Exploding Drummer (Porydol POCP 2000 (12151977)
Gaumont State Theater, Kilburn, London – December 15th, 1977
Introduction, I Can’t Explain, Substitute, Baba O’Riley, My Wife, Behind Blue Eyes, Dreaming From The Waist, Pinball Wizard, I’m Free, Tommy’s Holiday Camp, Summertime Blues, Shakin’ All Over, My Generation, Join Together, Who Are You?, Won’t Get Fooled Again
The very last performance with Keith Moon was actually in May 1978 at Shepperton Studios, but this is the final show before a paid crowd. Hastily arranged by the band and filmmaker Jeff Stein for footage for the film The Kids Are Alright, only a small portion of the show was finally used.
Stein himself has described this show as a “train wreck.” The band sound nervous and angry with impromptu set list changes and long delays between songs and lots of swearing.
Even the chance of having a rare live recording of “Who Are You?” is thwarted when the band lose their way in the middle and jump into “Won’t Get Fooled Again”. In fact, the final half of the show from “Shakin’ All Over” to the end is played as a long medley. It sounds like they were in a hurry to put an end to this disaster!
The recording sounds several generations away from the master. Lots of distortion in the bass especially. In general this is recommended only for the die-hard Who fan. Even the curious rock and roll historian will have a hard time enjoying this. The show has been officially released on DVD which is recommened above this.
