THE WHO 'Live At Eden Project 2023'

THE WHO 
Live At Eden Project 2023
earMUSIC, 2026

There has been a growing appreciation of classic rock in recent years, driven by a succession of major releases that have highlighted the enduring appeal of some of the genre's greatest artists. The release of THE BEATLES' final single, "Now And Then", in November 2023 brought renewed attention to the band's remarkable legacy, while restored, remixed, and remastered editions of classic concert films, including PINK FLOYD's 'Live At Pompeii', have allowed audiences to experience these landmark performances in unprecedented quality. At the same time, new albums and spectacular concert films from David Gilmour and Roger Waters have demonstrated that many of rock's most celebrated figures remain creatively vibrant. 

Into this climate of renewed enthusiasm arrives THE WHO's 'Live At Eden Project', a powerful document of one of Britain's greatest rock bands in concert, and further evidence that the music of the classic rock era continues to resonate with audiences old and new. As the title suggests, this is not a newly recorded performance, but rather a document of THE WHO's appearance at Cornwall's world-renowned Eden Project on 23 July 2023, accompanied by the Heart of England Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Helen Fitzgerald. 

Best known for its vast interconnected biomes –  spectacular domed structures housing thousands of plant species from around the globe – the Eden Project is one of Britain's most distinctive visitor attractions. It has also become an increasingly popular venue for major outdoor concerts, offering a unique setting that combines music, culture and the natural environment. The remarkable atmosphere of THE WHO's performance is captured throughout this release, with the dramatic Cornish surroundings providing a fitting backdrop for one of rock's most enduring bands.

THE WHO's legacy spans well over six decades, and despite personal tragedies, including the losses of Keith Moon in 1978 and John Entwistle in 2002, founding members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey have carried the band forward through various line-ups. The line-up captured here comprises Simon Townshend (guitars, backing vocals), Loren Gold (keyboards), Emily Marshall (keyboards), Jon Button (bass), Zak Starkey (drums), Katie Jacoby (violin) and Audrey Snyder (cello). 

The blend of THE WHO's signature rock sound with the orchestra works extraordinarily well. The band are exceptionally tight, while Roger Daltrey's voice has aged remarkably well and still sounds superb. His stage presence comes across vividly even on the audio recording, not least through his between-song banter, which is punctuated by the occasional F-bomb. Sonically, this is a breathtaking live recording. What does sound a bit odd, however, is the drums. They come across as rather clinical, which is certainly not down to the otherwise superb drumming. What some may have feared is confirmed by the video of "You Better You Bet": drummer Zak Starkey, incidentally the son of THE BEATLES drummer Ringo Starr, performs on an electronic drum kit. Whether this was necessary for technical or other reasons is open to debate, but somehow a performance by one of the most legendary rock bands in history feels as though it ought to feature a proper acoustic drum set. However, this remains the sole criticism of an otherwise outstanding live recording, both musically and sonically, and is probably little more than nit-picking.

The setlist offers a broad survey of THE WHO's long and eventful career. Following seven songs from the seminal rock opera 'Tommy', the band draw on every phase of their history, combining timeless classics with deep cuts such as "Eminence Front" alongside staples including "Who Are You", "My Generation", "Behind Blue Eyes" and "Baba O'Riley".

'Live At The Eden Project' is an outstanding live document from one of the greatest bands in rock history. While the orchestra adds sonic depth without tipping the performance into kitsch – always a risk in such undertakings – the band sound powerful and fresh, proving that, even six decades into their career, THE WHO remain a formidable live act.

4.5 Out Of 5.0