Brother Of Fan Who Died At The Who’s 1979 Cincinnati Show Shares What It Means To Have Them Return To The City

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As we told you, The Who returned to Cincinnati last night for the first time since the terrible tragedy in December, 1979, where 11 people died in a stampede at their show.

Several family members of those who lost their lives where in the audience, including Don Heck, whose 19-year-old brother David Heck died, and he says it means a lot to see the band return to the city. 

“It makes a big difference to come back. It makes a big difference to the family,” Don shares. “Knowing they’re still thinking about what’s going on with the people that were affected so deeply that night.” He adds, “It’s not a band aid…it’s like a covering almost that allows you to help with the healing process,” adding it offers “a little more closure than you would expect.”

As for how he feels about the band, he notes “I don’t know anybody in the family that has ever blamed The Who for anything.” 

• Meanwhile, at the show, an emotional Pete addressed the crowd regarding the important show. “I’ve been trying to think of what to say, what would be cool to say, what would be uncool to say,” he shared, “and really there’s no words that we can say that can mean (as much as) the fact that you guys have come out tonight and supported this event. Thank you so much.”

• The band also played a short video from Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, who discussed how The Who were influential in helping them heal after their own tragedy, in which nine fans died at the Roskilde festival in August 2000. He had said he had hoped to be at the show, but couldn’t travel due to a COVID outbreak in the band, but he noted,  “we’re all thinking about you deeply.”
• He also thanked Pete and Roger Daltrey for their “support and wisdom” during their tragedy, telling the audience he felt a “real kinship” with them. “It’s just such a great thing that you’re all gathering and recognizing those young people who will never be forgotten,” he said. “And say what a great thing it is that The Who and Cincinnati are getting together once again.”