WHO Concert Is Screaming Success

By Jane Scott

Suddenly Peter Townshend rammed his guitar into an amplifier. He picked up another amplifier and tossed it on the floor. Lights flashed, the audience swarmed up on stage and pandemonium broke loose.

And this was just the first part of the big WHO concert in Musicarnival last night.

"Man, the WHO are where it's at," said Tom Perme, 18, a Madison High School graduate.

Perme was one of 2,500 teens who filled the place to see the London rock group.

THE SCREAMS started when 110-pound singer Roger Daltrey whipped into the WHO's hit song, "Substitute," twirling the mike around like a shot put. Drummer Keith Moon tossed his drumsticks like red hot batons and lead guitarist Townshend danced around like a puppet.

Teens wandered up on stage taking pictures, sticking paper flowers on the drum and snatching drumsticks, but the WHO didn't seem to mind.

The group swung into a spoof song about "an engine driver who is seduced by a Camp Fire Girl." They did an original, "Heaven and Hell," written by Townshend then their new release, "Magic Bus."

THE GROUP'S road manager, Ben Pump, in red velvet pants, bare chest and leather jacket, sang along with the group during "Magic Bus." Then the amplifier mayhem began.

Only one Warrensville Heights policeman, Patrolman Craig Merchant was on hand. "I'm it," he said. "They asked for four, but they couldn't get them."

"Clear the aisles! They're coming back," Musicarnival officials announced as the WHO rushed for their dressing rooms.

The Cyrus Erie, a local group, let the WHO use their amplifiers. The Cyrus Erie scored earlier with their soft versions of "Yesterday" and "Walk Away, Renee."