Last hurrahs are for old folks. Rock ’n’ roll—to make that inspired, vital rock ’n’ roll— has always been young in spirit. The music of the Who has recently seemed preoccupied, obsessed, with maturity and encroaching middle-age. On an inspired night, the Who are still a great rock ’n’ roll band.

What can you make of all this?

Idunno.

Before the band’s recent Chicago-area appearances at the Rosemont Horizon, I was ushered backstage by publicist Mason Buck. Confronting me was a livid Roger Daltrey.

“Don, I’ve just got one question,” he fumed. “What the fuck are you doing reviewing this show...It’s people like you that are the reason the Who can’t tour anymore.”