props on our TV sets. There's certainly something sad and wrong about that, and I'm sure it's offensive to some that the surviving half of The Who would "Sell Out" for the Super Bowl stage. It's undoubtedly the last time we'll see this "tired act." It's too bad you couldn't show just a hint of respect. For old geezers, they performed well. Their voices weren't flat -- they chose lower-register alternatives to some of the original parts to avoid disaster. But Daltry's voice was yet powerful, and Townsend's guitar playing was sharp and out in front of the band. Most of his licks were updated. Your review didn't even address his playing. I think you just bashed these guys for being 65 years old.
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As a card carrying member of the "Old-Age Wasteland" I found your criticism of the Who's performance at the Super Bowl both amusing and addle-headed at the same time. As a group of over the hill football and music fans sat and sang along with the Who's performance we found it fun that the fans at the Super Bowl were singing loud and proud with the Who. You complained that songs were over 30 years old but here's a news flash for you...there has to be some relevance to the music that has endured for three and four decades. My 16 year old niece was singing along with us 50/60 somethings. She recognizes the music of all the groups you disparaged in your review. I daresay there aren't a hand full of groups or "songs/music" that will endure 30 years from now let alone a decade that will be sung by all ages of music lovers.
And finally "Who" do you think is in attendance at the Super Bowl...fans of Flava Fla? "Who" makes up the bulk of the viewing audience...fans of a bejeweled, lip-singing, studio enhanced hip-hopper with a career expectancy of a year? I don't think so. The people filling the seats and providing the eyeballs at home are the ones "Who" were singing along with the Who, "Who" have the money to attend THE game, "Who" normally don't watch the halftime entertainment because it just isn't entertaining or memorable. The Who and Bruce Springstein and the other "over the hill" groups you disparaged will endure and have their songs sung for decades to come as opposed to today's musical talent. Know your true audience. The Who were perfect for the fans actually paying the bills and buying the advertised products.
Steve
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Go f--- yourself. You suck as a writer. When you reach your mid 60's you will most likely be found in a adult video store jerking off in a back room.
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.....yep, they plain and simple sucked....can't sing, can't harmonize. I thought I saw the 'finale' of their touring prowess back in the mid-80's (or at least that's what they billed it as with a show at the then Rosemont Horizon), but they just won't go away!!!
Please help!!!!
Hank Arnold
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I find it amazing how the columns that I have read have bashed the Who. The stage and lighting were great. The band was great and Pete and Roger were Pet and Roger. If you want to talk about off vocals look at Queen Latifah and Carrie Underwood both were flat in parts. Come on it is live and the Who has always been The Who. Love them or hate them, you know what you are going to get...a bunch or loud fun!
Jeff Fox
Atlanta Georgia
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Jim,
Who are you, would be my question to you, to even try to understand what the consequences of singing, no make that screaming, your heart out to legions of faithful fans for DECADES, and even come close to what is expected of you. Yes I'll grant you that they're not the Who that hit the Auditoroum Theatre stage,spring of '70, the first time Tommy was performed in Chicago, I know I was there, you, on the other hand weren't even born yet. I empathize with you, having to grow up listening to the sewer that was rock & roll, in the 80s & 90s, but please leave the great rock bands from the 60s & 70s alone, to bask in the glow of their achievements, and be enshrined,rightfully so, in The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
Mike B.
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Surely you jest! How can you possibly rag on the half-time Who leftovers when they sounded neither better nor worse than any of the other maladjusted, spoiled-brat misfits 40 years younger, making the same maddening racket, that you inexplicably adore? There's no "there" there.
To a performer, they think their high-decibel noisemaking is an exercise in artistry when in fact they are merely throwing angry, rebellious, narcissistic temper tantrums like all the rest in the genre. It's all a scam. Evidently it's easier and cheaper than seeking professional help ---- especially when there are so many foolish enough to pay to be aurally tortured by them.
Bully for you for riding such a godawful wave of popularity among the music know-nothings; at least it's a meal ticket. It only means that either you know better, but are willing to play along for money, or you're posing because your editor has saddled you with this reporting assignment and you dare not object or quit, or that you're as musically ignorant as the fools who throw money at any of countless
rock groups, plague take them.
Will the next "new" wave of popular musical expression please step forward? The sooner, the better? Nothing could be worse than the tastelessness we are bombarded with now, pretending to be music.
Ted Manuel
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In refernce to your comments about the WHO. I will consider the source. The new genration who loves Rap music and wants to be black. It was great to see the Who perform since the new generation has nothing better to offer.
Paul
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Hi!
Read your column about the Super Ball's half-time entertainment....
Observation: Obviously, you are too young and/or didn't care for the music of the last five talents that crossed the stage. Funny, but most of those men didn't move around much to begin with and they happen to have more talent that you have in your little finger nail. And yes, they're getting old. Look in the mirror lately? I image the mean age of attendees is between 40 and 70. Duh. It's what we want to hear and we are spending the money. Maybe we should have some rapper??????? Oh, how about Nine Inch Nails??? I believe you like them.... I'm sure that they would wow the crowd. Grow up. It's business. Good thing no one says the same thing about you!
