'Tommy' Steals Show

Bristol Hippodrome: The Who in Concert.

Give The Who any superlative that comes to mind, and it would have fitted amply for this wonderful two-hour concert.

Keith Moon gyrated behind his drums as usual; Pete Townshend leapt in the air during his effervescent guitar playing, Roger Daltrey pranced around the stage swinging the microphone lead above his head, and John Entwhistle was typically placid on bass.

But the packed Hippodrome enjoyed a new Who.

After storming into their good old hit numbers like "Can't Explain," "Substitute," "Happy Jack," and "I'm a Boy," they went on to give a non-stop performance of "Tommy," their story of a deaf, dumb and blind boy.

Townshend on guitar was magnificent, and Daltrey, living the part throughout, gave an often haunting performance. At the end, the crowd rose for a huge ovation.

The presentation of "Tommy" was compelling, and "Pinball Wizard" was beautifully done.

Once the dust had settled after "Tommy," the group concluded with some furious blues, and "My Generation."

The Who, making their first appearance in England after their successful American tour, have matured as a group, and worked very well together on stage. They still are, and always have been, an exciting visual group.

Geoffrey Simms.

Part of the audience at the Hippodrome last night.

Roger Daltrey, vocalist of The Who, goes on stage.