The Who hits stage in Cincinnati for first time since 1979 tragedy

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Thousands of fans packed TQL Stadium on Sunday night for The Who’s first concert in Cincinnati since 11 people died at the band’s 1979 concert at Riverfront Coliseum.

The event also was the first concert at TQL Stadium in the city’s West End since it opened in May of 2021.

A Finneytown band called Safe Passage kicked off the music.

Walt Medlock, singer and guitarist says he was at The Who’s tragic 1979 concert here.

“I knew what happened outside before I went in,” Medlock recalls. “Didn’t know I knew anybody at the time.”

Three Finneytown High School students lost their lives that night, and Medlock has performed at the P.E.M Memorial concert since then to honor them.

“Once we raise the money, we give out scholarships for three people, three high school students at Finneytown in the name of the three students that we lost back in 79,” Medlock explains. “Steven Preston, Jackie Eckerly, and Karen Morrison.”

Sunday’s concert will expand on those three scholarships. The Who will be making a donation from the concert to the P.E.M. Memorial to create more scholarships in honor of the 11 people who died at the concert more than 40 years ago.

“It’s not just being able to see a band [The Who] that played at Woodstock and at Live Aid, but it’s a benefit to where your money will go to good use,” says Medlock.

Medlock adds that the 11 families of the people that passed have all been invited to the concert and offered special seating.

Available tickets can still be found for The Who concert, which is set to kick off at TQL Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

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