OAKLAND

The Who is among the great combinations in rock history, a musically and lyrically creative band that has withstood the test of time. The English band's string of hits and innovations stand up in concert, as evidenced by the roaring success Tuesday night at the Oakland Coliseum, three hours of exciting (few sat down), well-crafted music. Rock 'n' roll at its finest, in short.

Seeing the Who live, one realizes what a rare treat it is to have two talented singers, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, in the same band. They complement each other but have distinct styles, making for a good bit of variety. Though explosive, the music never overpowers those two voices, so the lyrics can their say.

The long-inert band, last seen during its "farewell" (for seven years, at least) tour, has come together for a 25th anniversary tour, and will perform here again tonight, another sell-out show. Scalpers Tuesday night were re-selling tickets near the $25 face value, if you're interested.

The kids are all middle-aged, now, and they aren't nearly as crazy on stage (or off, surely) as they used to be. Take Townshend, who has had a strange love-hate relationship with his guitars over the years, often beating them senseless for no apparent reason. The worst offense he did Tuesday night was an almost-gentle punt of an electric unit.

Perhaps he is wary, as a guitar struck back during this tour, somehow stabbing Townshend as he attempted one of his trademark "windmill" licks. The bandage he has been wearing was replaced by a fingerless glove as Townshend played superbly, alternating between electric and acoustic but leaning toward the latter; he played acoustic during the opening half-hour, devoted to "Tommy."

Lead singer Daltrey's golden voice and looks are seemingly untouched by age; he sang clearly and passionately, often tossing his head back as if singing to heaven. To Daltrey's left, Townshend paced back and forth with his guitars, occasionally windmilling and doing his little downbeat jump. To Daltrey's right, John Entwistle, one of rock's prototype bass players, moved very little other than his fingers, following the unwritten rules of performance for rock bassists.

The classics were all taken care of quite well: "Baba O'Riley," "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Who Are You," "Pinball Wizard," "My Generation," "Can't Explain," "Magic Bus," "Behind Blue Eyes," "Tough Boys," "You Better You Bet."

Townshend's acoustic treatment of "Pinball Wizard" was but one of many highlights. Daltrey was most noteworthy on dramatic songs such as "Behind Blue Eyes" and "Rain on Me."

In the one and only overt "statement" of the night, a thoughtful Townshend suggested "Let's all say a little prayer for Colombia," then tore into "Eminence Front."

Sitting there on the Oakland outfield taking in one fine selection after another, one wonders, "Have these boys ever recorded a bad song?" And then Entwistle, during a rare turn in the spotlight, announces "This is one I wrote in my sleep," and proceeds to sing "Boris the Spider."

Actually, Boris was rather fun, and showed the Who doesn't take itself too seriously, certainly a danger with a band so theatrically and operatically inclined.

The capacity crowd that ranged

Please see WHO, C-4