The Who
The Who Performance of Boris the Spider at Maple Leaf Gardens
Ah, The Who—what an incredible band! By December 1982, when they gave that electrifying performance of "Boris the Spider" at Maple Leaf Gardens, they were riding a wave of resurgence. Their album *It's Hard*, released just a year earlier in 1982, was the band's ninth studio album and featured a mix of their classic rock energy and fresh sounds. It’s interesting to note that *It's Hard* was partly a response to the challenges the band faced, and it included some deeper lyrical themes, reflecting the more mature direction of the band’s music at that point. During this live show in Toronto, you could sense the synergy among the members—John Entwistle, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, and Kenney Jones—all hitting their stride. Fun fact: the performance showcased not just their musical talents but also hints of the laid-back banter that had become a hallmark of their live shows. And can we talk about Pete's fashion choice? It’s a blast looking back at those bold stage outfits! The charm of The Who lies in their ability to blend rock bravado with a touch of self-awareness and humor, making concerts like this one unforgettable.