>I have to admit I'm confused by much of the attitude regarding The Who, and 
>their continued approach as performers.  I don't think that other veterans 
>get as much gruff as they do, so I'm truly interested to hear opinions as 
>to what sets them apart.  Why does the listening audience become so cynical 
>and vocal about them, as opposed to other acts like the Rolling Stones, 
>Pretty Things, NRBQ, Buddy Guy, BB King, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan etc 
>etc....

I think possibly several reasons apply:

* Many felt the band lost it when Moon dies, but after Ox went and they 
became The Two, it's like Keith and Mick with a backing band.

* Because they are not releasing relevant new music and haven't for a long 
time; even longer than it's been for The Stones

* Because they clearly are not as powerful as they once were, and teenage 
anthems coming from a guy in his sixties doesn't look right, especially in 
arenas. (Does anyone really believe Mick can't get any satisfaction?)

* Because they did a farewell tour in the early 80s yet they're still here. 
That makes Brett Favre look like an amateur.


I think people like Buddy Guy and BB King get a pass, and NRBQ and The 
Pretty Things are not household names (injustice but true), but none of them 
are going around playing greatest hits tours in stadiums. And I don't know 
who you talk to but I hear Macca and Dylan take a boatload of crap. 
Personally I'm fine with all of them doing what they want as long as they 
can - in today's world their presence does not preclude me from listening to 
anyone else.

Nothing wrong with guys past 60 making music if they're still making music - 
Ian Hunter is at the top of his game, for example. See below:

http://drbristol.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/t-g-i-f-ten-rock-survivors/

As for the SB, it didn't affect me either way. I didn't think it was a big 
deal that The Who were playing, and like every other performer except 
Prince, they really didn't do anything spectacular to seize the moment. But 
then again I don't watch the Super Bowl for the music.

cheers
bill