Betting on the Windmill
The Super Bowl - a day where antacids and food fly off the shelves of supermarkets, major corporations spend more money on 30 second ads than a third world countries GDP, and gamblers go nuts on bets that range from betting the over/under on the final score to whether or not Reggie Bush will have more yards than Kim Kardashians measurements (she is plump down there.) God Bless America!Following nipple-gate the Super Bowl has carted out much safer halftime performances, mainly catering to the classic rock fan. This year is no different with The Who taking center stage. I’ve been preparing for the performance by listening to the limited-time The Who channel on Sirius Deep Track 016 during my travel and work days as well as picking up Odd & Sods from my local record store. I’ve studied live performances paying close attention to Townshend’s signature windmill and its frequency. Why you might ask? Because I want some money!
There are plenty of exotic bets out there, but one that I may be paying particularly close attention to is “How many times will Pete Townshend do his legendary windmill move. (Must be full 360-degrees rotation and shown on TV.)” The over under is 5.5. Having seen them a few years back, I recall Pete swinging that arm around like he was actually drawing some kind of energy from it. This is a tough one for me, because Pete often throws around that half-windmill which technically would not apply. Also, importantly is how often will the camera be focused on good old Pete.
Personally, I think I will be taking the over on this one. On “Baba O’Riley” alone I would expect to see around five full windmills at the very least. When the guitar kicks in the camera should be focused solely on Townshend. Not to mention, this is the Super Bowl, and Pete needs to bring his "A" game. Song selection is also key for this event, and I expect them to go hard and heavy; if they deliver “Behind Blue Eyes” I might get screwed out of a few potential windmills, but I would expect “Baba O’Riley” for certain, and quite possibly “Won’t Get Fooled Again” which is a bit questionable due to its length.
Now barring any arm injuries in the pre-game warm ups, I feel pretty comfortable taking the over on this one. Any opinions?
Now barring any arm injuries in the pre-game warm ups, I feel pretty comfortable taking the over on this one. Any opinions?
posted by Jeff at 1:37 PM
8 Comments:
If the over doesn't win, I think we all lose, because it won't be much of a show. Actually, two real Who members who were chosen because they're "safe" doesn't bode well for a good performance either.
Too bad Entwistle isn't still alive, because there could be an over/under for how many steps he takes while performing. If that one was set at 5.5, I'd definitely take the under.
Bob - You're definitely right. While I love The Who, Roger's voice is totally shot. He couldn't sing ten years ago let alone now. The only redeeming qualities this performance could have is going to lie solely in Roger and Pete's ability to be showman. I'm going to be cringing while listening to this set.
That Entwistle bet would be a sure shot. There's no way he would take more than 2 steps - besides the ones where he walks on and off the stage.
Really cool post. I totally agree. I would take the over. He is getting older and who knows he may break a nose. This band has not been the same since the late seventies.
I agree with the kardashian comment as well. God Bless America down there!
Dan - It's funny you brought up breaking the nose because I thought the same thing after I wrote the post lol.
The main piece of machinery that drove The Who ground to a halt in September 1978.
Townshend should have embarked on his solo journey right after this sad event.
It will be a nice diversion for the folks at home who will be reaching for another beer.
The game is shaping up to be pretty good, though.
I agree with you!~
I don't even know if I am going to watch. I have never been able to appreciate The Who without Keith and John.
Last year's performance WAS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!! :)
I'd be going for the over too, if I was a betting man.
YourZ
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