The Who Album: “Who Live in Boston”

I attended a concert on this tour and remember specifically purchasing a ticket in advance to be on the left side of the stage to see Entwistle up close. Needless to say there was disappointment and sadness learning of his death in Las Vegas at the beginning of the tour.

I don't agree that this was one of the best concerts from that year as I have listened to The Who box set from this tour and/or was at the concert.

My top three concerts from that year were:

1) Grand Rapids 2) New York 3) Toronto

Boston was a strong showing as well, but I got the feeling from watching this DVD that a lot of the dialogue was edited (I happen to like the dialogue between songs, it's entertaining and puts the song into a unique context).

I also agree that the video editing doesn't do justice to the live concert . . . but I really don't think any typical edit is adaquate. From watching them live I think the best way to shoot them is to just set a panoramic camera somewhere in the center and just leave it. They're up there competing for your attention and having an editor choose for you is annoying.

And what ever happened to DVD support for multi-angle functions...why couldn't they take advantage of this like they did on the Royal Albert Hall DVD?

I was also disappointed that the DVD didn't contain a long Pete solo during 5'15 such as the one he performed at the Grand Rapids concert. This is a perfect example of how good Pete was playing, and how he was stepping up his performance to keep the concert rocking. If you watch the Live at Royal Albert Hall DVD, Entwistle gave a jaw-dropping bass solo during 5'15. At the Grand Rapids concert from this year, Pete gives an incredible guitar solo at the same point in the song when John would normally come in and wow the audience.

Yes there is diappointment because Entwistle isn't there, but as Pete said at the time "I feel like I'm playing better than I have in years". You can tell this by this DVD, and it was even more evident from the live concerts. For those of us who went to some of these concerts, this is a worthwhile souvenir. Even if you weren't there this is a great DVD concert. Pete and Roger worked great together and Pete's playing and even his voice (as Roger points out on the DVD) were outstanding. Pino's bass is simple but solid nonetheless, reminiscent of John's early recordings with the Who (esp. on "My Generation"). He stands in the corner, plays the bass and plays it well, doesn't do anything showy, and provide great support as a good bass player should.

For those with no interest in the 2002 tour, I recommend Live at Royal Albert Hall for the "later years" of the Who.

I had trepidations when I purchased this DVD. I wasn't sure if Pete & Roger could pull it off. They are no longer "kids" competing in a "young mans" rock & roll world. With the recent death of original bassist John Entwhistle, (on the eve of this tour) I wondered if they would be "just going the the motions". I was highly surprised and pleased to see they both put on a subperb highly energized concert, and proved your never too old to rock & roll. Something a lot of younger bands could take note on. Rounding out the band was Zak Starkey on drums (yes Ringo's kid) and Pino Palladino on bass, and longtime keyboardist, John 'Rabbit' Bundrik. Over 2 hours of original Who songs, all of which you will know, and DVD extras. All in all this was a good purchase, and a whole lot cheaper than the ticket I bought to see the band. Buy the DVD, you will be glad you did.

I finally got my new DVD player over the weekend and this 2002 show from Boston was the test drive.

I saw the Who (finally) in '02 at Hersheypark, and it was a fantastic show. This performance was the exact same set, so I got a close up look at what I didn't see from the back of the arena!

Daltrey seemed to labor little bit at times, but this was near the end of the tour and pushing 60, I dare anyone to try and do what he did...also he said in the bonus section that he couldn't hear much due to the PA being overridden. I can understand that.

Townshend's guitar work was nothing short of spectacular. Enough said.

The backing band was solid, Pino Palladino filling in nicely (though Entwistle can never be replaced); Zak Starkey, John Bundrick and Simon Townshend all did great.

A good document of what now appears to be a pivotal time for the Who, as they consider new material. Can't wait.

Overall this is a quite enjoyable concert film. It is very "watchable" vis-à-vis the manner in which it was filmed, camerawork, etc. You feel like you are watching an actual live concert, rather than some overproduced two-hour music video.

Pete and Rog are in good form, as is the rest of the band. Bassist Pino Paladino does a good job playing the songs, but John is still sorely missed, of course. If you try to think of it as a "Daltrey/Townshend" show and just enjoy it on the same level as Zeppelin fans would a Page & Plant show, John's absence might be a bit more bearable. The bass could stand to be a bit louder in places, too.

The song selection is good, albeit not radically different from the 2000 tour. For what it's worth, some visuals shown on screens during the concerts are not apparent on the DVD, but the band's performance is certainly enough to carry the show. Interesting interview segments and a gallery of Entwitsle's artwork also make this one worth getting.

"Live in Boston" is a worthy addition to anyone's video or Who collection. For anyone who finds John's absence too distracting, get the John Entwistle Band Live DVD and watch that one too.

This DVD has excellent sound mixing and the video quality is great too. The camera doesn't jump around as quickly as on the Royal Albert Hall DVD - which is a nice difference. (And no special guests) !!!. Excellent addition for anyone's collection. Pete Townshend's guitar work is the best of his career. Roger Daltrey's voice has changed since he was 25 years old, but actually sounds better than ever.

The Who still ROCK !!!