ATLANTIC CITY — Steve Binder, of Marlton, and Mickey O’Donnell, of Sicklerville, have seen The Who in concert 19 times. The two friends enjoyed beers at the Boardwalk pre-party at Kennedy Plaza in Atlantic City as they waited for Friday’s show at Boardwalk Hall.

“They keep drawing the crowds,” O’Donnell said. “The boys are getting up there in the years, but they still sound good.”

It was definitely a rock of ages Friday night on the Boardwalk as fans of The Who waited for the British rock stars to appear on stage in what the band says is their last tour. The band features their “The Who Hits 50!” compilation album filled with crowd and musician favorites.

The pair of friends saw the rock legends three times at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and once before at Boardwalk Hall. O’Donnell said he specifically remembered going to a 1979 performance right after the disastrous events of a Cincinnati concert at which 11 people died.

Binder said one memorable concert included a 1980s performance at the old Shea Stadium in New York. The concert was great, but his car caught fire on the way home.

“We always have a good time,” O’Donnell said. “We’re going to see them on Nov. 4 in Philadelphia. As they close out their shows, we’ll close out our watching.”

People at the pre-party wore the band’s concert tees from across the decades. Guys were wearing tour shirts from the 1980s. A woman proudly walked up the Boardwalk in her black Quadrophenia North American tour shirt from 2012-13.

Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, with Zak Starkey, John Corey, Loren Corey, Frank Simes, Simon Townshend and Pino Palladino were set to perform after Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian stopped by the pre-party as people enjoyed cover rock songs from the Triple xXx Band.

“Today is a beautiful day,” he said. “It’s exciting, we’ve got the beach groomed, we’re kicking off the weekend with The Who, we’ve got the light show and the beach ball drop. I hope people come and let their hair down. It’s the place to be.”

This wasn't the first time that Mike Brown, of Whiting, would see The Who, but it was the first time seeing Jett on stage.

“I’ve seen her open for other bands like Kiss, but this is the first time for The Who,” Frank Catalano said.

“My girlfriend got me tickets to the show but didn’t want to go, so I called up (Brown) and said, ‘Hey, you wanna go see The Who?'”

Brown said it was a no-brainer. He’d really like to hear anything from the “Who’s Next” album or the instrumental “Sparks” from “Amazing Journey.”

“I like The Who, but I tell my friends not to say that. It’s admitting you’re old,” the mayor said, laughing.

Contact: 609-272-7022 NLeonard@pressofac.com