October–November

Back In The USA

The Who returned to the stage in October 1999, with five shows in the US that mixed charity with a lucrative payday. They had slimmed down to a five-piece, with Zak Starkey on drums and John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick continuing on keyboards, a seat he had occupied since 1979. The band played two shows in California as part of Neil Young’s annual Bridge School benefit concert, followed by two shows in Chicago in aid of the Maryville Academy. Prior to these they performed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as part of an elaborate launch for start-up Internet company Pixelon.

December

Back In The UK

Encouraged by the reaction to the US concerts, the group announced two Christmas shows back in London at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire. These performances were a return to form – and noticeably louder than the Quadrophenia tours, with Townshend predominantly playing electric guitar throughout the show. The venue was packed to the rafters on both evenings and there was an edge both on stage and in the audience, with the first show culminating in Townshend smashing a guitar. Although all three founder members were under the weather with flu, the gigs are acknowledged as the beginning of The Who renaissance.

Personalities | Introducing The Who
Personalities | The Who | Reunited & Revitalized (2001) | Key Events