Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility The Who (16) Original Negatives from 1979 Rainbow Theatre Comeback

Lot #8284
The Who (16) Original Negatives from 1979 Rainbow Theatre Comeback Concert

Estimate: $1000+

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Description

Four 35mm negative film strips containing 16 images of the Who performing at the Rainbow Theatre in London, England, on May 2, 1979, the band’s first live performance following the death of drummer Keith Moon in September 1978. New drummer Kenney Jones is visible in several of the images. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks.

On May 2, 1979, the Who played their first live show since Moon’s death eight months earlier, debuting a new lineup featuring Kenney Jones, formerly of the Small Faces and Faces, on drums and John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick on keyboards. The performance had originally been planned as a private rehearsal ahead of the group’s intended comeback show in Cannes on May 12th, but after rehearsals went well, the band elected to play a public date at London’s Rainbow Theatre first. Announced over the radio only two days beforehand, the show sold out within hours and drew roughly 3,000 fans. It also marked the live debut of ‘Who Are You,’ performed with a synthesizer backing tape matching the studio recording, an early instance of the band incorporating taped electronics into its live performances.

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