'The Who' crammed its 10-year contribution to rock music into a powerful, tasteful, 100-minute set that left more than 11,000 fans reeling, but begging for more last night at the Mid-South Coliseum.

At a time when other rock groups seem to be competing to get the most musicians, fireworks, lights and other gadgetry on stage, the Who accomplishes more with fewer gimmicks.

The four-member group sauntered onto the Coliseum stage last night with three musicians, a vocalist, a little fancy lighting and proceeded to captivate the audience with the sheer magnitude of its material and musicianship.

"Can't Explain" – a Who hit from 1965 – was used to set the tight, rocking pace for material to come, including the 1975 song, "Substitute," and the slightly off-color single, "Squeeze Box," which was just released from the recent "The Who By Numbers" album.

"This one is from 'Quadraphenia.' We've had some trouble with that one and this is about all that's left," said vocalist Roger Daltrey as he introduced the concert's only song from Pete Townshend's second opera. Then, with an ironic laugh, he said, "The song's called 'Drowned.'"

The highlight of the concert was a beautifully paced and performed medley from the rock-opera "Tommy," including "Amazing Journey," "The Acid Queen," "Pinball Wizard" and "See Me, Touch Me, Feel Me."

Only two other songs from "By the Numbers" – "How Ever Much I Booze" and "Dreaming in the Waste" – were performed. The newness of that material may have been the cause. When Townshend prepared to sing "How Ever Much I Booze," he first had to place a music stand with a lyric sheet in front of him.

The show climaxed with "Won't Get Fooled Again" – a number which showed the band, especially guitarist Townshend, at its best.

Townshend delivered his usual leaping, string-flailing, high-energy performance, but there were also more fine leads and

intricate solos than in previous Who concerts.

Bassist John Entwhistle offered little showmanship, but did prove to be far and away the best musician of the group. His

fingers flew along his fretboard at a blinding speed, giving body and innumerable, flashy frills to each number.

Daltrey's vocals and stage presence were excitement, but it was not always well aimed.