The Who, Nottingham Capital FM Arena, 5 December 2014

Having eschewed the support band in favour of beer we were still in the bar area when The Who came on stage, so it was a quick dash down the steps to the floor of the Arena and into the middle aisle. I had no idea where our seats were and frankly didn't care as the impelling chords of 'Can't Explain' had me going already.

Soon an attendant asked to see my ticket, though, and we were ushered to the right place. Everyone was already up and rocking.

From the outset it was obvious that this was going to be a special evening. Townsend's guitar playing has lost nothing of its ferocity and Daltrey's voice has lost nothing of its range or power. They were complemented by Zak Starkey on drums, Pino Palladino on bass, Simon Townsend on guitar as well as keyboards and brass musicians, the whole band meshing to create that classic Who rock noise in spades. The sound where we were was great, too.

The first few numbers are all old 60s hits. I turn to my friend Mike and try to explain that 'I remember these being released!'. It's clear that Townsend doesn't rate some of them - 'Anyway Anyhow Anywhere' is consigned to history. And My Generation is (perhaps predictably) nowhere to be seen.

The massive visuals displayed behind the band - the technology has raised this element of a rock concert far beyond the projected 'light shows' of old - were excellent and complemented the music superbly. We had gushing water, waves, old footage of the original band, a really nice colourful psychedelic piece - and a huge bass solo by John Entwhistle seamlessly grafted into 5:15. As well as Keith Moon drumming and singing on Bell Boy.

One of the highlights in an evening of highlights was the inclusion of Townsend's 6-song, 9-minute, mini-opera 'A Quick One', played on this tour, I read somewhere, for the first time since 1970. A Quick One was the first rock LP I owned aged 15 - joining my Beatles and Dylan disks. To hear it live nearly 50 years later was very special. And the final refrain "You are forgiven ...forgiven, forgiven, forgiven" - such a powerful, moving message. Townsend was only 21 when he wrote this! And when did I last feel moved (except to dance) at a rock concert?!

The concert ended with humongous versions of Baba O'Riley and Won't get Fooled, and for an encore an extended Magic Bus.

I don't remember The Who coming here since we came to live in Nottingham (1973). Previously had to visit Leicester (late 70s) and Sheffield (2007) to see them. This was by far the best, most enjoyable, gig; well worth the £80ish it cost,

SET LIST

I Can't Explain
Substitute
The Seeker
Who Are You
The Kids Are Alright
I Can See for Miles
Pictures of Lily
Behind Blue Eyes
Squeeze Box
Join Together
I'm One
5:15
Bell Boy
Love, Reign O'er Me
Eminence Front
A Quick One (While He's Away)
Amazing Journey
Sparks
Pinball Wizard
See Me, Feel Me
Baba O'Riley
Won't Get Fooled Again
Encore: Magic Bus