Hothouse Who

Berlin was baking today, and the sauna sensations followed us to the Arena near Treptow Park for the Who show. We missed connecting with some other fans because the heat forced us back to the hotel for a change of clothes and we were too late to meet up with them- sorry Stefan, Mike and Dino, I wish things hadn't taken so long to cross the city twice.

The Arena was like an oven, but filled with wonderfully enthusiastic fans who didn't seem to care that they were cooking. Onstage, Casbah Club rocked really well to start us off, and I tip my hat to Simon for keeping the suit jacket on- I'd have stripped in that heat, personally. Their set was really good.

The Who came on for a blistering two-hour set, and they played 2 songs off the new Wire & Glass, which I absolutely need to find here before going home, as it is not available in America, which means also not in Canada. They also played the Mike Post Theme, and the three songs were really well received, and many were singing along to them. There were a few surprises in the setlist (Relay, for one) though I really wanted to hear I'm One or anything off Quadrophenia, which is my favourite LP. There were technical glitches here and there, and some sound problems, and Roger pleaded (to no avail, I'm afraid) with the front-row smokers to give his voice a break by not lighting up, but the band was energised despite the steam bath, the audience responded warmly, and Pete in particular was in a jovial and light mood, joking with everyone and just having a great love-in. Fantastic night!

Austin's camera captured about 200 pictures, one of which I uploaded here to show you how fantastic Roger and Pete both looked and how lucky I was to sneak my way to the second row. It was a smallest venue I have ever seen the Who at, and there seemed to be great intimacy in the room and an eventual ignoring of the hot conditions around.



We were also very lucky in that Rachel and Mikey did a little walkabout into the arena after their webcast of In the Attic. I spotted them a few feet away, did a double take to make sure it was really them, mustered up some boldness and introduced myself to them and they were both just lovely. Rachel is as beautiful in person as she appears on the show, and the pair of them looked fit and relaxed. Mikey is absolutely sweet, and Rachel was just brilliant as well, and they both kindly posed for a picture with me. It's on my camera, and I don't have my gadget to download it, but I will ask them for permission when I get home and then post it on the blog at a later date if they give it.

Fantastic Who night- my ears are still ringing, my feet are still burning from standing on the hot pavement for hours, but it was memorable and absolutely fabulous to have been there. Everyone needs to catch them if they can!

Love to all of you who have been saying hello over the last few days. I've been able to stop by some of your blogs, and I hope you're all having some summer fun!