The Who’s Next & Live Civic San Francisco Shoot Out

[@edwardgonczy3170]

I think "The Who By Numbers" is underrated. I saw them at Fillmore East on May 18, 1969. This was a rescheduled show from a Friday night show that a teacher at the school I attended had been to and the concert was abruptly cancelled due to a fire at a Chinese Delicatessen that was adjacent to the building that housed Fillmore East. The teacher, unable to attend Sunday's show, I was the beneficiary of the tickets. No drugs of any kind (that stuff came later that year) and they absolutely blew me away. If my memory serves me well, they only played an abridged version of "Tommy" at that point. I think they were a bit tentative as to how it would go over. But "Heaven and Hell", "Can't Explain", Young Man Blues" and I saw possibly the best show I ever saw of the 40 or so live shows by a variety of artists over the next 50 years.

[@patlampo9288]

I’m so glad of the San Fran show, being a resident of the California central coast most my life😊Thank you for sharing your experience of attending these shows✨✨The sound quality is so superb on this new vinyl release✨

[@huwthomas1042]

Attended the 76 show at Swansea Vetch Field of which a great boot exists Always on top. Part of a short football stadium tour that summer. Roger maintained that it was one of their best.. They always smashed it when playing in Wales. Just need a Charlton 74 release now.

[@richierugs6544]

my first concert: 1966 Who at Village Theater later to become Fillmore East---they never did a ballad or a slow blues, everything was tough and loud and they sang like angels and then they destroyed everything, like a combination of sex, sports comedy and philosophy---it was incredible, then I had to see them 12 more times all with Moon---most exciting live act of that era

[@LoganEnright-z5s]

I worked in a record store in Boston when the Who, "Live at Leeds" 😮came out. I played it constantly in the store and sold 5 copies everytime i put it on. At the time I considered it the best live recording I had heard.

[@babyshambler]

I still do!

[@Barry101er]

What shop was that?

[@Luileadolfo]

A few years ago "Live at Hull" was released. It Is as good as "Live at Leeds".

[@audiotomb]

Thanks Mazzy for the detailed sonic shoot out. Damn - Nice to hear you went to this SF show and 3 others in The WHo glory years. The Decca US is actually the first pressing country of origin (look it up on Steve Hoffman) - There is a Canadian which uses the same plating. I have both and the Track first press. All viable. Haven’t heard the Classic Records but I do have the great sounding CR Tommy and By Numbers but the CR of Quadrophenia is murky. A UK first pressing Quad and Live at Leeds are both explosive. The real energy of how the band sounded live comes through.

[@drummer78]

Both the Young Vic show and the SF show are epic. 1971 was my favorite year of The Who live. I loved their set lists at that time and they played with so much fire. Keith Moon was on top of his game in 1971 both live and in the studio.

[@ianemery4355]

An incredible box set! From one of my favourite bands of all time!! My favourite who albums being Who's next, Sell out and some might say the underated by numbers!! Another great video Mazzy But the box is mega!! And another Who's next for the collection!!

[@Onteo1]

A nice set for those that don’t have these records. It’s a shame that this as well as a lot of other recent rereleases haven’t lived up to our expectations. I recently reacquired a copy of the early 80s German box set “Phases” . It sounds so good and you are correct about those early albums, they are amazing. I never gave them much consideration before.

[@ChromeDestiny]

If you want to hear songs from this show that sound way better get a hold of Who's Missing and Two's Missing. The original releases from the 80's have killer sounding versions of Bargain, My Wife and the cover of Goin' Down from the San Francisco '71 show. Some of the later reissues also have Baby Don't You Do It from the same show.

[@thomasmoher9089]

I do like "Who Are You", I think it gets overlooked.

[@andrewmacdonald3667]

Thanks Mazzy. This is very helpful. I’m glad I have the Classic Vinyl version. ‘Live at Hull, 1970’ sounded pretty good too as I recall. I’ll check out the 68 live album.

