As a follow-up to their successful rock opera Tommy, The Who's Quadrophenia in 1973 initially fell short. Pete Townshend's tale of troubled mod Jimmy with four personalities, translated into four sides of bombastic classic rock, did not understand much of the press, audience and even members of the group itself. Due to a lukewarm reception, the complete performance of the opera was also quickly
… dropped from the repertoire. It was not until the late 1990s that Townshend rediscovered his almost forgotten work and followed a tour in which it was performed by The Who with expansion of Billy Idol, among others. Idol also returns as Ace Face / Bell Boy on this classic version of Quadrophenia. The leading role is for the Briton Alfie Boe and it takes a lot of time to get used to his classic tenor voice with which he gives shape to Jimmy. Furthermore, the strong songs of Quadrophenia lend themselves well to a symphony orchestra, but they add little (at most a little extra bombast) to it. The reappraisal for this rock opera is justified, even though the libretto remains vague. (MR)more
