Two Hours of Magic from The Who

The Who, Wembley Stadium.

A pink sunset over Wembley heralded the arrival of The Who.

The 74,000 "kids" practised Townshend leaps, tossed balloons, and waved Union Jacks, as they stood waiting on the sacred turf.

From the stand they looked like a sea of impressionist colour — blue denims scattered with red sweatshirts. Just a few mods were visible.

The Who bounced on stage with immense enthusiasm just after 8. They hummed straight into "Substitute" as hands clapped in waves throughout the stadium.

Knowing exactly how to treat an audience — The Who shot straight on into "Can't Explain" having lost none of their original power.

Sheer magic was maintained for over two hours as Townshend leapt, pogoed and scissored and Daltrey danced, ran on the spot and tossed his mike through a perfect rendering of "Quadrophenia," "My Generation," etc.

Kenny Jones's sweet personality came over as he drummed without Moon's wildness, but with the same powerful rhythm base.

Pin-ball wizard turned into the closest thing of a close encounter I have experienced.

Spectacular pink, white and orange fluorescent lights gave way to red and green lasers which flattered and snaked through the gasping audience as Daltrey sang "See Me, Feel Me."

Circling spotlights from above the drum kit shone on to the crowd like a landing spacecraft as The Who were lost in light.

The whole stadium seemed united by the beauty of it, and this atmosphere held almost to the last when the group seemed to flag just a little from exhaustion.

The Who embraced before returning for one encore, then Wembley floodlights lit the stadium and Harvey Goldsmith saw every off at the end of an excellently-organised concert.