They didn’t disappoint.

Older and wiser since I last heard the Who in concert in Edmonton in 1968, I couldn’t help bopping in my seat like a teeny bopper on Friday.

But the only thing was the noise. I’m dictating this story from the washroom at Rexall Place as it’s the only place in the neighborhood I can hear myself think.

I’d forgotten the Who played a concert at a British football ground in 1976 and for more than a decade was recorded in The Guinness Book of World Records as having staged the loudest concert ever.

The music has been measured at 130 decibels and was said to have resulted in singer Roger Daltrey’s hearing problems.

Some said it was also responsible for Peter Townshend’s partial deafness.

It was an older generation who attended the concert and gone were the bellbottom jeans and jackets and psychedelic shirts of yesteryear.

This was a beer-drinking crowd. In 1968, I remember a sickly, sweet smell and the red-eyed guy next to me handing me a cigarette.

I didn’t know what it was and politely took a drag. I didn’t inhale.

In the audience was ginger-bearded Lyle Christensen, 44, a gas-plant insulator who has been a Who fan since he first heard the band at the age of 10.

“These guys were always crazy on stage,” he said. “But I’d never seen them live until tonight.”

Cross-generation Who fans Fraser Brinsmead and his 15-year-old son Connor, right.

Architect Fraser Brinsmead, 53, was employed emptying bedpans at a veterans’ home in 1968 and used his earnings to take his high-school sweetheart to the Who concert.

“The Who were like royalty and I’ve always thought they were challengers for the best rock and roll band of all time,” said the piano, guitar and fiddle-playing architect.

“They blew my mind. My girlfriend wasn’t so impressed.”

Brinsmead was accompanied by his son Connor, 15, who admits to being a walking Who encyclopedia.

“I think they are better than the Stones,” he said. “Their antics are better than Mick Jagger’s.”

Brinsmead dug out a pair of blue jeans with flower-patterned bellbottoms for the concert.

Winding back the clock was helicopter pilot Bill Cosman, 57, who fought forest fires all summer in Saskatchewan and returned home to find his daughters Kimberly, 19, and Hillary, 17, had bought tickets for the concert.

“I was very excited,” he said. “The Who and the Cream were always my two bands of choice,” he said.

“This is a real rock and roll weekend for the family. We’re driving to Regina Saturday for the Rolling Stones’ concert,” he added.

SAYS YOU

They came in blue jeans and bomber jackets Friday night, and the old psychedelic shirts and bellbottoms that featured strongly at the 1968 Who concert weren’t to be seen.

Many were in their 40s and 50s. So why did they come?

Beverley Mack, 57, retired foreign office cultural diplomat: “I was a U of A fine arts student and took a lot of photographs in 1968. The Who were one of my favourite bands and I had to come back for old times’ sake. But I was disappointed to hear Pete Townshend say he’s too old to windmill these days.”

Bob Rosskopf, 56, lumber worker: “I was 18 years old and a PWA baggage handler in 1968 and couldn’t afford a ticket. My daughter Lynsie is studying at the U of A and was too busy to come tonight. But she bought tickets for my wife, Linda, and I. She knows we both like Roger Daltrey. He’s so animated. I think Lynsie was thanking us for always being accessible.”

Jennifer Rohleder, 19, student: “I bought eight tickets on my mom’s credit card. But we’ll all pay her back. I like Roger Daltrey. When he was young, he was pretty good looking. But he still has a good strong voice and these guys were showmen.”

Bill Gouge, 56, camera salesman: “I was 18 years old and working in Vancouver when the band was in Edmonton in the ’60s. I always was a big fan, but missed their concerts every time they were in this part of the world.

“I decided this was my best chance to finally catch them. I’ve been a fan since the band started playing together … I want to see if they are as good on stage as they look on film. They have never put out a bad album.”

Mandalyn Harnoth, 8: “I don’t know the band, but I watch and I’ve heard the tune they play for the show. I haven’t heard one of their albums. I’m here with family and friends. I do think you should try new things.”

Kyle Walsh, 18, concession worker: “My dad, Vince, was always playing their music when I was growing up. He saw them on stage in Ontario in 1977 and has always been a major fan. I thought I had to see them when I had the chance and came with him here. They are not getting any younger.”