Between John and his thunder fingers and Keith being all over the place actually it was Pete and his prefect timing that kept the band in time. Maybe not on this song per say but normally it was just that way.
This is unique for its time because the synth loop doesn't allow for any tempo fluctuation which is why Keith is wearing headphones here. Nowadays most big acts have all members wearing in ear monitors and are playing to backing tracks with a click. This particular song is sort of an early precursor to that method. The Wall live performances by Pink Floyd are an even better example because everything had to sync up with the on screen projections and continuity between songs.
Is that right - is that the role of the bassist? (fascinating to me because I have studied on a tiny bit of music comprising of only level 1 theory), but have no idea about practical stuff like that, it's really interesting!
Pete was high as a kite but brilliant, John unflappable, Keith bemused and Roger at his vocal best. Tremendous performance by one of the most legendary groups in the history of Rock and Roll.
Incredible, legendary live band. Anyone who saw them will tell you it's probably the best show they ever saw. And for those who didn't see it, check out the 2001 live performance of "Baba O' Riley" from NYC in dedication to the fallen heroes of 9/11. With Ringo's son, Zack on drums, it was an amazing performance. No one wanted to follow the Who that night.
He does not sing the line as "Sally take my hand we'll travel south 'cross land" as everyone seems to think they do as it appears in various lyrics sites on Google. He is saying what I've always known he said because I have a degree in English literature from 50 years ago( and also also a degree in chemistry just for fun)- and the term star-crossed lovers looms large in poetry from the past. So it's only natural that a poet such as Pete Townsend would know that, as we are essentially the same age. And that's why he wrote the lyrics as : Sally take my hand We'll travel Star-Crossed lands Go ahead slow the video down down and listen. Anyway now that I got that off my chest, I want to say that Baba O'Riley is probably my favorite Who song❗❗⚡⚡ It is so goddamn energetic I cannot sit still when I hear it even though I be 76. I was 23 when this song was released, that's over half a century ago. Song still drives me crazy😱
This one was recorded live in front of an audience at Sheperton Studios 25 May 1978, for inclussion in "The Kids Are Alright". That day other song was recorded for the movie (Won't Get Fooled Again) which will remain as the last time Keith played with The Who (he died two months later). I think this is the best version of this song on film!!
I remember once driving and this song came on the radio. I was jamming away in my car and a friend, she was driving opposite direction, doing the exact same thing. Next time I saw her she said “I caught you.” Lol good memories
Only John Entwistle can take a 3 chord song and make it difficult to play on bass. He's literally using 4 fingers on his right hand and playing like 128th notes. He was the God of the instrument.
He was the one talented musician in the band. Townsend made himself famous with windmilling, jumping around and over-acting while playing the most basic chords. Keith Moon had NO technique at all. Just thrash around like the Muppets drummer. Daltry spinning his mic (whats up with that?). Meanwhile Entwistle stood calmly and quietly, playing impossibly fast, intricate bass lines. True genious
Ken Owens Unfortunately for me I wasn't even born when Moon was still alive. I'm debating whether or not to see them play late this month in Connecticut, because the tickets are really expensive, but then again this is probably my last chance to see them.
Ken Owens Its a shame you never made it seeing them live before Moonie passed on, I saw them at Charlton FC 31 May 1976. It rained all day we all got soaked and I never saw any one leave the show, I will never forget it with the lasers going it was the greatest Heavy, hard Rock live concert I ever saw and back in those day I saw many bands between 1975 and 1980.
JAVIER THE LEGEND He did, and I just saw Roger and Pete at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut for the 50th anniversary tour. The best concert I've ever been to by far.
If I had to name perhaps the top five most incredible and satisfying things I have encountered living life on planet earth from an infant until now, this would make the list.
Probably because this isn't an official channel. It's a guy with relatively few subscribers (2.7K is a lot, but not huge), and I'm surprised it hasn't been taken down for copyright violation. Maybe these days they just put in ads and let the revenue go to ASCAP.
I was fortunate enough to see them do this song sometime around this time here in Detroit. 10th or 12 row center. A truly epic concert. I particular, the part where it quiets down a bit and Townshend sings "Don't cry.... Don't Raise your eye...." I'll remember it forever.
Roger Daltry and i are birthday twins....just different years. I was a child when this was filmed. Lifelong Who fan. I listened to my parents albums as young as age 3.
Have this on Laserdisc and I like the film like quality it exhibits. However, seeing this vid in true HD quality is just amazing. A great live recording of an incredible song.
LOL Keith Moon has duct taped his headphones to his head he really was something else, i believe this is his last performance a few days before he died RIP Moon the Loon
Pete at his very best. Best all around rock performer ever in my opinion. Lyricist, top guitar player, song writer, music arranger, and absolute best live band ever, mostly because of Pete. There will never be another rocker like Pete
Keith Moon passed September 7, 1978 - I think this footage was from Keith's last performance with the Who on May 25, 1978 - The 1979 date may have been the release date on the video.
![The Who - Baba O'Reily -- In [High Definition] HD! -1979 - The Kids Are Alright](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
