'Who' at IU on Nov. 30

Back in 1965, an English group (one of many to follow on the coat-tails of the Beatles) named The Who released a smash hit single, "My Generation." It put them into an instant-fame category that most people thought would wear off as quickly as the single slipped from the charts.

Then, when they followed their first album with "Happy Jack," it became evident that there was something to their music. The songs did not just tear away at themes of teenage rebellion, but were actually part of a musical concept.

This concept, soon to be known as rock-opera, began to

surface with "The Who Sell Out" and "Magic Bus," but it exploded when "Tommy" was released. Peter Townsend, the rhythm guitar player and composer of most of the group's tunes, defied pop lore with the rock epic and achieved distinction for the tale of a deaf-dumb-blind pinball wizard.

Since then, the group has given some more great musical moments, most notably, Live at Leeds, a searing rock and roll album. Their latest album, The Who By Numbers is a grab-bag mixture of songs much like their original pre-opera days, although Townsend's musical concepts are still intact.

The Who has managed to remain intact while other bands have split and gone their ways. Most of the musicians have put out solo albums, but the personnel still remains: John Entwhistle on bass, Roger Daltry, lead singer and Keith Moon, drums. As for Moon, many feel it is he and his pleasant personality that have helped to keep the group together.

Says Moon, "One of the reasons we've stayed together is that we're always working and that we never let money come between us."

The group will be appearing Nov. 30 at the Indiana University Assembly Hall.

THE WHO Intact and still good