Driving Who respond to Derby fans

REGARDLESS of size, a Derby audience created tremendous atmosphere at the Odeon last night when the unconventional Who mesmerised them with their emotional music.

Commencing with "Heatwave" and "Dancing in the Street" — reminiscent of their younger days — they equalled the sounds of Martha and the Vandellas. Then electrifying the Beachboy number "Barbara Ann," Keith Moon on drums delivered a hypnotising version along with a driving, impulsive beat.

They then introduced their three hits, "Substitute," "I'm a Boy," and "My Generation," rounding off a complete professional performance, which the Derby audience did not experience on their last visit.

The unoriginal Merseys, who were co-starring with them, although successful with the audience, appeared more as names than artists. Backed very ably by the Fruit Eating Bears, they ranged on the sound of the Everley Brothers and Tamla Motown with numbers like "So Sad About You," and "No Where to Run."

Other artists

Other groups appearing were the M.I.Five, who produced excellent negro sounds with an emphasis on the electric organ. The Magic Lanterns had above average singing abilities, over a smooth musical backing.

Compere Max Wall presented cool comedy between the acts.

Melting into a settee after the show, the Who talked calmly and quietly, a complete contrast to their stage mannerisms which are meant to create and also portray excitement.

Driven by audience

"The audiences in the Midlands are wonderful," said singer Roger Daltry, "In London and the South, as a whole, they appreciate us, but that is all. Here they force us to extend ourselves, which we like."

Bass guitarist John Entwhistle, known among his friends as "The Mute," stood intensively thinking, in a corner of the dressing room while Pete Townshend, the group's powerful guitarist, talked non-stop music language to Keith Moon.

Then the group started to make plans for their tour of America next week, followed by a trip to Sweden, and a record-making session for a new L.P.

R.H.

THE WHO, from left: Peter Townshend, John Entwhistle, Keith Moon and Roger Daltry.