Gig Review: The Who Hits Back!

The Who are LOUD. Even from the nose-bleed seats at the unfashionable end of the O2 arena, my ears were ringing and my throat was raw from screaming.

The "Hits Back" tour pairs The Who with... The Heart of England Orchestra. Now, obviously, The Who are your classic 4-piece rock 'n'roll group. Do they need a full backing orchestra on their songs?

I don't know about "need" - but it works beautifully. A smashing start with a collection of songs from Tommy proves the power behind a dozen violins and assorted brasses. It absolutely elevates the music. The songs don't become sappy symphonies, they lose none of their punchiness or power. They become lush and full bodied. Less an aural assault, more like witnessing an explosion in a cello factory.

The middle set is just the band. They cheerfully admit that they're playing the oldies that everyone remembers. There's no deep-cuts here, or a Jazz Odyssey, or anything other than the exact songs you came to hear. Belted out as though the band members were a third their real ages. Imagine the roar of several thousand middle-aged men screaming like Swifties. Now imagine the queue for the gents...

The third and final act brings the orchestra back for a good ramble through the Quadrophenia. Once again, playing the hits with style. They've lost none of their energy. Cheerfully shouting at the audience and raising the roof.

A special shout out to lead violinist Katie Jacoby who absolutely steals the show by shredding her fiddle. Every single musician on stage plays their heart out. It was absolute sonic perfection.