During the making of the documentary The Kids Are Alright, the director Jeff Stein reasoned that there was not enough good concert footage showcasing several of The Who's key songs. To that end a gig was arranged at Kilburn Theatre with an invited audience and the band duly battered through a set of Who classics, with the idea they would be featured in the upcoming doc. In the event, the footage was not actually even used and another, later concert, became the source of the live songs. This film didn't wind up being even released until thirty years later. In truth, there is something odd about watching this as a live concert film. Because of its nature, it comes across more like the band practising in front of a few thousand fans, as opposed to a gig proper. Because they weren't actually on tour, they were a bit rusty and there is no communication with the audience - the chat seems to be mainly Pete Townsend letting the director know he thinks this is all a waste of time! So, this film is basically an anomaly, where a set of unusual circumstances lead to a live performance which has an air of something off about it. Having said all that, its hardly poor stuff, with the band showcasing their high-level musical and performance skills throughout. Given the impetus for the show, the set is also loaded with big hitters too, so this isn't for those seeking deep cuts and b-sides. Sadly too, it also turned out to be Keith Moon's second last performance with the band before his untimely death. Irrespective of its unusual nature, this nevertheless is a good showcase of this dynamic rock band.
Review of The Who: At Kilburn 1977
