Guitar Teacher REACTS: THE WHO "Eminence Front" LIVE (Toronto 17th Dec 1982) 4K

[@edzmuda6870]

Pete really made a major breakthrough in his guitar playing on that tour - kinda Gilmouresque. He never played that solo the same but each time was amazing.

[@marcracicot-s7g]

In that show, all his solos were fantastic. Better tant than any other show

[@jasonswervo8432]

I was at this show!! It was supposed to be The Who’s “final concert” I was sixteen. I waited in line at Lamport Statium at The University of Toronto for almost 24 hours to get tickets of myself and my cousin that was coming up from Boston just for this show. This was before the internet. When they finally opened the ticket window everyone who was waiting in line had to rush to the front to cut off the line crashers. A riot broke out. It was total chaos. The cops cracked some skulls and I was finally able to scramble my way to the window and scored two tickets directly across from centre stage in Maple Leaf Gardens. Unforgettable night!! Thanks for the memory and the reminder of the greatness of this band ✌🏻😎

[@jfg1356]

same here except I decided to leave when the cops got chippy... still got tickets for both final shows though! amazing nights

[@johnnymossville]

This is a song that if you put it on in the car in the middle of the night on the interstate,.... you'll find yourself driving 120mph and not even know it.

[@ArmyProperty]

Fact check: true

[@chriskane29]

This is crazy accurate....

[@eldavieo]

True 😂

[@mr.c3865]

Specially if u took acid a hour before...

[@eldavieo]

@@mr.c3865 😂😂😂😂 trippppiiiinnn

[@billmoran935]

Fell in love with this song in Worcester, MA 1992. I’m a guitar lover but ... Entwhistle had my attention most of the evening. He was and still is the Best Bassist I’ve ever seen

[@yaterspoon57]

'82. I was there.

[@__bam]

At rehearsal last night our drummer suggested adding this song to the set list. I've never played it before so I'm looking around for it and BOOM, here you are breaking it down. What a cool coincidence and just a great song. Thanks for the dealers choice today!

[@carolrademacher7002]

Good luck 🍀

[@LeftNorRight]

I love The Who! Townsend is one of the most original guitarists and lyricists in rock and The Ox is my favorite bassist. Thanks, Michael.

[@spoon072000]

Pete is the greatest rhythm guitarist to ever play lead in the history of rock music. Genius.

[@wlouisharris]

A lot of times we revere these guys because of their creativity and song-writing skills, but Pete's sense of timing is just something he was touched by god with.

[@guitarsolos89]

Petes timings are so insane. And in every live show he plays different versions of his solos but they still have that great feeling and timing. Ppl who critisize his playing doesn't understand it..

[@matthiasjanbrungers4978]

@@guitarsolos89 yeah, he is very loose but he never plays a solo twice..he takes a lot of chances, no comfort zone here... He always plays in the moment, thats fantastic

[@tonydejesus2134]

Keith Richards.

[@p47paul]

@@guitarsolos89 Yep :)

[@asdfghjklkjhvbvcvjhvlyhb9957]

That Toronto tv special is one the best gigs ever recorded of anyone

[@lewismurphy9596]

Absolutely love this tune thought you’d never do it! Screamer man, keep doing what you’re doing👌🏼

[@Guitargate]

Thanks so much!!

[@ruffian631]

As a bass player I so appreciate how much you respect a great bass guitar player!

[@judgegarry]

Sometimes I laugh about Roger getting in John's face about getting blown off the stage from walking and singing too far stage right. Then John, with his country gentleman charm, just tells Roger, "This is the #WHO, I'm the bass player, this is what I do..."

[@mayacerutti9596]

I know nothing about guitar playing, but i enjoy SSSOOO MUCH watching you enjoy the music, feeling it, ur face is priceless!!!!

[@donborio6942]

Plus, he's Italian.

[@brianchristian5598]

Pete always plays without a net...sometimes disastrously, but often sublimely. He doesn't care about perfection.

[@claudioperotti9439]

@Mick what an idiotic statement

[@chrisyates326]

Yeah he’s a madman.

[@mikepalmer1971]

I can respect that.

[@guitarsolos89]

Disastrously? Dude his timings and level of playing clean is unmatched in live settings. Pete is the opposite of disastrous.

