Roger Daltrey performs Tommy alongside the Ravinia Festival Orchestra.
Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL, USA, June 23, 2018
by Anita Maree
Hardcore fans of the English rock band The Who were simply living the dream – at least for one night – as they entered the stunning outdoor music venue Ravinia
Roger Daltrey (credit: Anita Maree)
Festival in Highland Park, IL. Ravinia is about 30 minutes north of Chicago. The evening showcased lead singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey, performing in its entirety their rock opera album “Tommy” accompanied by a full orchestra. The music and lyrics of the rock opera were written by The Who’s lead guitarist and also the main songwriter Peter Townshend.
The Ravinia Orchestra conducted by Keith Levenson started the night with “Overture” and soon after Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Roger Daltrey took the stage with a thundering applause from the audience. From then on the rock opera was in full launch. Daltrey performed “It’s a Boy”, “1921” and “Amazing Journey”.
Other noteworthy selection of the night included “The Acid Queen,” “Pinball Wizard,” “I’m Free,” and “Tommy Can You Hear Me”?
After the ‘Tommy’ concluded, Daltrey came back for a powerful encore, performing a few of The Who’s mammoth hits “Who Are You,” and “Baba O’Riley,” and ending with ”Always Heading Home” off his new solo album.
The Who’s albums and incredible songwriting have forged on. ‘Tommy’ was released back in 1969 – so nearly 50 years later the songs from the rock opera continue to prevail to both the hardcore fans and the next generation of rock fans. This Rock Opera was a smash! And Chicago area fans will get a double dose as Daltrey will showcase “Tommy” two nights!
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