PICTURED before their flight from Biggin Hill are the Who rock band. They are (left to right): Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, Kenny Jones and John Entwistle. Photo by Mike Knights

The Who take off at 'substitute' airport

ONE OF the world's greatest rock and roll bands, The Who, paid an unscheduled visit to Biggin Hill Airport, on Friday, much to the surprise of the staff and onlookers at the former second world war fighter base.

Before their arrival at Gatwick Airport the group, who were due to fly to a concert at St. Austell, Cornwall, were diverted to Biggin Hill because of the dense fog — which had made the day's incoming flights and departures impossible.

Unlike the title of one of their songs "I Can See For Miles", poor visibility prevented the group from taking off and it meant they had to find a "Substitute" airport at short notice.

Luckily Biggin Hill was largely unaffected by the fog which caused chaos around the country and the springlike weather meant that the group were able to reach their destination on time.

The Who — Roger Daltrey, vocals, John Entwistle, bass guitar, Pete Townshend, lead guitar and Kenny Jones, drums — are one of the few groups from the mid-60's to have survived without casualty, although their former drummer Keith Moon tragically died from a drugs overdose.

They proudly boast a string of hits including "Substitute", "Magic Bus", "My Generation", "Amazing Journey" and "Do You Think It's Alright?". Two films have also been based on albums by The Who.

During one particular concert performance Pete Townshend accidentally broke the neck of his guitar. Incensed by the total apathy shown by the audience he suddenly became determined to activate some kind of reaction from the crowd and proceeded to smash his instrument to pieces.

This crowd-pulling ritual of destruction became as important as their hits.

The Who are currently in the middle of a hectic three month UK tour and will be playing at venues such as The Rainbow Theatre, London, Lewisham Odeon, Edinburgh Playhouse, Newcastle City Hall, Southampton Gaumont and Wembley Arena.

The party of 16 flew from Biggin Hill in a Twin Otter aeroplane.