The Who news: TV, tour and home video

These days, The Who camp is rife with activity.

Lead singer Roger Daltrey celebrates his 72nd birthday today. He recently recorded band mate Pete Townshend's 1980 hit "Let My Love Open the Door," which was used in TV and radio commercials for Teen Cancer America. 

A download to benefit that charity they launched is now available via Republic Records and First Citizens Bank at: letmyloveopenthedoor.com

The Who's 50th Anniversary Tour was just re-launched this past weekend in North America. Friday marks the veteran British band's first full scale late night U.S. talk show performance on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Now is also a good time to remind fans about The Who's latest home video and music release, Live in Hyde Park, which came out late last year. It is available in several formats: DVD+2CD, Blu-ray+2CD, DVD+3LP, Deluxe Edition Blu-ray+DVD+2CD and digital.

The impressive DVD features a June 2015 concert that clocks in at just under two hours and features 21 songs, plus 4 bonus ones. Playing before 65,000 concertgoers, legendary founding musicians Daltrey and Townshend and company prove they're still in fine form. 

Everything kicks off with fans on Vespa scooters making their way through the streets of London to the concert as voiceovers from The Who principals are heard. Right before taking the stage, Townshend is seen shaking hands with Johnny Marr. Another English rock guitar god, Paul Weller, had emailed a request to hear "Pictures of Lily" and the band dutifully obliged. 

Daltrey immediately gets fans singing along during opener "I Can't Explain," while Townshend does the first of his trademark windmills on a fierce "Who Are You."

Brief interview segments are intercut between some songs. Marr says, "Punks liked The Who because of the music and attitude. They can still play it as older guys and you believe it. Weller notes, "The aggression - loved it!" Iggy Pop opines about the power of "My Generation."

That track gets an extended version with a slightly revamped breakdown section on the Hyde Park stage. Later, "Love Reign O'er Me" is dramatic as ever, as Daltrey tweaks his famous roar a bit. "Eminence Front" boats an intense Townshend lead vocal. The guitarist admits "being here 50 years is extraordinary. I think I'm learning something new everyday."
Toward the end, The Who pulls out all the stops amid "Baba O'Riley."

During the closing credits, Pop sings "My Generation" acoustically. Among the bonus cuts are intriguing stage screen films used at recent shows: one by the band for “The Kids Are Alright” and “You Better You Bet” (both with Hyde Park audio) and “Squeeze Box” (with the original studio audio). Meanwhile, the DVD/CD booklet contains a career overview by Phil Alexander, full credits and photos. 

Tour dates:

3/3 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
3/7 Boston, MA TD Garden
3/10 Chicago, IL United Center
3/12 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
3/14 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
3/16 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center
3/19 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
3/21 Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Bradley Center
3/24 Washington, DC Verizon Center
3/26 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
3/29 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
4/26 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
4/29 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
5/1 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
5/4 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre
5/6 Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre
5/8 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
5/10 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
5/13 Vancouver, BC Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
5/15 Seattle, WA KeyArena at Seattle Center
5/17 Portland, OR Moda Center
5/19 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
5/22 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
5/25 Los Angeles, CA STAPLES Center
5/27 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
5/29 Las Vegas, NV Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Go to thewho.com and eagle-rock.com for more information.