[@tedgreen6]

guitarsolo89 Thank you!

[@Jackson-T23]

The musicianship displayed at every instrument in this song is mindblowing.

[@p47paul]

This is the best breakdown of how Townshend layers the music. And it certainly reminds us of how great Pete’s lead playing can be. Great video!

[@staleyexplores]

Sick. Been addicted to this song for a long time.

[@tmk1127]

This instructor is amazing! His passion for music is stunning.

[@ramfat]

John Entwistle has the most sick bass lines in rock history. Change my mind.

[@fposmith]

John Entwistle was the greatest bass player in history !

[@leonardoD81]

Might not be your type of band but listen to Yes's Chris Squire. Especially on "Close to the Edge". Love Entwistle, but IMHO Squire is right there with him.

[@aeonise]

@@leonardoD81 I'm right there with you, they're both amazing. Entwistle had the heaviest hit to his sound, Squire had that famous growl, and they both go nuts on a good groove.

[@davidsigalow7349]

The bass line in this song is very supple and far more complex than it had to be....a sign of real talent.

[@jamiebejune1488]

@@leonardoD81 ENTWISTLE WAS A BASS GOD!

[@paulthompson7412]

So cool to see the passion you have when listening to this song. Have felt this way since the first time I heard it in ‘82

[@discountpsyop]

This has been another explanation as to how and why Pete is an absolute friggin' genius, Great vid, Michael!!!!

[@tomlorenzen4062]

Pete is one of my top 3 guitarists ever. Phenomenal

[@transamination]

I only just discovered how good he is. All I really knew about before was 'My Generation' chords etc. This track in particular is amazing.

[@timothycollins1968]

Transamination…….listen to Live at Leeds….it will blow your mind.

[@RobertKeeleyTV]

The best, most passionate review of this tune. I love your excitement about the harmony, it's exactly how I feel about Pete and his compositions. Thanks Michael!

[@Nut-ml5wc]

This is one of my favorite songs ever. Thank you!

[@cameroncooper4175]

Fascinating analysis, thanks very much.

[@Sean_Farmer]

One of my favorite Who songs and it's just got a killer groove!

[@bulletproofbronco4681]

The bass movements are as essential to the song's vibe as Pete's guitar or the keyboard hooks. Absolutely phenomenal!

[@michaelgreer4790]

always been my favourite song by them, and this live version is an inspiration. A crime it was left off the live album of this gig. Thanks for breaking this down.

[@tiffsaver]

I LOVE this video!! I have always thought "Eminence Front" was one of Townsend's best compositions. It's crazy keyboard intro, it's tasty guitar licks, and of course John Entwhistle on the bottom. This unstoppable riff always gets my blood going. Thanks for posting.

[@Emlizardo]

So cool how Pete's solo is in the INTRO, where it plants a flag and establishes the overall vibe of the song, rather than about 2/3 of the way through like most solos.

[@ryleuty]

I've been jamming in this own HARD for the last year or so. So good!!

[@adumbberg]

Pete's opening solo in this song is one of my favorite 30 second guitar solos of all time. Due to the phrasing and most of all the feel. It's a much better solo than the studio solo, which is pretty remarkable. The song has a much stronger energy on this live version.

[@commentbasher420]

I to prefer this live solo intro over the studio version

[@jonzguitar]

This live version is good. Definitely better than the studio version, but in my opinion Pete’s phrasing, solos and singing are even better on that old promo video they did that MTV used to play back in 1982 at this same arena in Canada. It was a live sound check. The video is on youtube it’s a VEVO video.

[@StefanGBucher]

There are some amazing little gems in the guitar outro of the studio version. There are isolated tracks of this, and it's SO good!

[@tomscott3]

His opening is awesome, but don't forget the last 8 measures where he puts in so many rests, it's extremely difficult to play.....and sing at the same time. Very Best Regards, Tom Scott Author ● Speaker ● World's Leading Expert on the Corrupt U.S. Legal System _Our American Injustice System_ _Stack the Legal Odds in Your Favor_

[@hazor777]

@@tomscott3 You are aware that today : 10/1/24 is the day the United States Of America Corporation has been officially dissolved and null and void , right? We are back to the original Constitution of 1776 and not 1871 . Maritime Law is no more , We The People live under US Constitutional Law - AMEN !! God Bless America !! Now, it’s time to clean house - expansions at GITMO are awaiting former American traitorous politicians- soon to be disclosed to the public! Trump 2024!!

