Supporting the Who

video - Police on My Back + Interview

updated 14 July 2008 - added red ticket

Review from The Scene 13 October 1982. ....

• • •

SCENE, OCTOBER 7-13, 1982
THE WHO, THE CLASH, EDDIE MONEY Pontiac Silverdome Sept. 30

"We're trying not to compare this tour toomuch to the (Rolling) Stones last tour because if it's not the Second Coming, people will be disappointed."
—Mason Buck, represen tative of Mahoney/ Was serman, publicists for The Who's American Tour.

• • •

PONTIAC, MICHIGAN — Not to worry... not a single soul should have left ihe Silverdome this night feeling that The Who fell short of expectations. I detest superlatives (you know. you've read 'em all:best; worst; greatest; etc.); they're only crutches that critics use white filling in blanks on editorial review sheets to make their jobs all the more easy. But, I Concede ... The Who ARE the World's Greatest Rock 'N'Roll Band.

ed. Bullshit. I saw them and they are wank. Townsend 10 minute guitar solos, thank god for punk

Okay, don't take my word for it. just ask any one of the nearly 75, 000 fans who witnessed the Silverdome's Main Event. Or, even better yet, flip the bird to recession and start saving up for tickets for one of the two forthcoming Who concerts at the Coliseum in mid-December (the dates have been confirmed bui not yet announced). Despite the Hype of this being The Who's "First (?) Farewell Tour" and the reservations. of The Tour's publicists of promising too much — you won't be disappointed!

It's hard to imagine The Who being capable of delivering a much better show than the famed British quartet put forth this night. The houselights hadn't even yet dimmed when The Who had already worked the crowd into (and beyond) a frenzied state. It seemed the crowd would be spent of its energy only a few seconds into the set-opening "Substitute." But The Who dared the crowd to press its energies to the max, and the crowd eagerly accepted the challenge. The crowd rocked recklessly through The Who's two-hour plus show during which The Who dished out countless favorites (among them "I Can't Explain." "Baba O'Rellty." "Sister Disco," "See Me, Feel Me"..,) and a healthy portion of the new album (getting especially strong responses were the title cut, "It's Hard," and John Entwistle's "Dangerous").

What was so refreshingly exciting about this show was its obvious emphasis on the music— bare-assed rock 'n' roll — and the performers rather than on flash and flair that detracts from so many other concerts. Except for an imposing stage set (and expansive stage with W-H-O spelled out in 60 foot high letters with the bar of the H as the roof of the stage and the W and 0 covering the scaffolding on either side), all that was there was Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Entwistle and Kenney Jones. They don't need any gimmickry. just their instruments, microphones and an audience. God love 'em!

And any fears that The Who would be unable to gel their message out loud and clear to the upper reaches of the cavernous Silverdome were quickly laid to rest. The Who's awesome sound system boasts a 110.000-watt main system and a 15,000 watt stage monitor (for the sake of comparison, a quality. powerful home stereo system boasts 150-200 watts). Before the show, Townshend noted that the Silverdome "was hardly meant for rock'n'roll. "But then the Silverdome had never before had the pleasure of playing host to . the Who.

The Clash were in the wrong place at the wrong time. But they did very little to help themselves either. The Silverdome's gates were opened at 3 p.m. and two hours (5: 30) before the show's start the crowd was already nearly 40,000 strong. At 7:30 sharp when Eddie Money look the stage, the arena was tilled near to capacity and the fans who'd already been standing toe-to-toe about 45-feet deep and across the width of the stadium floor were ready to "rock and roll the place."

But by 9 p.m. when the Clash emerged from backstage, the crowd was ready lot the Who, and vocally displayed their collective sentiment with a booming chorus of "Boo." In fact, the boos began as early as when The Clash was pre-announced immediately following Money's opening set.

Still. The Clash could have effectively stifled the restless crowd's catcalls by performing a rocking set of accessible material instead of being so damned self-serving. The boos and cheers were almost canceling each other out as The Clash worked its way through a strong set-opening "London Calling." But then the band inexcusably chose to ignore its more popular attractions ("Train In Vain," "Jimmy Jazz," "Washington Bullets." to name a few) and instead trudged through numerous (read: too many) songs from their latest LP, COMBAT ROCK. Despite their protestations to the contrary. The Clash are apparently as interested as the next group in selling albums.

The Clash appeared to be trying to salvage its set with an energized version of "Should I Stay Or Should I Go." but it was a classic tale of too little too late. The boisterous crowd left no doubt as to their answer: they unanimously

encouraged the band to "Go!" The Clash overextended its stay with a set-closing "1 Fought The law" before succumbing to the crowd's wishes and leaving without an encore.

Before the show Eddie Money was banling to control his nerves and anxiety. He had something to prove: that he deserved to be second-billed on this show. "I've got the number two selling album (NO CONTROL) in Detroit," he hitched. "And instead I'm dropped to the third bill. I got shaded, but you can't keep a good man down."

