The Who Tour 1979 represented a pivotal moment for the legendary rock band, marking their first extensive concert series following the death of their original drummer, Keith Moon. This tour was a global undertaking, spanning Europe and the United States, and served as a powerful declaration of the band's continued existence and their return to the live performance circuit. With a new lineup featuring Kenney Jones on drums and John "Rabbit" Bundrick
on keyboards, the tour was a testament to The Who's resilience and their commitment to their music and their fans.
Reforming and Kicking Off in Europe
After the profound loss of Keith Moon in September 1978, The Who made the decision to carry on. This led to the recruitment of Kenney Jones, formerly the drummer for Small Faces, and the addition of keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick for live performances. This new five-piece configuration of the band made its debut with seven shows, beginning on May 2 at the Rainbow Theatre in London. These initial European dates were crucial for the band to gel with their new members and to present their evolved sound to their audience.
The European leg of the tour, which ran from May 2 to September 1, encompassed a significant number of performances, allowing the band to refine their stage presence and musical arrangements. This period was essential in building momentum and confidence before they embarked on the American portion of their tour, demonstrating their ability to continue as a formidable live act despite the changes in their lineup.
The American Legs: East Coast Focus and Varied Performances
The Who Tour 1979 included two distinct legs in the United States. The first U.S. leg, a shorter but musically dynamic segment, took place from September 10 to 18. This leg concentrated on the East Coast, featuring two nights at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, and five nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This particular leg was notable for its frequent set list variations, with Pete Townshend often improvising and incorporating new songs into the performances, such as "Dance It Away" and "That's Rock And Roll."
The second U.S. leg, occurring later in the year from November 30 to December 17, further extended the band's reach across America. This leg, along with the preceding European and U.S. dates, showcased the band's dedication to touring and connecting with their fanbase. The tour's structure, with its multiple legs across continents, underscored the global appeal and enduring popularity of The Who, even as they navigated a new era in their storied career.
A Comprehensive Tour Schedule
The Who Tour 1979 was meticulously planned, featuring several distinct legs to cover both European and American audiences. Beyond the initial European and two U.S. legs, the tour also included a U.K. leg from November 10 to 17, and a final U.K. show on December 28. This comprehensive schedule allowed the band to support their "Who Are You" album effectively and to re-establish their presence as a premier live act worldwide. The tour dates illustrate a band actively engaged in performing, adapting to their new configuration, and delivering their music to a broad international audience.
