The Who: Dallas 11/17/2006

The once essential band is trying to prove it's essential again, including new material in its concerts for the first time in decades. And Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, backed by musicians who don't make you forget Moon and Entwistle but don't tarnish their memory, did everything in their power to exorcise those ghosts. Veteran bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Zak Starkey, Ringo's son, stepped in. Simon Townshend, Pete's brother, was a welcome addition on backup vocals and guitar. Ultimately, Daltrey and Pete Townshend cast out the ghosts with their own power, and a walloping pre-encore finale combining My Generation, an almost unrecognizable Cry If You Want and Won't Get Fooled Again.