The classic rock mecha that is Desert Trip came to an end tonight with weekend two sets by The Who and Roger Waters.
As the orange moon rose dramatically quickly from behind the mountain range beside the stage, The Who shredded a two hour set that was identical to last weekend. Pete Townshend alerted the audience that this was the final date of their current world tour and they energetically strove to finish on a high.
“Who Are You” and “My Generation” appeared early as Daltrey showcased the best his voice has been in years. “Pinball Wizard” waltzed into “See Me, Feel Me” which roared into “Baba O’Riley” and the triumphant closer of “Won’t Get Fooled Again”. Daltrey’s final scream in the set closer showed no hesitation or concern for his vocal chords – it was earth-shakingly magnificent.
Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters also played an identical setlist to weekend one. This was to be expected, however, as his production was tightly entwined with visuals, graphics and light shows as well as his live appearance being a complete rarity. Not to mention the array of audio samples that were spread across individual speakers to create a surround sound experience.
Waters’ set was structured primarily in blocks of songs from one album at a time, almost chronologically. It was a showcase of lyrical divinity and aural bliss. The female duo Lucius traded vocal duties on “The Great Gig in the Sky” and they soared in harmony and range. The much talked about anti-Trump propaganda during “Pigs” from weekend one returned as “CHARADE”, “A LAUGH” and “TRUMP IS A PIG” were emblazoned on the towering video screen beside photos of Trump in KKK attire and holding sex toys (e.g. big black dildos). “Comfortably Numb” closed his set with fireworks synced to the final guitar strums.
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