Not coincidentally, Money chose "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down" to kick off his 10-song, 45-minute set. Money's enthusiastic stage presence was unfortunately lost in the spacious Silverdome, but the energy he displayed in his vocals did not fall on deaf ears. The crowd provided Money with a response as strong as he could have elicited at his own headlining gig. And the crowds appreciation no doubt served to ease the hurt of Money's bruised ego.

Especially gratifying had to be the crowd's revved-up reactions afforded the new album's title cut and its two singles. "Think I'm In Love" and "Shakin'." Money's performance grew stronger with each song as his pre-show nervousness was driven away by by the crowd's repeated thundering ovations.

The crowd, already 70,000 strong when Money look the stage, demanded an encore and Money responded with as spirited a version of "Rock 'N' Roll The Place" as he's ever delivered.

Keith Rathhun

video - Police on My Back + Interview

Unknown gig review

Any further info / reviews
appreciated

Aug 9		Red Rock Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colorado, USA
		Hey, Love the site. I was lucky enough to see the Clash half a dozen times in 1981 and 1982--three nights at Bond's including opening night and the last matinee when we all got up on stage (my brother reminded me the other night of seeing me on stage singing "Jimmy Jazz" into Mick's mike and deciding he too had to rush the stage), Asbury Park in 1982, one of the nights with The Who @ Shea and a night in August 1982 at Red Rocks, a natural amphitheater in the Rocky Mountains outside of Bolder, Colorado. The Bond's shows were remarkable, but the Red Rocks show was great too. The band opened with "White Riot" Mick, Joe and Paul beginning with their backs to the audience and wheeling around at the mikes just in time to nail the opening vocals. Also, Allen Ginsburg came out to do his "Ghetto Defendant" rap (he was chairing a symposium at the Naropa Institute in Bolder on the 25th anniversary of the publication of On the Road which I was in town to attend). Amazing all around. Thanks for compiling this. Jason Chervokas
Aug 11		Civic Center, Saint Paul MN, USA
Aug 12		Aragon Ballroom, Chicago IL, USA
Aug 13		Aragon Ballroom, Chicago IL, USA
Aug 14		Civic Center, Grand Rapids MI, USA
Aug 16		Grand Theatre, Detroit MI, USA
Aug 17		Civic Theatre, Akron OH, USA
Aug 18		Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh PA, USA
Aug 19		Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA, USA
Aug 21		Seattle Centre Arena (hoax)
		see poster - Subject: Seattle Center Arena, August 21, 1982 Hey there, Fantastic site. I just wanted to let you know that the Seattle '82 date (August 21) was a hoax perpetuated by me and two friends who selfishly hoped it might bring the Clash to town since they were skipping Seattle. We knew the US tour was on and we knew the Beat was opening, so we added local Seattle punks The Fartz and printed up the signs ourselves and put them up all over town late one night. The poster was reprinted in Art Chantry's book on Seattle poster art called Instant Litter. I'm sure the scan you have came from that. So there was never a show, never a Seattle date booked to cancel. Just three kids in nearby Tacoma who hoped to see their heroes. We finally did when they came to town to open for the Who later that year. Erik Flannigan
Aug 22		Boston Orpheum Theatre (cancelled)
		see poster
Aug 23		Boston Orpheum Theatre (cancelled)
Aug 24		Boston Orpheum Theatre (cancelled)
Aug 20		South Yarmouth, MA, Cape Cod Coliseum, Hyannis
		It was a general admission show and a lot crammed in. 007 were the support band.
Aug 21		South Yarmouth, MA, Cape Cod Coliseum, Hyannis
		There was definitely a day or two off after the 21st (Joe's 30th b-day party, Kosmo somehow talked the hotel into letting us at the closed bar, some yarn about important people from the record label being there. I remember Joe being behind the bar pouring drinks. In between the Clash gigs Elvis Costello played in the same venue. And The Baker somehow talked me into bringing my mom to the last night, the one and only. Pulsallama supported this night.
Aug 23		South Yarmouth, MA, Cape Cod Coliseum, Hyannis
		I was looking, recently, at the summer 1982 listings for Cape Cod Coliseum (Aug 20th, etal)... I attended all the shows. I was working a summer college job, and it was just about the end of the summer, as Labor Day was closing in fast. There were 3 Clash shows in all, but recollection is they only took one night off (shows were Friday, Saturday, Monday - 20th, 21st, 23rd). In between, Elvis Costello brought his Imperial Bedroom tour through.... I seem to recall being at the venue 4 straight nights - no breaks. I seem to recall, but may not be 100% sure on this, the opening act(s) on some of the nights were Gang Green and/or Jerry's Kids - both Boston hardcore bands at the time. 007 also supported one of the gigs, as your site mentions. I remember the shows being on fire! Loud, fast, and everyone was dancing! Elvis Costello did indeed play with the Attractions at South Yarmouth, MA, Cape Cod Coliseum on the 22nd. Link