[@robertacolarette1594]

To me this is the best performance of this song. It totally overshadows the recording. Pete’s intro on the guitar is absolutely slick. I could have listened to that itself much longer. And then there’s some good shots of John’s bass playing. His fingers just fly. Thanks for your analysis.

[@yaterspoon57]

"It totally overshadows the recording"... If by that you mean the studio version - you're 1000% correct. I'm surprised Mike didn't saying anything about the difference. The studio version was just mailed in... this was the real deal.

[@njwho68]

Excellent and informative vid...very enjoyable! The Who will always be my fave!!

[@daborean]

Thank you Michael for the lesson on listening. Hearing you analyze the parts along with the music is very helpful. Certainly NOT your typical react channel!!

[@williamoliveira1409]

One of my favorites tunes of all time.

[@saintfrancis412]

Nice recognition of John's remarkable bass playing and sound. Truly superb, one of a kind. RIP.

[@iceman10129]

(Singer to band) "Hey guys were going to do a Who song. Tommy we are going to need you to play it just like Entwistle" (Tommy puts down bass, grabs car keys, goes and gets a 9 to 5 job)

[@richardmartinez5467]

I just love watching the excitement Michael exudes.

[@scottay69]

I get chills just remembering when I saw The Who play and hearing those keys lead into this song - truly epic concert experience.

[@1ericamat]

A great breakdown of this song. The Who’s catalogue is so deep. I have never seen another band perform better live.

[@hazor777]

I remember watching this concert on HBO , way back in 1983 or so - this concert and Rolling Stones 80/81 Tour both on HBO were so impressed on me as a young early middle schooler . I finally “got it” , as to why these 2 bands were so big and popular. The Toronto show has so many great performances and the set list is great too . The album ‘It’s Hard’ has always been a favorite Who album for me . They were still somewhat in their prime at the time , Pete’s guitar playing is really solid and expansive on his known style at the time . Can’t say enough about it

[@edmcmuffin6174]

My first ever concert when I was about 12 was The Who back in the late 90’s/early 00’s! Truly unforgettable night of my life. I remember on the way home asking my dad what that keyboard song was that they played and sure enough it was Eminence Front. Still one of my favorite songs to this day and will blast this song any time any where it comes on!! Love the breakdown of it and have an even greater appreciation for the band and song! Keep up the great content brotha!

[@az_andy451]

Thank you! Made me listen to the song in a whole different light

[@chrissnape9537]

Glad you did my favorite band THE WHO, what a song writer

[@michadr9098]

Hey man I got your masterclass course today. it’s awesome! I’ve already learned so much after the first level. Keep up the good work thanks a lot

[@Guitargate]

That's great! Thanks so much and best of luck!

[@jon8021]

I loved this song as a kid when it was a hit. Many years later, when I’d occasionally drop this into my DJ sets, sure enough, it was a hit with the crowd. Solid piece of funk rock.

[@timkritzer134]

I was blessed enough to see them play several times in the 80s and 90s. Pete has always been one of my top guitarists. Great video!

[@christophergurreri5024]

You deserve a medal for this! Loved your last comment about finding someone to sound like John…..good luck, lol!!!

[@gokhanersan8561]

My top ten song of all time. So infectious, man !

[@kompst]

Thank you for your advanced analysis. Been a Who fan since Who by Numbers, but then I went back and started from the beginning of their career. With that solid right hand and power chords he sort of hid his lead skills. They’re not hidden anymore.

[@PhantasyKingpin]

Yeah this is totally a textbook crowd killer. So many memories tied to listening to this song and it fits so many situations. It’s just that groove.

[@xianshep]

Underrated guitarist AND singer.

[@m2bamm766]

Love that your shaking your head when they go to that change. I do that every time I hear it. So good

[@jppagetoo]

Most guitar players don't know Pete is also one of the rocks best synth players. He was a big ARP player. He even combined the two on "Who Are You?" by feeding his guitar through an ARP 2600. Great guitar player, cutting edge keyboard player.

[@testicuslargus6477]

A genius on the keys for sure.