Ellen
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Your review of THE WHO, proves that you have a tin ear. THE WHO did not lip-sinc, or undress, as in years past performers. Furthermore, LIVE music in a venue will not have studio quality sound. THE WHO sounded better last night than most of the wannabe, alleged, no talent bums of the Music Industry over the past 25 years. However, I would not expect someone from your generation to know talent from garbage. My condolences to you for being born too late, to have seen many of the truly Great Rock and Roll Bands. Keep up your bad work.
Fred
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Typical of your condescending reviews. As one DJ in Chicago put it so well Jim will rip into legends like the Who or the Stones yet tell you some no name band will change the world. Usually a band that will sell life insurance in about a year. It's too bad your bitterness affects your judgment.
Sean
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Jim,
Boy, you really took it in the head re your review of the Who's performance at the Super Bowl. Sorry to disappoint all the 50-60-somethings that can't let go, but I thought the Who kinda blew myself. I'm in my mid-50's, grew up on the British Invasion and have been playing music since 1966. The difference between myself and the Who-sterbators is that I'm not afraid to show my age by letting go of past heroes who have seen much, much better days.
While many, including yourself, claim the Who died along with Moonie, I think they died when the Ox passed. I saw the first tour with Kenny Jones on drums, and I was pretty much blown away. The thing about that tour was it happened in the late 70's, when Pete and Roger still had John and were still relevant. I've never been overly-enamored with Pete Townsend. I think his writing is just above average, especially when compared to many of his contemporaries. For some reason, too many people worship at the altar of Pete. Maybe one day I'll understand why.
Anyway, I thought you might like a little companionship in your dislike of the half-time show. However, to put Prince and Petty in this same basket is a large mistake. I'm not a big Prince fan, but I though he kicked some purple ass in his half-time show. Petty and the Heartbreakers are still, IMO, one of the best live bands around. Sure, there are no windmills nor screaming, but for my money, Mike Campbell's solos blow away anything average Pete ever played, especially live. If Pete's hearing is so bad as to affect his singing in such a derogatory way, maybe he should take that hint and hang up the live performances.
Jimmie Scott Lawless
Guitar, vocals and songwriting, The Lawless Brothers
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Ok, now it's my turn for a free swing. In the next few yrs. my friend, the artists like Springsteen, Mcartney, Petty, Stones, Who etc. will be gone from the music world. You and your ilk can then petition for Lady Ga Ga, Lil Wayne, Black Eyed Peas, Jay Z or whatever flavor of the month you desire. These classic artists bring something called passion to their performances. The talent and creativity spans a couple of generations. They play instuments, write songs which stand the test of time, and draw the largest live concert audiences along with country. There is something compelling about bass, drums and guitars. Oh....you have to practice and be dedicated as opposed to the electronic, lip-synching garbage. Of course you sing in a lower key at 60 plus than you do at 30. However, the essence and instrumental skill do not diminish. What is the most active and passionate thing you do in life when you leave your cubicle? Cut the lawn, try to walk a mile? We should all be so fortunate to do something we truly love, and yes, still be damn good at it. Most of us tolerate our jobs. These lucky and talented people embrace and share something with the world. They brought serious force for 64yrs. old. Snow Patrol ain't getting that gig. Maybe NIN or Metallica or Chili Peppers. Be cool.
Gary
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Are you out of your mind? Sure the years have taken their toll on Daltry's vocal cords.. but God love him and Pete. It seems sacrilegious to discredit or smear such legendary talent. I thought they were spectacular last night.. (and Townsend's guitar work was absolutely superb). Your critical analysis was abhorrent.
Paul
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Hey, who ever you are - You are so full of s--- on your Who review.
I watched it with a packed house and everyone loved the halftime show.
Remember: Those who can, Do. And those who can't, Review.
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Mr. DeRogatis,
Your review of The Who's halftime show tells me that you don't know a damn thing about Rock 'n' Roll. That was a wild and raucous performance worthy of The Who's legacy. Townshend and Daltrey were occasionally out of sync? Who cares?!? What is this, chamber music? It's Rock 'n' Roll! Tell Strummer and Jones they were out of sync. Tell Neil Young he's out of tune. Tell Bob Dylan his voice is weak. Heck, why don't you go tell Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis to hang it up, since you're so convinced that performing is a young man's game? Comparing rockers playing music to athletes playing football? Are you really that clueless? You even have the nerve to say The Who haven't really been The Who for twenty years, now. Twenty years ago is 1990, one year after The Who's uber-professional, thoroughly rehearsed, perfectly in sync, and utterly soulless 25th anniversary tour. That wasn't Rock 'n' Roll. But that Super Bowl halftime show? That was thrilling and wild and exciting and powerful. I loved every second of it. To paraphrase Ash in Army of Darkness: You know two things about Rock 'n' Roll, Jim. Jack and Shit. And Jack left town.
