It was a fantastic show. Roger and Pete both looked and sounded good. I was saddened by the low turnout, but not shocked because of the ads running right up until day of show. The upper level was almost completely empty, but the Save Mart Center did something creative; black curtains were hung that covered the vast number of empty seats and it gave a cozier feel to the place. I can't believe that Fresnans would pass on this show because of it being Sunday or possibly because of the cost. If bands hit cities only on weekends, they'd be touring for years instead of weeks or months. I don't hear people in S.F. or L.A. complaining when seeing a major act on a weeknight. As for the cost; a typical Fresnan will turn his nose up at a concert ticket that costs $100, but will happily plunk down whatever it costs to eat at a chain restaurant and see a mediocre movie. Where's the logic? I'm glad I went and kudos to the band for giving one hell of a performance in spite of the turnout. Let's hope the promoters don't hedge on bringing other big acts here in the future.

The show, in one word, was amazing. Thanks to the two generous gentlemen I was sitting next to, they switched places with me so I had a better no-head view from my floor seat. The opening band, Rose Hill Drive, got stuck at Donner Pass (so I overheard from one of the security guards before the show started) so Pete's brother, Simon, opened the show with a small, but rockin' 5-song acoustic set. Pete and Roger were in great form! I too was disappointed that the show wasn't sold out- but still the crowd was hot. I swear there was a moment where it seemed like the whole Save Mart Center was shaking; the crowd went wild with cheering and stomping feet at near the end of the show before they came back out to do a damn-near perfect "Tommy" encore. As Pete mentioned during the show, it's been 39 years since they've been to Fresno, it's been way too long! Absolute amazing show (and worth every penny, even the $3.50 bottle of water).

ps;
Here is the setlist. This might answer the question of what they performed ;)

I Can't Explain
The Seeker
Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere
Fragments
Who Are You
Behind Blue Eyes
Real Good Looking Boy
Sound Round
Pick Up The Peace
Endless Wire
We Got A Hit
They Made My Dreams Come True
Mirror Door
Baba O' Riley
Eminence Front
Man In A Purple Dress
Black Widows Eyes
You Better You Bet
My Generation / Cry If You Want
Won't Get Fooled Again

Encore:
Pinball Wizard
Amazing Journey
Sparks
See Me Feel Me
Listening To You
Tea and Theatre

Thanks Tony and Tanya for the rundowns. I'm sure others appreciate the insight ...

I can't wait to see an offical attendance figure ...

This was a really great show. The music was awesome and the sound system delivered crytal clear music. The video screens were really cool and entertaining. Pete and Roger delivered fantastic music and they personally looked great. Pete had the whole place rockin so hard I could hardly believe it. He is a class act. I don't understand how with so many classic rockers in town the place was not full. For those of us who were there we got the opportunity to participate in a great show!

Agreed, Tanya. An Amazing (Journey) show for those that attended - a truly missed opportunity for those that didn't. Pete was playful as he effortlessly alternated between light hearted fun and anecdotes to tearing into his guitar like he hasn't for years. Roger was actually better live than on Endless Wire, a welcome "bonus" to his stellar performance. As for the rest of "the band": Starkey has fast become a perfect successor to Keith, albeit with a layer of precision to his consistence assault on his drum set that fits the bands current delivery of songs old and new. Pino and Bundrick were good, as expected. Great to hear Simon belt out a few top-notch solos as the opener, and receive some well deserved acknowledgment (and banter) from older brother. In the 7 shows I've seen over the last 25+ years, this was the best in terms of The Who delivering the goods as a bare bones band capturing the essence of the band's No. 1 asset: the live performance. Although the brass sections and various guest musicians of tours past brought a depth, say a richness, to their shows, this was the Who that set them apart from contemporizes during the early years - and today. And last, a treat indeed taking my high school son to his first ever rock concert, and watching him revel in the show, watching and listening to one of his favorite bands, and mine.

P.S. Endless Wire is a must - for the hardcore fan, and for those wanting timely and relevant music and commentary, expertly delivered in the most unpredictable manner as only Pete can orchestrate.

I was pleasantly surprised by how stripped down the show was. Outside of the multi-panel video display, the set and lighting were low-key by rock-gods standards. This was my first Who show, and I couldn't help but smile when Townshend windmilled his guitar; I thought about the generations of would-be axemen who mimicked that move, and here was the originator, still wailing away, still chatting up the crowd. Zak clearly can sling it better than Dad, though he looked like a chubby-cheeked babe in this group (and he's 41). I'll guess that 10,000 were in the house, and I agree that black-veiling the top deck helped seal us in. "Tea and Theatre" was touching end to the show, a tribute to departed mates.

When you go to see the Beach Boys, you get a celebration of their music. Sure it's fun, but it's nostalgia. They're not an 'active band' in the sense that they are creating any new or vital music anymore. They haven't for many many years.

Sunday night's concert was like a set list The Who might have done in the 70's: warm them up with a few of the old hits, deliver the new music with verve, and then end with a bang-up of a few more classics.
This was a concert of a 'real' band, not a Nostalgia Showcase.
Would my fuse have been lit by hearing "Substitute", "Happy Jack", "I'm a Boy",or "5:15"? Oh my! Oh my!of course.
but, I'm even more happy that what I saw was a real band and not a touring jukebox.(sorry about that beach boys)

FYI:
If you missed the show, or if you were at the show and you want to relive it again, you can pre-order a DVD/CD of the show here (they won't ship for another month or so):

http://www.themusic.com/encore/thewho2007/

Well well WELL worth the price. The audio is crystal clear and the dvd quality is outstanding, just as good as any other concert dvd you would buy elsewhere in the mass markets (and in some cases...much better!). Needless to say I've already sent in my order ;)

I last saw the Who in 1980 and these old geezers were even better this time around. If you were'nt there kick yourself because you missed a hell of a show.The sound quality was great which I did'nt think was possible in the save mart center and the background videos were very entertaining. The energy level from Townsend especially was incredible. I hesitate to say that these guys are a real class act because that might imply that they're riding of into the sunset but I came away from the show thinking the kids are alright. P.S. I went to the show with my son as did a lot of other dads.Sure beats fishing.