[@plumerjr]

Yes, the The Who needs to be blasted to be appreciated. Only The Beatles top The Who in my book. Quadrophenia is my favorite but this one is awesome too. I'll be checking this out. Live at Leeds is the best live rock album ever in my opinion. I've blasted it countless times.

[@thirdofnever]

I don't think The Beatles could carry The Who's lunch. Long live The Who.

[@jcjuanis3831]

Unlike you and many others on the various vinyl forums, when I buy an LP, I keep it in excellent shape and I’m never enticed to get a new copy based on remastering. I got Who’s Next when it came out. Not only do I love that LP but in my opinion it is probably my favorite LP by The Who. In fact, the sound on that original pressing is engrained in my DNA. So, when this box set came out, I gave it a good long thought to buy in based on the live set. As you note The Who was a great live band, maybe the greatest, Live at Leeds is a masterpiece. So, thanks for letting me know that the SF Civic LP is not essential.

[@christophercahill301]

I agree about the packaging. The live show should be in its own tri-fold sleeve, separate to the who’s next album.

[@dagonstudios2452]

Bargain is my fav. Such subdued synth. Could have gone crazy but I love the subtlety of Townshend’s synth additions. I know this is all obvious

[@rayhollingshad3580]

Bought this set also!Love it! Thanks Mazzy!Appreciate your input!

[@bobburroughs6241]

A top ten album and Won't get Fooled Again a top ten song. Wow, this is on Spotify now!

[@harrysmusicroom]

The 2003 3 LP all analog release includes 2 albums of Record Plant sessions and Live at The Vic. Great sounding re-issue.

[@deantaylor1512]

Is it all analog… ?…..

[@classicrock7890]

Note, the Who's Next in the box is not half speed mastered as is the individual 50th Anniv LP. The half speed sounds better. Agree sound of this box is not great but acceptable. The performance is great.

[@1Long2Short]

Are you sure that's a UK pressing you're holding up? I don't see any UK pressings on Discogs that have the orange Polydor logo on the upper left corner of the front of the jacket. The German Polydor pressings do, however. And the back of the jacket also matches with the German Polydor layout. Just wondering, as the German pressing is said to be a good one.

[@thomashertl3037]

Dankeschön, Mazzy! You saved me a lot of money here. It is a pity that most of the Showell/Abbey treatments are so mediocre. I fully agree with you, the Classic Quiex is the one…

[@johnpyle1022]

Hey Mazzy, disappointing news this, and it's made me think twice about getting this set....however, there also seems to be a 3 disc set, which includes 2 discs of outtakes, but I haven't seen anyone mention it on the VC yet. It's available on the Who web site though. I think I'll go for that one. Cheers!

[@cindyurban150]

Hi Mazzy, The Who are one of my favorite groups ever ! They don't get enough love these days. My favorite album is "Who's Next". When I first heard it on WNEW N.Y. radio FM I was so taken with the sound of the synthesizer ( I never heard anything like it before) ! I went to see them in the 70's at MSG, N.Y.C. Golden Earring was the opening act. Pete, and Roger had a "Hissy" fit on stage ...something about the sound system. They walked off the stage,left us sitting there thinking they'd be back ...NO..they left us high and dry,no refunds either (which was a lot of money for us back then). That incident left me a little angry with them. My Favorite "Live" album of all time is "Live At Leeds", and I hate Live albums. I own almost every Who album from the USA,the Who is a favorite group of mine even though I never got to see them Live. Happiness, Cindy 🌻🎶

[@robotubetwob]

There's a live boot leg of a lot of Who's Next. I think it was a small concert to preview the album. Particularly good is its version of Behind Blue Eyes. Ever hear it?

