We Saw The Who Live At Wembley Last Night

Pinball Wizard by the Who - at Wembley Arena - July 8th - 2013

Harry scored two tickets for 30 pounds each - a pound is $1.50

The scooters were ridden by The Mods in the 60s. The Mods loved The Who thus the scooter logo.

Lulu in front of Wembley Stadium - fortunately the Wembley Arena was close by where The Who concert was.

After supper - Lulu decided we were going to see The Who. They were playing a show at Wembley which is about 10 miles northwest of our place in downtown London. We had no tickets - didn't know if it was sold out - had no idea what tickets would cost.


We walked to Russell Square Station - took the blue train to St Pancras Station - then caught the purple train to Wembley Park. The concert was to start at 8:30 PM - and we were way early - about 7 PM. We walked around - found out that tickets were prices at 70 pounds each - that would be $105 each or $210 for a pair. Tightwad Harry - wasn't paying that much for any concert but The Rolling Stones. Several guys were selling tickets in plain view. One tout with a glass eye locked on Lulu - and he handed her two tickets for face value. When he dropped them to 60 pounds - she was ready to pay. I told him we would shop around - and prices kept getting lower. Finally I offered 30 pounds each - and he relented. He said - "You have done this before." That would be a total of $90 for two tickets to see The Who.

It was still early - so we walked about 4 blocks to a nice working class pub - we each had a pint. There were a few Who fans in there - all men - we talked a bit - and headed to the arena. When we got inside - we were happy that the usher was walking us closer and closer. At about half court in the arena she stopped and motion us in the two. Not bad for last minute seats. The crowd was pretty old and maybe about 80% men. At exactly 8:30 - the music started - the whole floor crowd stood up - and stayed standing for 2 and 1/2 hours. I must have looked like a stork passing my weight from one leg to the other. But I stayed up the whole time - and did not visit the toilet - quite a task for age 65 and just consuming a pint of Fosters.

Only 2 of the original 4 Who members are alive. Roger Daltrey is still the lead singer - and Townsend still writes the songs - sings - and plays lead guitar. The Who started out in 1964 - playing of all things Dixieland music. They were called the Confederates. Later as The Who - their first big hit was My Generation. Some people say that the holy trinity of British rock bands is The Beatles - the Rolling Stones - and the Who.

One of the many logos or trademarks of The Who is the Vespa Scooter. In the 60s - the Mods - a cultural category of kids - liked riding scooters and listening to The Who - so the symbolism stuck. Out side the arena was a row of scooters decked out in British flags and chrome. One fellow insisted I sit on his scooter for a picture. He did not have to twist my arm.

The concert ended with a string of top 10 hits. There was no encore. The docile crowd left orderly - walked to the train station and boarded subways home. We hit two trains quickly and were home by 11:30. I am guessing it was about 60 degrees outside - and with a breeze it was chilly for two Floridians.

Bucket list - it seems like every trip to England scratches another thing off my bucket list. I always wanted to see Pete Townsend do a few windmill power chords. The sound system in Wembley Arena was excellent. I can't use my ears as judge - but Lulu was often saying how clear it was.

The Who have sold over 100,000,000 records. Pete Townsend gets songwriting credit - so he pockets 50% of the money from that. He then get 1/4 of the remaining 50% as a playing member of the band. To develop a gimmick early on - the group used to destroy their instruments and set of fireworks. One time drummer - Keith Moon - put too much gunpowder in his drum set - and when it exploded - Roger Daltrey lost his hearing. To this day - he must wear special hearing equipment to be able to play on stage. He dropped out of the band for several years over hearing loss - drugs - and legal problems. 

My friend - Tamaqua Rocker - Greg Machay used to love listening to The Who and playing their music. He could pick up almost any guitar riff after hearing it one time. He loved those power chords. I dedicate this story to Greg.

Teenage Wasteland - The Who - Wembley Arena - July 8th 2013

 Look at all that chrome on The Mod scooter

These two beautiful scooters were FSU garnet color. They are Labrettas.

This shot before the concert shows the old male crowd.

 Lots of screens showed neat multi-media shows co-ordinated to the music.

Pete Townsend - the founder of the group and songwriter. I tried to catch his windmill chord in this picture.

 Lulu and I with official picture to show our seats.

 The crowd filed out quietly - it was a work night.

 The Wembley Library is right next to the arena. Lulu always gets a picture in front of a library.

We paid 30 pounds for 70 pound tickets. Note scooter on the ticket.

We Won't Get Fooled Again