The Who recently did performances of their rock opera, "Tommy," before two capacity crowds in New York's Metropolitan Opera House.

It was the first time any kind of pop music had ever been heard at the Met. It was also the last time the Who would perform "Tommy" in its entirety.

Time magazine said: "The two concerts were the absolute apex of the hippie social season."

According to a spokesman for the production, Jackie Onassis' office had called the day before the concerts to ask if she could please have a box. So had Governor Rockefeller's office. They were both turned down. The two performances were sold out within one hour of going on sale.

"We didn't hold tickets for anybody," the spokesman said. "The Who only wanted people who are really into their music."

Greater Clevelanders really into the group's music can see them perform tomorrow at Public Hall in a WIXY-Belkin Production. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Also on the bill will be the James Gang and James Taylor. Advance tickets are $5 and are on sale at all Burrows stores and Convention Center box office. Tickets at the door will be $6.

The Who's "Tommy" has had record sales of more than $5 million since its release by Decca in April, 1969. So why has the group decided to stop performing the celebrated rock opera in their concerts?

Peter Townshend, leader of the Who and composer of "Tommy," said, "How can we ever top performing 'Tommy' at the Met? We want to go on to other things."

With or without "Tommy," the Who is one of the most explosive and spectacular visual rock groups in the world.

On stage, Townshend leaps like a gazelle and plays his guitar with incredible windmill-like strokes. Roger Daltry, lead singer, twirls his mike like a lasso and is an exciting whirlwind with fringes.

Keith Moon, called the world's fastest rock drummer, is a constant blur who seemingly never misses a beat or gets tired. John Entwistle, the bass player, is the conservative member of the group who draws attention by standing still while getting into the group's heavy music.