[@marklacam9748]

I'm not really a who fan although I do love the song ( free me ) from mc vicor, but just wanted to say I picked up a beautiful copy of live at Leeds in a charity shop in London for a couple of quid kept it in doors for a couple of months, never bothered to play it and then sold it to my local record shop for about 15 to20 quid,now wish I'd played it, haha. Luv the show.

[@FormulaProg]

I decided to get the half speed mastered one, sounds pretty nice

[@revelry1969]

It’s miles half speed that is off. Most of them do not sound good. Mazzy need to add the 2003 all analog pressing, 3 disk set to this shoot out. It sounds pretty great to these ears…especially the young Vic stuff

[@TRamone01]

Larry Mullin Jr. and I have the same birthday. Kind of want that Live record. Thanks!

[@jeffkempin2784]

Haven't listened to the live show yet, but the Who's Next album certainly sounds better than my old 80's MCA Records pressing. You're right though, it does sound a little muffled. Mine arrived with splits in both covers and the inner sleeves were so tight around the records that it left all kinds of dust and debris on the surface. I bought it primarily for the live show, but the Amazon listing had the concert date as Dec 12, 1971, which is my birthday. In '71 I would have turned 2. But apparently they got it wrong and the date was actually the 13th. It would have been the 4th live album that was recorded on my birthday. I'm thinking of doing a video on them.

[@mazzysmusic]

Do it Jeff ✌🏼

[@williamcardina89]

Summer of 1971 The Who on tour in support of Who’s Next with an opening group of Patty Labelle was a great birthday present for a kid in beautiful Akron just about to turn 18

[@Barry101er]

I know it is not a "real" LP, but I always loved Odds & Sods; especially tracks like "Now I’m a Farmer"

[@mazzysmusic]

Yes yes ✌🏼

[@audiotomb]

On the UK Trak Live at Leeds you can actually hear Keith banding his snare, it starts to fall over into his toms, he pulls it back up quickly without missing a beat

[@davestevenson2181]

Just about to spend c£70 on this so you have done me a favour. I do have the other live records you mentioned plus Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 so that will do me.Thanks.

[@petejp1]

Hey mazzy I just got this and I too was surprised to see the live album & who's next packaged together. I would have preferred a single who's next and a triple live album, and no booklet. As for the sound, it kind of sounds a little muddy to me. Also, the drums are a little low in the mix. I'm happy to have it but, They could have done a better job with it.

[@Darrin.Crawford]

Hey Mazzy...great roundtable with Steve, I amThanks curious as my 4LP box hasn't arrived yet. I know it's a long shot but when you opened it up were the albums sealed within the box?? That's beyond cool you were there. Thanks

[@mazzysmusic]

Not sealed

[@Darrin.Crawford]

@@mazzysmusic Damn..oh well. Thanks!

[@53puskas53]

Can't wait for the 60th anniversary edition!

[@dagonstudios2452]

Love your comments about Keith moon and the Ox!

[@twofromthetrunk9932]

I have a great OG. Love it’s sound. I do play it loud

[@gjs9366]

"They all played lead" - Noel Gallagher LOL

[@arminzink1925]

yes, fully agree, the packaging is just disappointing. Put Who's Next as a single disc and make the San Fransico gig a tripple LP ... but this packaging is stupid..

[@davidpetersen7091]

Mazzy, Nice review. Mr.Pete----------> aging hippie

[@crapmalls]

This is the reaction to complaints about excessive packaging

[@michelraffin7006]

Is it the half speed in the box ?

[@4-dman464]

1971? I got hit by a car, a red Austin 1100. As I tumbled into the air across the road, I knew this was definitely the end of the Sixties.

[@jakeberry2292]

hi mazz i know you have a great collection of beatle books ..have you come across (love me do the beatles progress ) michael braun cheers love live at leeds have original would send but don't want to be to expensive to ship ..jake

[@Craigory2022]

As far as the live material at the Civic Auditorium goes chances are the original source recording probably wasn’t great to begin with. Even with all the audio technology we have at our disposal you can’t get blood from a stone. My question to you is, have you heard better? I’m guessing the bootleg versions probably aren’t better than what was just recently released. Though I agree with you, despite a great performance, if the sound quality isn’t there it can be difficult to listen to.

