Entwistle on numbers like "The Kids Are Alright." Pino Palladino, still with the band after quickly taking over bass duties in 2002, thundered in his own way even if he can never replace Thunderfingers.

Drummer Zak Starkey proved to be the most prominent replacement player as he pounded in a more controlled manner than the man who once held the throne, Keith Moon. Still, this son of Beatle Ringo Starr is a very stylish player and his energy fueled mountainous versions of "Who Are You" and "Eminence Front."

Despite all the side players' fine efforts, it was hard to pay attention to anyone other than Townshend and Daltrey.

The guitarist, having shaken off the bedbugs that had colored much of his sleepy playing prior to 2002, was a whirlwind of excitement on this night as he slashed and windmilled his way through "Baba O'Riley" and "Who Are You."

The age-defying vocalist exhibited plenty of youthful swagger and rock-star charisma as he howled out the lyrics to "Love, Reign O'er Me." His earsplitting scream in "Won't Get Fooled Again" remains a true showstopper.

Luckily, in this case, it only paused the show.

Following the set-ending "Won't Get Fooled Again," the band reconvened on stage for a mini-opera from the 1969 epic "Tommy."

Starting with quickly strummed guitar opening of "Pinball Wizard," the band zigzagged like said shiny metal ball down "Amazing Journey" and "Sparks" before reaching a dramatic climax with the "See Me" and "Listening to You" segments of "We're Not Gonna Take It!"

The Ox would have been proud.

You can write music critic Jim Harrington at jimthecritic@yahoo.com.