Even a torrential downpour couldn’t dampen the spirits of Roger Daltrey’s fans during the June 20th concert at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts. The legendary frontman took the stage with a fire that defied the ominous weather. Belting out a set list chock full of classic Who hits, solo selections, and covers from his contemporaries that had the crowd, poncho-clad and all, singing along at the top of their lungs – Daltrey came, saw, and conquered.
The show opened with a bang. Pete Townshend’s “Let My Love Open the Door” set the tone for the night, and his audience let him know their appreciation. Typical for the first few songs in any artist’s set, Daltrey’s voice, sounding a touch weathered, still manages to soar over the song’s powerful instrumentation. It didn’t take long for his voice to warm up and run at full throttle, proving he could still deliver those signature high notes.
Shortly after the show began, the beautiful day and weather along Boston Harbor took a sharp left-hand turn. The sky opened, and rain came down in buckets. It continued to fall throughout most of the set, but it only seemed to energize Daltrey and the band. Appropriately, Daltrey and Co. acknowledge the storm with an abbreviated version of “Love, Reign O’er Me.” They then ripped through The Who’s greatest hits, including “Who Are You”, “The Kids Are Alright” (with a false start that both the band and audience took in stride), “Squeeze Box”, “Tricky Day,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” – getting the crowd moving despite the slick conditions underfoot from the rain that was blowing sideways into and under the venue’s canopy roof. The highlight of the night, however, was an electrifying performance of “Baba O’Riley.” Daltrey’s vocals were spot-on, and the band’s recreation of the monumental hit, without synthesizers to boot, sent shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned Who fans.
Daltrey also treated the audience to a selection of well-chosen covers by a couple of his favorite artists. His rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Born on the Bayou” was a swampy delight, while his take on “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” felt particularly poignant given the night’s weather. He noted that John Fogerty is one of his favorite singers from one of his favorite bands since he saw them at Woodstock. He even surprised the crowd with a soulful performance of Paul Simon’s “The Boy in the Bubble,” humbly announcing that he is a great admirer. Daltrey continued to showcase the versatility of his voice, even though “Bubble” was about the only song that didn’t truly seem to fit into the set.
The concert closed with a triumphant performance of “Young Man Blues.” Daltrey poured his heart and soul into the vocals, and the crowd responded with a thunderous ovation. Even as the final notes faded, the cheers continued as a testament to the enduring power of Daltrey’s and The Who’s music and his undeniable stage presence. Sure, the rain may have put a damper on some outdoor plans, but for those lucky enough to be at the concert, it was a night to remember. Roger Daltrey proved that he’s a true rock and roll legend, capable of delivering a powerful and unforgettable performance, no matter the weather.