Tim Eimiller
Manhattan, NY
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Jim -
Finally, someone with an honest assessment of a painful spectacle.
As a music lover, I have the utmost respect for what this band has contributed over time (and that's from a guy who has little patience for The Who's music). However, it's time Daltrey and Townshend focus their efforts in the studio - specifically sharing their craft and knowledge, etc. with up and coming bands. Otherwise, as demonstrated last night, they have become a characture of themselves.
Nice piece.
P.S.: Spoon is over-rated (just one guy's opinion).
All the Best,
Dave
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Man I hate articles like yours.
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Dear Jim,
I follow you on Sound Opinions, and love that NPR show (I'm even a Fan on Facebook!). Ironically, it was my parents, being from Chicago, and visiting me in Durham this Spring, who forwarded your review the Super Bowl Half Time "Show" - The Who. I'd been griping and snipping since I sat down for the game last night and learned that the half time show would be performed by The Who. It's the only reason I watch the Super Bowl, so I want to look forward to it. But I dreaded it from the start of the game. I was able to name, with incredible accuracy, the boring, tired list of songs they'd play. I mean, when was the last time The Who had a new release, anyway? (only you would know) I only recognized two of the band members, and your review explained why. I think it is time that the NFL, or whoever the powers-that-be are who select these acts, to review the statistics on the decade's top selling albums, artists and singles, the one you shared with us on Sound Opinions. Not that I can see Eminem doing a Super Bowl show (even if he isn't incarcerated at the time)...but it doesn't hurt to ask him.
Sincerely, reverently, and with appreciation,
Sabrina
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Greetings,
Wow, I just read your Who review from the SuperBowl. Seriously, was this supposed to be an "attention grabber" on your part? I thorougly enjoyed the Who's performance. Most of the reviews I saw today also were very positive except for yours.
I like all kinds of music from various generations. I have no emotional investment in the Who what so ever. I like to hear songs I know, I like the artists to have energy and appear to be enjoing the moment, and I like the crowd to be into it. I believe the Who accomplished all of the above. I'm not quite sure what you were watching.
Thanks for reading my input. I just wanted to take a moment to write you with my thoughts. It seemed to me from your artice you are either very young and don't appreciate some of the true music pioneers or you wanted to get some headlines by trashing the Who. It is sad you could not have a non-biased view of the Who. I think you had your mind made up way ahead of time about how your article was going to go. This is unfortunate and made you look like a music amateur. I "Won't Get Fooled Again" and read any of your out of left field music reviews.
Thanks,
Charles Johnson
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Maybe we need some of that corporate country rock eh? You know -
where nobody even knows who actually wrote the song on Protools - but
it's current? Rock is dead they say...
Tim
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I am not a football fan, but I checked out the Super Bowl as civic duty. It's not just the Who, the entire thing is so hyped and self-important that it collapses under its own weight.
I did notice the Arcade Fire music used in all the NFL promos. Maybe next year the NFL will give Arcade Fire a shot. We can only hope.
Jack Siegel
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Jim, I found this part of your article ("Out there in the field, fossils barely resemble the Who") particularly amusing:
But the lasers, fireworks, geysers of flame and an elaborate illuminated stage that put U2's current tour setup to shame couldn't disguise the fact that these were two grizzled old pros going through the motions for a high-profile payday, with barely a hint of the powers they possessed at their peak.
Uh, Jim, I've seen U2's current tour twice (once at Soldier Field and once at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta) and that stage show isn't 1/10th of what U2's current setup is currently like. Have you even seen the current U2 tour? Apparently not or you wouldn't have told such a big lie. Critics lying. Who knew?!
Give me what is left of The Who over the s--- that passes as music today every single year during halftime. Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson or some other senseless pop/rap bulls--- is just that. Bulls---.
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Turn it up and give it another listen. Best halftime show in years. Beats the hell out of trying to mash up country/hip-hop and rock and roll into a Donny-and-Marie style medley, as they've done in the past. I'm surprised by your opinion, especially since as a musician you understand the value of seeing a band perform live playing all its own instruments. Too bad you felt the need to add your voice to the youth chorus that abhors anything but the latest thing. Grow up, Jimbo.
Gary Lazarski, Chicago
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I noticed you not only ripped the who but every halftime act since Jackson/timberlake. Do you just hate life in general???? Ok who should be the halftime act since no one else is qualified to do it?
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Jim, I normally agree with and enjoy your reviews, but will have to
disagree with you about the halftime show. Not about the Who being old
and past their prime, yes, they are. But, I still think that was a
great halftime show. We all thoroughly enjoyed their performance and
it was far better hearing a menagerie of old hits rather than the
latest top 40 one hit wonder (timberlake/jackson) then forgotten by
the next day (the song, not the titty). Yes, I'm older and grew up
with the Who, so I'm biased. But that was still a great halftime show,
again, thoroughly enjoyed at our place.
Just had to give you my 2 cents.
Thanks,
Dean
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Your review of the Who ...sucked...and was wrong.
They were great. you're just another music critic who doesn't know squat.
You're worthless. Now f--- off.