14,000 Jam Convention Center

"The Who" Deliver Incredible Show

By Gerry Barker

Star-Telegram Writer

Such a pity. Only 14,000 could jam into the Tarrant County Convention Center last night for The Who. The rest who couldn't get in missed what may well go down as the most unforgettable rock concert ever staged here. It was certainly the most exciting in my memory, and that includes several hundred shows.

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THE EVENING BEGAN with the Steve Gibbons Band, an English quintet making their American debut with this tour. They delivered a strong opening set, led by Gibbons' lead vocals and some crisp guitar work. Some fine moments came in songs like "Spark of Love," "Johnny Cool," "Standing on the Bridge" and "Rollin'." Then came The Who—Keith Moon, John Entwistle, Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend who ran on stage to a thunderous ovation. They launched immediately into "I Can't Explain" and "Substitute." From the start it was evident this show would be a gem. They were singing and playing together with an intensity that rivaled their first tours to America, despite drummer Moon's recent bout with the flu, which forced the group to reset their Boston Gardens show of March 9.

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TOWNSEND WAS leaping above the stage and stroking his lead guitar with his patented circular sweeps. Lead singer Daltry was swinging his microphone, strutting about the stage and proving again without a doubt he is the High Priest of Rock among today's vocalists. "My Wife" came next, with bassist Entwistle on vocals, followed by an eclectic "Baba O'Riley," featuring a taped organ accompaniment and Daltry on harmonica. Although the group was a bit flat on their new single, "Squeeze Box," they rebounded strongly on "Behind Blue Eyes," during which Moon left the stage briefly. A spirited "Dreaming From the Waist" was followed by the familiar "Magic Bus," which had the crowd swaying to the beat tapped out by Moon. But the unquestioned high point was a selection of songs from their rock opera and movie. "Tommy," which included an incredible "Amazing Journey," where Daltry simply destroyed some tambourines, "Acid Queen," an outstanding "Pinball Wizard" from Townsend, "I'm Free" and "See Me Feel Me," augmented by a stunning display of green and red lasers that bathed the whole arena in a surrealistic light.

At this point, everybody was on their seats and cheering with a volume that almost raised the roof.

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FROM THAT POINT on, the tempo never diminished, as the group strung together "My Generation," "Join Together," "I'm a Roadrunner" and a fantastic finale, "Won't Get Fooled Again." Despite the reigning pandemonium, there was no encore, much to the crowd's disappointment. But I don't think anyone who was there would question one fact— the Who are the greatest rock and roll band in the world.