Aug 26		Penn Rink, Philadelphia PA, USA
Aug 27		Penn Rink, Philadelphia PA, USA
Aug 28		Providence Civic Centre, Providence, USA
Aug 29		Agora Ballroom in Hartford (West Hartford), Connecticut
		I am sure that I saw them in late August at the Agora Ballroom in Hartford (West Hartford), Connecticut, but that doesn't show up on the 1982 tour dates.  At one time the venue was called Stage West.  They were in the area at that time (Hyannis, Providence and NYC are all close by).   Is it possible that this was a last-minute schedule change or something?  MTownsend(at)adcole.com I saw your website and just wanted to give you the date of the Clash show at the Agora Ballroom in West Hartford, CT. It was on Sunday August 29th, 1982. I think Black Uhuru was the opener. Admission was $10.50 and well worth it. I still have my ticket. Great website. Thanks, Tom
Aug 31		Pier 84, New York NY, USA
Sep 1		Pier 84, New York NY, USA
Sep 2		Pier 84, New York NY, USA
Sep 4		Verdun Auditorium, Montreal, Canada
Sep 5		CNE Grandstand at the old Exhibition (Grounds) Stadium, Toronto, Canada
Sep 7		Orpheum Theater, Boston MA, USA
Sep 8		Orpheum Theater, Boston MA, USA
Sep 25		JFK Stadium, Philadelphia PA, USA
		...supporting The Who
Sep 26		Rich Stadium, Buffalo NY, USA
		...supporting The Who
Sep 30		Pontiac Silverdome, Detroit, USA
		...supporting The Who
Oct 2		State University of New York (SUNY), Binghampton NY, USA
Oct 3		R.P.I. Fieldhouse, Troy NY, USA
Oct 4		University of Vermont in Burlington Vermont
		Opening band was a local act called Pinhead.  About 2,000 tickets sold.  I don't know if a boot exists, but would give my arm for one if it did.  (I was 15, and I was the first one in line - waited 9 and a half hours).
Oct 6		SMU, North Dartmouth MA, USA
Oct 9		“Saturday Night Live”
		NBC-TV appearance, New York NY, USA
Oct 12		Shea Stadium, New York
		...supporting The Who
Oct 13		Shea Stadium, New York
		...supporting The Who
Oct 15		William and Mary Hall, Williamsburg, Va.
		I was at the Oct 15th 1982 show at William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA.  My friends and I had driven there from the podunk towns of Concord and Kannapolis, NC.  In the pre-internet days it wasn't always easy to find out about bands going on tour unless it was some shit band like Boston.  I found out about this show by listening to a Sunday night alternative radio show that I could pick up even though the station was 100-plus miles from where I lived.  I told my friends about it and the following Friday we set out for Williamsburg.  I remember getting out of our car once we arrived and noticing how every car had a different Clash song playing on their respective tape decks.  I felt like I was on another planet.  The show had General Admission seating and we wanted to be down front, but where we were at things got pretty wild.  I remember some guy pulling out a knife right next to me.  I can't remember why now.  The Clash were great, of course.  I never thought I'd be getting the chance to see them and I was stoked that they were playing first album material too and not just the more recent "hits".  They were a turing point in my life and I was never the same because of them. www.Chris Peigler
Oct 16		Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA, USA
Oct 17		Memorial Gym, Kent State University OH, USA
Oct 18?		Louisville, Kentucky
Oct 19?		Folsum Field, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
		Supporting the Who. Uncertain date. It is not the 17th which is Kent State. Possibly the 19th? According to the Who concert guide, The Who played Folsom field on Oct. 17.
Oct 20		Seattle Kingdom
		The Clash supported the Who at the Seattle Kingdom on the 21st of Oct 82. They played about 40 minutes. T-Bone Burnett came on before and was booed. Sadly I have misplaced the tape of this gig but the set was pretty standard.
Oct 22		Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, USA
		Poster Ticket The Memorial Auditorium only seats about 3500 people. The Clash were getting ready to play with The Who at the two Oakland shows on the 23rd & 25th. They decided to play a solo show by themselves in Sacramento on the 22nd.
Oct 23		Colisseum Stadium, Oakland CA, USA
		...supporting The Who
Oct 25		Colisseum Arena, Oakland CA, USA
		The Clash DID NOT support The Who at the Oakland Coliseum ARENA (the smaller enclosed venue next to the larger Coliseum STADIUM used on Oct. 23 1982) on Oct. 25 1982. I attended both shows and have circulated my recordings of both. It may be my master recording of the Oct. 23 performance that you have heard and reviewed. I hope that helps to refine the info on your site. I'm absolutely certain. We were very disappointed the Clash only played at the larger outside show. Ned Hoey
Oct 29		Colisseum, Los Angeles CA, USA
		...supporting The Who
		31-10-82 Any recording labelled Ozone Park New Jersey is Bonds 9 June 81
Nov 27		Bob Marley Centre, Montego Bay, Kingston, Jamaica
		...Jamaican World Music Festival