Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The status of The Who’s future is a bit of a mystery at the moment, especially when it comes to touring together in America, but getting another chance to see front man Roger Daltrey return to the always inviting Ravinia certainly scratched the itch and then some.

That’s because the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer not only touched on his generally sturdy yet slightly underrated solo career, but delivered both The Who’s heavyweights and rarities, alongside a handful of well-tailored covers in acoustic and electric contexts.

Now 80, the legendary headliner is a bit more choosy about which notes to fully attack and when it feels better to pull back a bit, as he did with say the enormous scream in “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” instead leaving it up to the audience, but it was nonetheless an “Amazing Journey” where he surely exceeded many’s expectations for about two hours.

Following a casual entrance and sip from an “R” coffee mug, Daltrey was quick to tip his hat towards lifelong collaborator Pete Townshend come “Let My Love Open The Door” and was soon pointing to the packed pavilion and spacious lawn with the anthemic cries of “Who Are You.”

Fans were given a rare chance to hear such punchy individual offerings as “Waiting For A Friend,” “After The Fire” and “Days Of Light,” while The Who’s carefully replicated “Substitute,” “Tattoo,” “The Kids Are Alright” and “Squeeze Box,” weren’t far behind.

Ace guitarist, brother of Pete and touring regular Simon Townsend stepped up to the microphone for the fiercely fantastic “Going Mobile,” plus Daltrey expertly executed the debut of Little Feat’s “Gimme A Stone” and Paul Simon’s “The Boy The The Bubble.”

He even slayed Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen The Rain,” uncovered the personally popularized “Without Your Love” and turned Ravinia into a wonderful “teenage wasteland” come the chilling “Baba O’Riley,” featuring Katie Jacoby’s stirring violin solo.

It sent some strolling to the exits, but those who remained were rewarded by an encore of Mose Allison’s “Young Man Blues” and a bit of “Love, Reign O’er Me” as Daltrey dialed into those signature and spectacular howls, suggesting he could effectively tackle basically anything on this bountiful break from the band.

For additional information on Roger Daltrey, visit TheWho.com/Roger-Daltrey.

Upcoming concert highlights at Ravinia include Clint Black and Lyle Lovett And His Large Band (Jun. 30); Arrival (Jul. 5); Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello & The Imposters (Jul. 6); The Beach Boys (Jul. 7); Norah Jones and Mavis Staples (Jul. 14); Kodachrome: The Music Of Paul Simon (Jul. 19); Killer Queen (Jul. 27); Gipsy Kings (Jul. 31); Henry Mancini Centennial (Aug. 4); Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers (Aug. 7); Angélique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello (Aug. 8); Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 11); Robert Glasper and J. Ivy (Aug. 14); “The Princess Bride” In Concert (Aug. 16); “Up” In Concert (Aug. 17); Gaelic Storm and The High Kings (Aug. 22); O.A.R. (Aug. 23); The Roots (Aug. 24); Samara Joy (Aug. 25); ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd (Aug. 29); The Voice Of Whitney Houston (Aug. 30); TLC and Shaggy (Aug. 31); Tom Jones (Sept. 7); Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit (Sept. 8) and Crowded House (Sept. 11). For additional details, visit Ravinia.org.

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