The Who, mop-headed foursome from England making their local debut in support of Herman's Hermits, set an example at the Civic Center on Thursday night that it is devoutly hoped all rock 'n' roll groups will follow.

At the conclusion of their earsplitting act, so torrid that smoke began to come from the stage amplification equipment, the drummer tossed his drumsticks (dozens of them) and his drums to the winds, and the two guitarists broke up their instruments.

ONLY AN ACT

The youngsters in the front rows vainly looked for pieces of guitar as souvenirs. But, alas, it was only an act. The boys put their guitars together again (out of sight) for their next show. Too bad it's only an act.

Herman's Hermits, who were first heard here in 1965 in support of the Rolling Stones, starred on their own this time, and the police were prepared for anything. Mobile communications unit, fire rescue squad outside; scores of policemen and policewomen, and barricades inside.

The police were kept busy keeping teenage photographers, autograph-seekers and just plain idolaters from the stage, and some looked as if they would have preferred riot duty.

75 PERCENT GIRLS

The audience, held to about 4000 by the rain, was 99 percent teenager and about 75 percent girls, but their squeals made one shudder to think what the sound would have been had the hall been filled.

The squeals were fairly well controlled in the first half, while the deafening Blues Magoos and The Who were on stage. Or perhaps they were drowned out.

The audience's enthusiasm as expressed in plain noise was not entirely welcomed by the performers on stage.

"Shut up!" said the Blues Magoos' bass guitarist, John Entwistle, as he tried to announce a number. He had momentary success.

HERMAN' FROWNS

Peter Noone, the Herman of the Hermits, frowned more than once, both at the blinding flash bulbs and the noise from the audience, which almost overpowered the overpowering noise from the stage.

As intimated, the audience more than made up in enthusiasm what it lacked in numbers.

The Blues Magoos, who sang one number, "Take My Love," with a title ending in an obscenity, added stroboscopic light tricks to their act. Again, the pounding bass from an electronic organ would have shaken the rafters, if Civic Center had any.

The Who and Herman's Hermits substituted a roaring lead electric guitar for the organ.