Tune In, Turn On
Readers of this column know how excited we’ve been over the amazing live concerts that have proliferated in South Jersey this summer, with this fourth weekend in August being no exception.
The Who are returning to the venerable Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, Aug. 23. For the first time since 2017, the legendary British rock group, now consisting of only two original members: vocalist Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, is almost guaranteed to sell out all 14,770 seats in the fabled venue where their fellow countrymen, The Beatles, first performed back in 1964 when it was known as Atlantic City Convention Hall.
It’s being billed as The Who: The Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour. The title makes sense given the advanced ages of Daltrey (81) and Townshend (80). The years have taken their toll as Townshend is practically deaf from a lifetime of loud music ringing in his ears. (I can relate).
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have had a rocky relationship. A disagreement resulted in the March 2025 firing of Zak Starkey, drummer since 1996. The son of Ringo Starr was briefly rehired in April, then fired again in May. Scott Devours replaced him for the band’s farewell tour.
Of course, no one can ever replace the original quartet’s fabled lineup: Daltrey, Townshend, the aforementioned Moon, who died from an overdose in 1978, and bassist John Entwistle, who died from a heart attack in 2002.
Whoever is filling the bass and drummer spots for this farewell tour shouldn’t matter as long as Daltrey’s unique vocal style and Townshend’s unmistakable guitar licks remain intact.
Fans can expect to hear all the classics – “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “My Generation,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Love, Reign o’er Me,” “Pinball Wizard,” and many more.
If you’re able to attend this concert, by all means do so. It’s one you will tell your kids (or grandkids) about.
Opening act Booker Jones, 80, is best known as vocalist for Booker T. & the M.G.’s
See The Who: The Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour, at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. Tickets are $86- $355. Info: 609-348-7000 or visit boardwalkhall.com.
Tune-Ups
Dropkick Murphys/Bad Religion/Mainliners@Ocean Casino (Review): This one was as good as advertised.
After an energetic opening set by rising young Hollywood band the Mainliners, LA punk rock vets Bad Religion took the stage and played a kick-butt, hour-long set, showing that even in their mid-50s and early-60s, they still rock with the best of ’em. And they might possess the best drummer in punk rock at the moment in Jamie Miller; he was working his tail off!
We descended to the floor for Boston’s Celtic punk rock heroes Dropkick Murphys, and they did not disappoint. The highlight of their excellent set was the last song of the night, “The Big Man,” which featured vocalist Ken Casey perched on top of the large bar in the center of Ovation Hall, imploring the crowd to mosh-dance around the bar, which a good hundred or more people proceeded to do for at least three full minutes. It was an amazing, exhilarating end to one of the best live music shows this reviewer has attended in some time.
Also This Week: Award-winning blues ‘n’ soul singer Sugaray Rayford at Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton, Aug. 22; Americana/roots artist Eric Sommer at Albert Music Hall in Waretown, Aug. 23; and R&B/soul diva Mavis Staples with guitarist Jeffrey Gaines, Ocean City Music Pier, Aug. 25.
Until next week, Peace/Out.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