[@georgepblair]

The records in this 4-LP set are NOT half-speed mastered. They are the regular speed pressings by Miles at Abbey Road Room 30.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yes

[@bwaters23]

Hey Mazzy…I also share Mooner’s bday! A few years younger than you but did get to see him play once.

[@mazzysmusic]

Belated happy birthday ✌🏼

[@bwaters23]

@@mazzysmusic same same.

[@vinylrichie007]

Kenny Jones was a terrible choice to replace Keith Moon. Rat Scabies from the Damned would have been perfect. His style of playing was similar to Keith’s. The Who were great live. You are lucky to have seen them

[@SpenceCurry]

Agreed. Why then do I like those seventies eighties Townsend releases always compare Townsend to Brian Wilson. The lighthouse is on a legit single disc. Show some love for the first two entwistles solos

[@Matasky2010]

Agree that studio album mixed with live disc in same gatefold is really dumb.

[@grumpy9478]

for live Who... it always comes back to LIVE AT LEEDS.

[@booklover3959]

For the price they are charging for these sets, the sound quality on that live show should be amazing! And the packaging just keeps getting cheaper and cheaper in general! The huge set cost so much you would have to sell your kidney to buy it. And I saw you do not even get protective sleeves or plastic cases for the cds. Crappy and cheap. The graphic novel looks cool though. I will save my money. Awesome that you saw The Who four times with Keith!

[@ediblehorse]

Hi Mazzy. Ed from Chicago. I cant speak for the Who show and bootleg, but I know many Dylan peeps prefer bootleg recordings of the 66 Manchester show to the official release. I believe compression was the issue. may be the same deal. Peace bro.

[@mazzysmusic]

I've had bootlegs of that Dylan show (no longer), but I do LOVE the official boot version. It is actually one of my faves of the series. The Who thing is very different

[@ediblehorse]

@@mazzysmusic The Dylan set is one of most prized records.

[@tmw3108]

Whose next is my favrite😊

[@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883]

The Grande Ballroom in Detroit broke the band and the rest is History.

[@MrLovell1971]

Mazzy I always love the concert stories especially The Who Keith Moon was definitely a treasure my life long dream was to see The Who Live I caught them in the The Who Hits 50 tour in 2014 it was awesome show Zakk Starkey and Pino Palandino.

[@lovbladkarl-olof3975]

The energy of the live set is great, but the sound is somehow disappointing. Especially the drums like you say.

[@mazzysmusic]

Yup

[@machinehead6564]

Why bring out another Tommy show why did they not put out Charlton 74 something we have not got

[@mazzysmusic]

They included a show from the 71 tour for Who’s Next. That the point of including it

[@apoloniochavez7949]

This '71 show has a weird imbalance to the phasing, and out of focus. Glad we have the "I Don't Even Know Myself" 12" single promotional disc, with the same live "Bargain" from this current release, but done better by Steve Hoffman.

[@egotrpn420]

Abbey Road did it again! Screwed up another classic album. You can throw it on the stack of the re-issues of the Rolling Stones. They really suck ! I left a comment in one of their interviews and asked if any of them had a turntable to listen to their albums. Their main turntable is a GE wildcat stereo with an upgraded $20 cartridge. Evidently The mastering engineer had trouble with his hearing aids and must waiting on new ones.

[@FleagleSangria]

Luke says it’s the mix on the live album Mazzy. They really scooped the hell out of it. Also fake audience flown in that doesn’t match the concert. Guess Pete didn’t think the audience was loud enough /: Also some think that Pete wanted Keith’s drums to be more “forward” so thus the really weird mix. They really f’d that live SF ‘71 up. Curious is the proper album 1/2 Speed in the deadwax? John