GOOD AFTERNOON … how are your eardrums? … The Who must now be regarded as the most exciting and LOUDEST rock group in the world after attempting to pulverise the sound barrier in Southampton Guildhall last night.

So intense was the noise that many of the 1,600 fans who swarmed into the hall had splitting headaches, and numb or aching ears.

During the two-hour performance the volume was so great from the elaborate equipment, worth 30,000, and last used at The Oval Festival, that some fans were crying.

Questioned

Undoubtedly The Who proved themselves as the finest exponents of live rock around 6 so why this solid wall of sound which screamed at you?

Obviously rock music has to be loud to really get across, but frankly this was ridiculous.

It hardly seems good for the health to endure such a supersonic level. Someone sitting next to me had to leave for fear of being sick.

Still, at the end it hardly mattered as fans leapt up on their seats, and some sat on the shoulders of their companions to see The Who in action.

Then they cheered and stamped their feet for ten minutes to call the group back for an encore. The four musicians did not reappear 6 probably too exhausted.

Not surprising. Pete Townshend leapt around the stage playing the lead guitar like a demoniacal dervish; Keith Moon juggled with his drumsticks; and vocalist Roger Daltrey swung the microphone around like mad.

Only inactivity came from John Entwhistle who, as usual, propped himself up against an amplifier hardly inching a muscle, and looking bored stiff.

Explosive

The music was explosive. They played old favourites like "Magic Bus" and "My Generation," tracks from the new LP, and excerpts from the rock opera "Tommy."

Before the doors opened, about 400 fans clustered on the Guildhall steps, some of them chanting.

Ticket touts were reported to be around selling forgeries.

But there was no trouble, thanks to the police and a double security on the door.

Despite the agony of the noise, this was one of the best rock concerts I've ever attended.

What's that you say? You'll have to speak up. I'm sure my hearing has been impaired.

Up, up and away … Roger Daltrey, lead vocalist in The Who, swings the microphone around like a lariat. Bass player John Entwhistle looks on in silence.

Keith Moon, reputed to be the most extrovert drummer in pop, up to his usual tricks with The Who last night. 6 "Echo" photos.