For an event that started out with several sour notes, The Who’s extravaganza in Orlando’s Tangerine Bowl ended in a blaze of glory.

Opening acts Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and The B-52’s, playing before about 60,000 Who-starved fans Nov. 27, were all but booed off the stage. Jett appeared first, and though the mass of mainstream rock fans enjoyed hits like “I Love Rock’n’Roll,” “Crimson and Clover” and “Do You Wanna Touch,” the reception was merely lukewarm.

The audience readied itself to despise The B-52’s before the band even took the stage. The B-52’s are an exceptional dance ensemble, but playing in a large arena, (in front of people who haven’t come to dance), only amplifies their limited talent.

Even though the band presented spirited (and danceable) renditions of “Planet Claire,” “Hot Lava” and “Rock Lobster,” they were still jeered and paper-wadded off the stage after only a half-hour.

As nightfall cooled the over-heated crowd, (many of whom sat in the sun for six hours), The Who, the 17-year-old quartet from England, began its powerful set with the classic, “My Generation.” Sure, it sounded silly to hear Roger Daltrey proclaim “hope I die before I get old,” but the electricity of it all made up for the outdated lyrics.

The group then charged into the spunky “I Can’t Explain,” setting an atmosphere that never dissipated.

Outstanding versions of “Baba O’Riley,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” the new “Eminence Front,” and the moving “Behind Blue Eyes” went over brilliantly, and the two songs from the album Tommy, “Pinball Wizard” and “See Me, Feel Me,” proved to be the highlight of the show.

Many have called The Who’s farewell tour (and subsequent sell-out shows) a religious experience. Who can match the group’s intensity? Few acts can.

For more than two hours, Daltrey swung, guitarist Pete Townshend leaped, drummer Kenny Jones pounded, and John “The Ox” Entwistle hardly moved, letting his amazing fingers manipulate the bass.

The Who has paved the way for new groups, like Townshend’s favorite, The Clash, and has stepped aside.