CHICAGO--At the New World Music Theatre on Sunday (6/25), the mood was light-hearted from the get-go. When Pete Townshend stepped into the spotlight, he videotaped the frenzied crowd before turning it on his behind.

Back in place as the Who's sole electric guitarist, Townshend got down to business as he windmilled his guitar, allowing feedback and choppy guitar bursts to emanate through the speakers. Hordes of Townshend wannabes in the crowd forged their best imitation during the set, often stepping in the aisles to windmill their legs or to get on their knees and bow to the guitar hero.

"It's great to start our tour here--the 11th biggest, oh, the 12th biggest city," said Townshend. As the crowd began booing, he added, "I f*****' know what it is. Don't boo me. I know just as much about Chicago as you do."

Clad in all black, Who frontman Roger Daltrey took charge of the stage with all of the charisma of his youth. Less animated than he was in the Who's prime, Daltrey struggled to hit the high notes in songs such as "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere," though his vocals improved as the show progressed. And his trademark mic-twirling made him a bit nervous.

"The beginning of a new tour is always a nightmare," Daltrey said. "The mic goes up and disappears. It's really light. I'm not sure when it's going to come down."

During a particularly feverish guitar solo, Townshend pointed at Daltrey, who broke out into a wide grin. Toward the end, Townshend took his towel and wiped down John "Rabbit" Bundrick's Hammond organ. prompting Daltrey to say, "We've got a new cleaning lady."

Eerily resembling both his father Ringo Starr and the late Keith Moon, drummer Zak Starkey provided the bombast that the Who lacked in its post-Moon, Kenny Jones era. Bassist John Entwistle, wearing a bright turquoise jacket, black pants and shirt, provided proof that he is a bass legend.

There were few flaws in the two-hour-and-15-minute show. The set ranged from rarities ("Don't Know Myself") to standards ("Who Are You," "Pinball Wizard"). The near-capacity crowd didn't seem to mind paying the $153--$7.65 a song--ticket price. Fans came to see action and didn't leave disappointed.

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