[@leechilds3725]

A fantastic tune from pete townshend ! I heard this when i was 14 .im 49 now ! It was this 82 Toronto gig that i first ever came across the who . And i have loved them ever since.

[@benwear]

What a grand choice this dealer's choice is! Nice job breaking this one down and discussing options for covering instruments not (currently) in your band. Great job, Michael.

[@SullenMorbius]

love the lesson here. love your energy. (band I'm in) we do 4 covers in our set; we've skillfully placed'em there with reason, purpose, and effect.

[@stevenwitt1812]

I saw them on that tour when they played Chicago. Really great show. No smashed guitars (Pete was long finished with that by then), but Pete launched one 15 or 20 feet in the air at one point. It was just a fun night. Wonderful memories.

[@renyauger4560]

I was at that Toronto show. 18 years old, worked for the promoters at was at the side of the stage, massive Who fan from childhood and seeing them live was everything you’d want it to be except for wishing you could have seen Keith Moon. Kenny was a great drummer and stayed with them for years. The music didn’t suffer but part of what makes The Who great were personalities, Moon the Loon, The Ox on bass barely any reaction ever, Roger and Pete each explosive in their own unique ways. Watching Pete’s fingers fly and often bleed on Pinball Wizard live complete with his trademark windmills was pure magic. I was lucky enough to see and work with them three times in Toronto. Out of all the experiences I had in those years they were the ones that never disappointed, they are each exactly who you expect them to be. Of course they know they’re geniuses but there’s no arrogance, rudeness or superiority. They were friendly, fun and never inappropriate given my job & age (finished uni at 17 so was ahead of the curve), something that cannot be said about many other musicians I had admired until I saw how they treated people or I had to shut them down. The Who are the real deal on and off the stage.

[@Nezzer57]

Massively underrated Who track. Respect Pete... 👍

[@kraken1821]

Have seen them a handful of times and they never disappoint. At the Desert Trip in Palm Springs the line up was Bob, Dylan, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Roger Waters and The Who. The Who were phenomenal, the others all great but The Who crushed it. Pete talked about how how wrote this song coked out of his mind in a hotel in Miami. How did he find coke in Miami, lol? Always been a favorite player of mine, great song.

[@olafthebent8820]

I went to this concert. Spent most of the time watching John Entwistle's hands. I still have the ticket stub

[@shellwash3499]

I love how he thoroughly enjoys this song so much. GREAT choice!

[@Guitargate]

CROWD KILLER.

[@ivanesteves2828]

appreciate your passion man and attention to detail

[@pablocruise678]

Huge fan of the Who… my fav.. thanks MTV!!

[@EverestMystery]

Great video Michael. Always LOVE Pete's guitar playing....

[@edugondran9532]

Ive never see anything soo good , like your explanation

[@Gabe-Maddie-Music]

So glad you’re giving them love. Would love to see you comment on their young man blues from the Isle of Wight. Or really I just hope you already love it as much as I do

[@Billy_Bojangles68]

Great video once again, Michael. I've now had an Eminence Front ear worm for the last 24 hours.

[@pmomalley]

Love that little jam you did at the beginning. Very cool.

[@Sebshappytrees]

One of my favorite rock songs

[@mickeygoh25]

To me, this is the best Pete's performance ever recorded

[@yaterspoon57]

Certainly the best Eminence Front performance!

[@ibnufasya6408]

​@@yaterspoon57 way better than '89, it's like Pete's playing is day and night

[@pettisUSA]

I remember when this song and MTV video came out. I loved it right away. I had already seen the Who in St. Paul, Minnesota, a couple of times and was familiar with their live songs portfolio. But this one was a pure guitar piece. So many learning gems in this teaching; it will be of great benefit for me to study this video. Eminence Front lingers in my head after many years.

[@peterb1277]

Always loved this song. Thanks for showing it.

[@Dave-gf3kd]

You can call it what you want! I call it “LEARNING A TON OF STUFF”!!!!!!!! The more I watch your stuff, and the further and deeper I get into your courses, the more I begin to understand your depth of knowledge and ability to share it with us!!!!! F’N AWESOMES JOB MICHAEL! (Dave)

[@thewhorocks515]

Loved your breakdown and energy. Thanks for increasing my understanding and appreciation of this song and my favorite band growing up.

