Meanwhile, an anthem like "Won't Get Fooled Again," which closed the main set, has remained vital and relevant into the 21st century.

The band was rounded out by session bassist Pino Palladino, longtime keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick, drummer Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr's son) and guitarist Simon Townshend (Pete's brother).

Palladino respectfully laid back at the side of the stage for most of the show, but was applauded for his solo on "My Generation." Simon's vocal contributions, too, were in full flower on a touching rendition of "The Kids are Alright," which Townshend said he wrote because Keith Moon was a big Beach Boys fan. The tune got great treatment; it moved from tight pop harmonies to a soulful, almost bluesy lead vocal by Daltrey.

"You Better You Bet" from 1981 featured a mini-singalong, and was welcomed as much as "5:15" and "Love Reign O'er Me" from the 1973 opus "Quadrophenia," which was made into a movie in 1979.

There were no false starts or clunkers, from the opening and mid-point tunes ("I Can't Explain," "Substitute," "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere," "Another Tricky Day," "Bargain," "Relay") to the encore, a “Tommy" sampler that moved from "Pinball Wizard" to a spiritual "See Me, Feel Me" during which Daltrey pulled out a tambourine and appeared godlike, emerging under some overhead lights that spelled out "Who."

But in the end, it wasn't the rock god image that dominated the show. Nope, it was the sweet, sad sentiment of two geezers with their arms around each other after the songs were done, gazing at an adoring crowd and paying tribute to a dear friend and colleague.

It was a fitting end when, as Townshend and Daltrey left the stage, vintage photos of the band — many of Entwistle — flashed across the huge arena screens.