MUSIC REVIEW

Unstoppable: Who Does ‘Quadrophenia’ Proud

By Aidin Vaziri

The Who have weathered discord, tragedy and the routine destruction of their instruments. Yet some five decades after blasting out of the fertile British rock scene of the early 1960s, the band remains unbreakable.

Well, almost. Midway through its two-hour set at the Oracle Arena on Friday, the group’s 68-year-old frontman, Roger Daltrey, made a plea to the crowd in the nearly sold-out venue.

“I have a terrible affliction,” he announced, shirt unbuttoned to his navel, blue eyes looking dead serious. “I’m allergic to pot smoke. What could be f— worse? If you have a joint in your pocket, please eat it. It’ll last longer.”

Who continues on E6

Who lead singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, both on the far side of 60, turn the seminal rock band’s “Quadrophenia” into an impressive performance piece, making a strong case for reassessment at Oracle Arena. They also performed many of their bigger hits.

Michael Short / Special to The Chronicle