[@edster612]

Love your analysis of this tune. It really is one of the all-time greats. I really enjoy watching your childlike excitement on certain parts of the breakdowns. It really reminds me of me. Would love to see you breakdown a Mark Knopfler or Brian Setzer tune, with their clever little intricacies as well.

[@kenjijohnson5323]

Couple of things, my absolute favorite Who song, the keyboards give the song a sense of foreboding. Also, Mr. Entwistle, his bass thunder was such he could have opened the earths crust. Lastly, it’s alway fun to see lead singers, rock with and ax instead of a mic, Bono, Bowie and Roger!!! Keep rocking man! I love music theory and how one song or riff can spawn a new genre! Peace!!!

[@maxhonzel472]

Pete’s moves at the beginning are killing me! Great vid as always!

[@michaelrogers9029]

Umphrey's does a killer cover of this tune. Great vid Mikey 👍

[@eldavieo]

It’s the combination of the keyboard, the bass and those drums along with the scratch and that groove 👌👌

[@jcmartin1978]

Fellow Bmore boy here... love what you’re doing bro! If I ever see you out in town, I’m buying you some beers as a small token of gratitude for all of this awesome content!

[@joebaby555]

Another great reach back to amazing tunes,,so many memories flooded back just hearing the opening...”gotta get the scratch “‘...love this channel..👏👏👏👏👍🙏

[@jp2059]

Awesome channel. Former guitar player about to pick it up again. Thanks the inspiration. What a great tune. 👍👍

[@Guitargate]

You got this brother!! Keep it in your hands

[@cc-gr1sz]

Thank you Michael

[@carllouisyoung]

I enjoyed watching and learning, as a non-guitar player. Though I want to learn. You were fantastic teaching.

[@bigb77]

You are Italian...I love the Song I love your It takes Quality to Observe Quality!!

[@spoon072000]

Once again, the ox proves he's one of the greatest bass players in rock. Oh yeah, and nice work Pete!

[@darrendonahue2797]

Athena is a great tune too and long forgotten from Classic Rock Formats.

[@petedunn795]

Brilliant. Good instruction!

[@Zigarius1123]

MAAAAAAANNNNNN you timed this perfect! I was jamming this out today! You should check out this song mashed up with creeping death and holy wars.

[@markkennedy1022]

A fitting tribute to one of my favourite bands and one of their best. Thanks!

[@raidernation7287]

One of my favorite Who tracks, thank you for the review!

[@TheCincinnatiDad]

Dude, so much to unpack here! I was waiting for you to get to Entwistle waiting... I found the isolated bass track on here a while ago and was like "ok, just the two notes for THAT LONG?" And then he comes in on the refrain and eats up the fretboard, like the beast he was. I love how you feel the groove (in your chair dancing) as a circle, I do too! Some rhythms feel square, some are circular (if you've ever been conducted poorly, you know what I mean), and this definitely rolls forward rather than steps forward. The opening solo is soooooo Pete. My favorite version of this song is the sound check MTV video, and that solo is solid. I've recently added this song to my solo acoustic repertoire, I wasn't sure it would work, but it totally does... down a half step, though, to use the open strings in Em and Cmaj7! Cheers!

[@IFenderFatStrat]

When that beat drops in the car I just go full claw on the window controls.They’re all going down.

[@CharlesPero]

Hell Yeah....!!!

[@MrYatesj1]

Always love your show, this one stood out! Very nice!!

[@boomerdell]

Can’t say enough about Pete Townshend not only as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, but as an overall musician and composer. Doesn’t get his due, but absolutely deserves to be recognized. Side note: looks like he’s rocking a Schecter PT (Tele-style guitars made by Schecter and named PT after Pete). Schecter makes incredible guitars at great price points for what you get. I have an LP-style guitar by them that I absolutely adore.

[@rwh2559]

Schecters, are the modern Peavey....great instruments for the price.

[@16kevinjones]

LOVE this version

[@kyleecollins]

The Who live was the best concert I've ever been to and I don't think anything will ever beat it

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

That part where it comes in as the 1 beat but on the 3 beat, really refreshes the groove

[@Fakename70]

The absolute definitive version. Well done, Michael.