MIAMI — The Who cares. With generous amounts of pre-tour hype and publicity, the three surviving original band members of one of rock music’s most influential and oldest bands lowered expectations, played the reluctant rockers and said they were undertaking their 25th anniversary tour for the money.

On top of all that, they suggested that they shouldn’t be called The Who since the group hasn’t released any new material in years.

But don’t let any of that fool you. If they were going to take your money, they were going to give you value.

Since the tour began in June, the joke’s been on the press and anyone who believed what they read or heard about The Who — 1989. Perhaps the joke has even been on the initially apprehensive and long untested band.

The Who still has it.

They’ve been demonstrating that across the country on their current The Kids are Alright tour.

That song remained the same during the band’s 3½-hour performance Sunday night at Joe Robbie Stadium.

Of course, they’re a little older and had a lot of help, a dozen musicians and singers who added a substantial wallop to The Who sound. Single out drummer Simon Phillips for his relentless thundering attack.

Even more surprising is that the concert got better as the night got older.

The 55,000 spectators at the sold-out event were treated to much of the rock opera Tommy and 20-year-old classic hit singles such as I Can’t Explain and I Can See for Miles during the first half of the show.

But the band topped a rousing beginning with an explosive second half that featured Roger Daltrey’s passionate vocals. The lead singer was simply overwhelming on Love Reign O’er Me and Won’t Get Fooled Again. He also played inspired harmonica on Baba O’Reilly.

Guitarist Pete Townshend was a dynamo. His right hand arched high over his head during his trademark windmill strumming. He frequently leaped into the air, twirled across the stage and sang with soaring vibrato (one hopes his hearing problems aren’t being exacerbated by this tour.)

Bassist John Entwistle, while never a great singer, demonstrated his nimble and dexterous style throughout the evening.

The band’s high energy and intensity hasn’t diminished during the tour but their voices are fighting some wear and tear and have developed a bit of a ragged edge. It didn’t make much difference; these 45-year-old boys have stamina. A lot of younger bands would be hardpressed to keep up the pace.

During this last hurrah, The Who is proving that “old” is a state of mind it hasn’t yet reached.