Live at Shea Stadium 1982

The Who's 1982 tour, which was primarily in North America with the exception of two warm-up dates at the Birmingham NEC in England, marked their last tour to feature Kenney Jones on drums, as they would not tour again until 1989. The tour was in support of their recent album "It's Hard," released in June 1982, and the set list included several tracks from that album, some of which the band would only perform live during this particular tour. This release, titled "The Who - Live At Shea Stadium 1982," is a 2 CD set packaged in a softpak format.

The tour was a significant one for The Who, as it represented the end of an era with Kenney Jones on drums. The band had been through a tumultuous period following the tragic death of their original drummer, Keith Moon, in 1978. Jones had joined the group in 1979 and had been a part of their lineup for the next few years, but this 1982 tour would be the last time he would perform with them on the road.

The decision to focus the tour on the newly released "It's Hard" album was a strategic one, as the band wanted to showcase their latest material and engage their fans with fresh content. Some of the tracks from the album, such as "Athena" and "Eminence Front," would only be performed live during this particular tour, making the shows even more special for those in attendance.

The choice to record the performance at Shea Stadium in New York was also a significant one, as the venue held a special place in the history of rock music. The Who had previously played at Shea Stadium in 1967, and the decision to return there in 1982 was a nod to the band's legacy and the iconic status of the venue.

The 2 CD set captures the energy and excitement of the band's live performance, with the setlist featuring a mix of classic hits and newer material. The sound quality is excellent, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the experience of being at the Shea Stadium show.

Overall, "The Who - Live At Shea Stadium 1982" is a valuable addition to the band's discography, offering fans a glimpse into a pivotal moment in their history and a chance to relive the magic of their live performances. The careful attention to detail in the packaging and the high-quality audio make this a must-have for any dedicated Who fan.

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