It was 11 years ago that "My Generation" became the Who's first big hit single. It was a raw, powerful anthem about the new generation by a loud, young, rebellious group.

Since that time the Who have been accepted by society as true artists, especially since the production of "Tommy" into a Hollywood movie. They still perform with as much emotion and explosive intensity as they did in 1965.

Wednesday night the Who played an incredible powerful 1 3/4-hour set for the lucky ticket holders of the show that sold out Memorial Coliseum in less than three hours.

Keith Moon pounded his extra large drum kit relentlessly with his own wildly effective style. John Entwistle stood immobile in one spot all night while laying down a super solid bass line. But it was Peter Townshend who made the show.

Townshend not only ignited the audience with his unpredictable stage acrobatics but also with fluid guitar work. The stage antics included high twisting jumps, power kicks, jigs like dancing and a revolving arm motion, in which he powerfully struck the strings with a quick sweep of the arm.

The blond, curly-hair star of "Tommy" and "Lisztomania," Roger Daltrey, is the group's lead vocalist. Daltrey, these days, engages in speedily swinging his microphone by the cord to his side or over his head.

During "We're Not Going to Take It," the Who's amazing laser light show was revealed. Many tiny rays of blue and green lights streaked across the walls, ceilings and faces of the crowd.

A large green circle appeared just in front of the Blazer scoreboard. As the laser beams struck the circle it was sent into a wild fluctuating pattern.

The lights faded out as the band started its next number, "Summertime Blues."

While the sound system was a good one, it was the stage lighting that was excellent, because it was well timed and expertly set up.

The opening 45 minutes of the show included a collection of mostly older tunes, such as "Behind Blue Eyes," "Magic Bus" and "Substitute." The one song they performed off their current album, "Squeeze Box," their present single.

Selections from "Tommy" occupied the next 30 minutes. Included were the hard rocking tunes "I'm Free" and "We're Not Going to Take It." Moon handled the lead vocals on "Tommy's Holiday Camp" and "Fiddle About," two whimsical tunes. Versions of "Acid Queen" and the "Pinball Wizard" were also included.