SHEFFIELD ARENA, THE WHO

I WASN’T there the first time around. But I, for one, am glad they didn’t die before they got old.

The Who made a triumphant return to Sheffield last week, providing a throwback to the days when they inspired their generation with hit after modish hit.

Pete Townshend’s whirling arm and Roger Daltrey’s powerful voice thrilled more than 12,500 as rock anthems including Substitute, Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere and Won’t Get Fooled Again were given form alongside highlights from Quadrophenia and Tommy.

Rock legend Keith Moon’s place was taken by another member of pop’s glitterati – Ringo Starr’s son, Zak, with former Traffic keyboard man John Bundrick joining the party.

It all felt a little too comfortable, call me ageist but I believe that rock music should be played by the young for the young – it loses something when its iconoclastic edge is blunted by age and experience.

That didn’t stop the crowd from soaking up the memories radiating from the stage, as thousands danced away the years if not the sensible shoes and receding hairlines.

Although The Who are a band of the past, their long-awaited return to Sheffield proved that fashion may be temporary, but class is permanent. DW.