Description
The Who – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 – Triple Gold Vinyl Records
The Who’s Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 is a legendary live album capturing one of the band’s most iconic performances during the peak of their powers. Recorded on August 29, 1970, at the Isle of Wight Festival in front of an audience estimated at over 600,000 people, the set showcases The Who’s explosive energy and musicianship. The performance was later released as a live album in 1996 and as a concert film directed by Murray Lerner.
The setlist features a mix of The Who’s early hits, material from their groundbreaking rock opera Tommy, and selections from their 1969 album Live at Leeds, widely regarded as one of the greatest live albums in rock history. The Isle of Wight show is a raw, high-energy performance that highlights The Who’s status as one of the greatest live bands of all time.
The Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 was one of the largest music festivals ever held, often referred to as the ‘British Woodstock.’ The Who took the stage around 2:00 AM on the final day, delivering a fiery two-hour set to an electrified crowd. At this point in their career, The Who had cemented their reputation with albums like Tommy (1969) and Live at Leeds (1970), blending innovative songwriting with the raw power of their live shows.
Their performance at the Isle of Wight Festival is often seen as a definitive live statement, capturing the band in their prime, delivering a set that balances precision, chaos, and visceral rock energy.
The Who’s performance is a masterclass in live rock dynamics. Pete Townshend’s windmill guitar strumming, Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals, John Entwistle’s intricate bass lines, and Keith Moon’s frenetic drumming combine to create a unique sonic assault. The setlist blends the theatricality of Tommy with the raw, hard-hitting rock of their earlier material.
The show also features extended improvisations and unrelenting energy, showcasing the band’s chemistry and musicianship. Songs like ‘My Generation’ and ‘Magic Bus’ are stretched into lengthy jams, reflecting their commitment to pushing the boundaries of live rock performance.
Track Highlights
Heaven and Hell
The set opener, written by John Entwistle, is a hard-rocking introduction that sets the tone for the night.
I Can’t Explain
A sharp and punchy rendition of one of their early hits, reflecting their mod-era roots.
Young Man Blues
A blues-rock powerhouse, this track highlights the band’s ability to transform a Mose Allison song into a hard-hitting rock anthem.
Substitute
A fan-favorite, this performance delivers the song’s clever lyrics and driving rhythm with characteristic energy.
Tommy Medley
The centerpiece of the set, this extended medley features highlights from their rock opera Tommy, including ‘Overture,’ ‘Amazing Journey,’ ‘Pinball Wizard,’ and ‘See Me, Feel Me.’ The medley captures the emotional and sonic scope of the album in a live setting.
Summertime Blues
A blistering cover of the Eddie Cochran classic, this track showcases Keith Moon’s chaotic drumming and the band’s raw power.
Shakin’ All Over
Another high-energy cover, originally by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates, packed with ferocious riffs.
My Generation
A centerpiece of The Who’s live shows, this extended version includes improvisations and instrumental jams, turning the song into an epic statement.
Magic Bus
The closing track, with its hypnotic rhythm and dynamic crescendos, brings the performance to an exhilarating conclusion.
The performance was initially filmed by Murray Lerner, but it wasn’t officially released until 1996 as a live album and later as a concert film. The audio and video were meticulously restored, capturing the raw energy of the show in high quality. The album and film received critical acclaim for their historical significance and for showcasing The Who at their live peak.
Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 has been hailed as one of the greatest live performances in rock history. Critics praised the band’s intensity and precision, particularly Keith Moon’s drumming and Pete Townshend’s guitar work. The performance is often compared to their legendary Live at Leeds album, with many fans viewing it as a companion piece that highlights their dominance as a live act.
The show is also significant for its cultural context, taking place at one of the last great rock festivals of the 1960s counterculture era. The Who’s performance captures the spirit of the time while pointing toward the future of arena rock.
The Isle of Wight show reinforced The Who’s reputation as one of the greatest live bands of all time. Their ability to merge raw rock energy with sophisticated storytelling (through Tommy) influenced countless artists and cemented their legacy in the annals of rock history.
Songs like Pinball Wizard and My Generation remain staples of their live repertoire, and the release of Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 has ensured that this legendary performance continues to inspire new generations of fans.
Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 is a definitive document of The Who at their live peak. Combining the raw power of their earlier material with the theatricality of Tommy, the performance showcases why they are considered one of the most electrifying live acts in rock history. For fans of The Who and live rock music, this album and concert film are essential pieces of music history.
50th Anniversary
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Heaven and Hell
I Can’t Explain
Young Man Blues
I Don’t Even Know Myself
Water
Overture
It’s a Boy
1921
Amazing Journey
Sparks
Eyesight To The Blind
Christmas
The Acid Queen
Pinball Wizard
Do You Think It’s Alright?
Fiddle About
Tommy Can You Hear Me?
There’s A Doctor
Go To The Mirror
Smash The Mirror
Miracle Cure
I’m Free
Tommy’s Holiday Camp
We’re Not Gonna Take It
Summertime Blues
Shakin’ All Over/Spoonful/Twist And Shout
Substitute
My Generation
Naked Eye
Magic Bus
