‘Tommy’ tilts toward the classical in Roger Daltrey’s tour stop at Ravinia
Summary
As lead vocalist for formidable British rockers the Who, Roger Daltrey has visited Chicago many times to sing enduring classics like “Pinball Wizard” and “See Me, Feel Me” from the 1969 rock opera “Tommy.” However, he has never performed the material quite like he will at the Ravinia Festival on June 23 and 25, when Daltrey will play the album with his own band and an orchestra. So many of the musicians have said, ‘Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play this wonderful music.’ It must be like a breath of fresh air.” The Who have performed “Tommy” in full, but Daltrey’s approach on this tour is distinctly different. “It’s performed as a structured piece of music that is written and respected just as we respect the great composers of the past.” Although the Who catalog brims with classic rock favorites including “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Who Are You” and more, “Tommy” and its messianic story of a deaf, dumb and blind boy make a special connection with the audience. The new songs return Daltrey to the Who’s R&B roots with tracks like “Certified Rose” and “The Love You Save.” As a bonus for Who fans, Pete Townshend plays guitar on most of the album. There’s still so much unnecessary suffering going on, but speaking generally, more people in the world are doing better today than ever before.” Daltrey’s new album concludes with the sentimental “Always Heading Home.” For a singer remembered for the banshee howl of “Baba O’Riley,” the song joins tender tracks like “Tea and Theatre” in revealing the supple control of Daltrey’s powerful pipes.