The Who tribute: Everyone from Patti Smith to Bobby McFerrin pays homage

Posted: June 5, 2014

“O Carnegie Hall, forgive me for what I am about to do.”
With these words, Patti Smith began singing the Who’s “My Generation,” Tuesday night at Carnegie Hall. And sure enough, it was the kind of performance that Carnegie Hall rarely sees: a snarling punk-rock take on the classic-rock landmark, with a feedback-laced instrumental raveup and a rousingly inspirational rant at the end. “Rise up, people,” Smith commanded. “Create a new (expletive) world.”