Leg 1 Who Hits 50 North America
The Who returned to the North America in February of 2016. And as usual, Simon tries to get out and do some solo gigs on his days off whenever possible. We managed to schedule a fair amount during leg 1, but tour logistics don’t always cooperate and we only managed one during leg 2.
Toronto Feb 29th:
First up was Hugh’s Room: A good turn out for a Monday, and a long over-due solo gig by Simon in Toronto. He played a full set and then stayed on afterwards to meet & greet and sign CDs!
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- Simon by Audrey L via Twitter
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- With Stephen Spinner via Twitter
Set List: Leaving This Town, Come Back, Making Waves, Way It Is, She Asked Me, Bare Essence, Bed of Roses, Mother, Still Love, Denial, Heal, All So Real, Time Bomb, Looking Out Looking In, I’m The Answer, Forever And A Day, Stay, Ecstasy Heaven
Ringwood NJ March 4th:
Next the very unique and infamous Live@Drew’s – an intimate gig in Drew’s house, his actual house, in his very own living room! This one was hectic in that Simon’s day was taken up with taping The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon as The Who were musical guests. He had to leave straight from the taping to get to Drew’s on time (read Simon’s blog report and more about Drew here). The house was packed, and Simon did not disappoint, playing an extended energetic set and then spending time after meeting and signing for fans.
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- View from the back
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- by Mike Knarre
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- by Bobby Lynn Stonetown Arts
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- by Bobby Lynn Stonetown Arts
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- by Bobby Lynn Stonetown Arts
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- by Bobby Lynn – Stonetown Arts
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- view from the deck – by Tracy Lawrence via FB
Set List: Leaving This Town, Come Back, Way It Is, She Asked Me, Bare Essence, Bed of Roses, Mother, Still Love, Denial, Heal, All So Real, Making Waves, Time Bomb, Looking Out Looking In, I’m The Answer, Forever And A Day, Stay, Ecstasy Heaven, Girl In New York
Chicago March 9th:
On to Chicago, and a new venue for us – Lincoln Hall. Chicago area photographers Philamonjaro and Alicia Bailey were there to capture some great shots which you can see in the photo section!
Check out the photo section for great shots from Alicia Bailey and Philamonjaro
Asbury Park NJ – March 17th:
St. Patrick’s Day by the Sea – Simon played the wonderful McLoone’s Supper Club in Atlantic City – a great venue right on the boardwalk near the old convention center. And this time the set featured the rare appearance of Time The Healer!
Set List: Leaving This Town, Come Back, Way It Is, About Love, She Asked Me, Bare Essence, Bed of Roses, Mother, Still Love, Denial, Heal, All So Real, Time Bomb, Stay, Looking Out Looking In, I’m The Answer, Time The Healer, Forever And A Day, Girl In New York, Ecstasy Heaven
March 18th – Interview, Firemen’s Jam
As Simon recounts in his “What A Day” blog entry , the 18th was a busy ‘day off’! Started with his interview for On The Roof – a great video blog series by Scott Phelan. Simon was very candid and relaxed and performed two songs on his nylon acoustic – you can see the full result at On The Roof’s YouTube page.
See more in the photo section!
From there we drove out to Long Island – complete with police escort! – so that Simon could participate in the South Hempstead Fire Department’s Jam. Upon arrival Simon donned fire gear and headed out to take photos with the guys and equipment – You can see the results in the photo section!! The night featured a number of bands, many with SHFD members. Simon joined in for My Wife & Going Mobile, and then did a few of his own songs solo on electric guitar (I’m The Answer, Forever And A Day, Time Bomb) . Later he came back on with the Legendary Murphys to help out with Squeeze Box. A fun time was had, and we met some really incredible people.
The day was capped off by a relaxing, fun, late night dinner back in NYC.
Leg 2 Who Hits 50 North America
Leg 2 of The Who Hit 50 in North America was far more challenging when it came to logistics of his equipment and travel. We unfortunately were only able to schedule two gigs this time out, and then had to cancel one due to such issues. But lucky California fans were able to catch Simon at Hotel Café.
Los Angeles – May 24
Simon’s pre-show interview
by Horace Austin via Twitter
Fans were in for a treat as on right before Simon was The 100 Year War, Paul Freeman’s new band. Fans may remember Paul from when he opened quite a few gigs on the Daltrey Tommy tour!
Before the show, Simon was briefly interviewed for Monkeygoose Magazine by Matt Stasi. You can view the interview on YouTube. Matt also got some great shots and put up nice write-up online that can be seen at Monkeygoose Magazine.
More at Monkeygoose Magazine
Set List: Leaving This Town, Come Back, Way It Is, She Asked Me, Bare Essence, Bed of Roses, Mother, Still Love, Denial, Heal, All So Real, Making Waves, Time Bomb, Looking Out Looking In, I’m The Answer, Forever And A Day, Stay, Ecstasy Heaven