Face The Face (CD/DVD)
Pete Townshend’s Deep End
Label/Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Release Date: September 16, 2016
Review Date: September 7, 2016
If you aren’t acquainted with Pete Townshend’s Deep End, then you’re in for a real treal. “Face The Face” is the first official release of the band’s 1986 show on either DVD or CD format.
Pete Townshend’s Deep End featured a diverse and celebrated line-up of musicians. For this show in particular, Townshend is joined by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour on lead guitar, Simon Phillips on drums (of Toto fame), and percussionist Jody Linscott, along with Peter Hope-Evans (harmonica), Chucho Merchan (bass), John “Rabbit” Bundrick (keyboards), The Kick Horns (Simon Clarke, Roddy Lorimer, Tim Sanders, Pete Beachill & Dave Plews), and backing vocalists: Billy Nicholls, Ian Ellis, Chris Staines, Gina Foster, and Coral Gordan. Pete Townshend leads the pack on guitar and vocals.
Filmed for the famous German TV series Rockpalast at MIDEM in Cannes on January 29, 1986, Face The Face captures Pete Townshend’s Deep End while they were in the midst of touring in support of Townshend’s solo concept album White City: A Novel. The set list boasts tracks from the White City album, additional Pete Townshend solo tracks, The Who classics, David Gilmour’s “Blue Light” and a couple of surprises. The set booms with performances of “Face The Face,” “Secondhand Love,” “Rough Boys,” “Slit Skirts,” “Give Blood,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Pinball Wizard,” and more.
Face To Face is a fascinating and compelling release. Pete Townshend and the band deliver an outstanding performance that showcases him as a solo artist distinct from his work with The Who.
