The British rockers put on an exciting show for 10,000 fans at the Connecticut casino.
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Roger Daltrey, left, and Pete Townshend of The Who perform on their "Quadrophenia and More" tour Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – A little more than a year ago, Roger Daltrey performed The Who's landmark rock opera "Tommy" at the XL Center in Hartford. On Sunday night, Daltrey returned to Connecticut with bandmate Pete Townshend in tow to resurrect the British rock band's other great rock opera, "Quadrophenia," at the Mohegan Sun Casino.
In a multimedia spectacle, The Who's musical story of teen Jimmy Cooper, multiple personalities and the 1960s rivalry between Britain's Mods and Rockers unfolded before a capacity crowd at the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena.
Daltrey, 68, and Townshend, 67, were ably backed by eight incredible musicians including guitarist Simon Townshend, drummer Zak Starkey (formerly of Oasis) and bassist Pino Palladino. The Who performed the 1973 rock opera in its entirety over the course of the two-hour and 15-minute concert. They kicked the night off with "I Am the Sea" and "The Real Me."
Daltrey supervised the elaborate staging of the Townshend-penned opera, which featured four giant video screens allowing for the participation of The Who's two deceased members. The bass work of the late John Entwistle was featured at the close of "5:15," while a recording of drummer Keith Moon provided the vocals on "Bell Boy."
The passing years have diminished some of singer Daltrey's vocal range and guitarist Townshend's stage antics, but the two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers gave it their all during the exciting 94-minute "Quadrophenia" – a composition that Townshend described on Sunday night as relentless and a "tough sleigh ride."
Highlights included "Drowned" with Townshend on acoustic guitar and rich lead vocals, a full throttle, arena shaking "I've Had Enough" with vintage microphone swinging and windmill guitar work, and the emotional closer "Love Reign O'er Me" with Daltrey in superb form.
After the conclusion of the 17-song rock opera, The Who performed five of their best known hits, including "Pinball Wizard," "Behind Blue Eyes" and "Won't Get Fooled Again."
With the backup band off stage, Daltrey and Townshend closed the evening with a moving performance of "Tea & Theatre" from their most recent studio album, "Endless Wire' from 2006.
Opening for The Who with a spirited 32-minute set was the retro rhythm and blues act Vintage Trouble with the engaging Ty Taylor on lead vocals.
The Mohegan Sun performance was The Who's last concert before their scheduled appearance at the 12-12-12 Concert on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy. The Who will resume their "Quadrophenia and More" tour on Jan. 28 in Anaheim, Calif.