Surviving members of The Who launch tour after death of bassist

By Anthony Breznican ~ The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES -- The Who turned their mourning into defiant energy in their first concert after the death of their longtime bassist.

Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, the surviving members of the seminal, 1960's British rock band performed Monday night at the Hollywood Bowl in the group's first concert since John Entwistle's death last week.

The first two shows of the group's North American tour were canceled after Entwistle, 57, died in his sleep Thursday in Las Vegas, and his bandmates vowed to continue as a tribute to him.

"I just wanted to say that tonight we played for John Entwistle," Daltrey said after opening the show with the hits, "I Can't Explain," and "Substitute." "He was the true spirit of rock 'n' roll and he lives on in the music we play."

The group, featuring substitute bass player Pino Palladino, then launched into a frenetic rendition of "Who Are You."

Earlier, Townshend said he did not expect Palladino, who has played with Tears for Fears, Eric Clapton and Elton John, to "emulate, parody or copy John Entwistle in any way."

"The one request I made was that -- at first -- he play as loud as he can bear!" the guitarist said in a message posted on his Web site.

Entwistle, Daltrey and Townshend were three of the founding members of the rock quartet. Drummer Keith Moon died in 1978 of a drug overdose.

The group, founded in London in the early 1960s, was part of the British rock invasion along with the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. Their parade of hits included "I Can See For Miles," "Pinball Wizard," and "Won't Get Fooled Again."

The Who has been known for explosive shows that often culminate in the smashing of their musical instruments on stage. But Entwistle's bass guitar work was known for its great reserve, anchoring the wildman antics of the other players.

Fans at the packed Hollywood Bowl gave the group a standing ovation before a single note was played. Palladino played the first few songs off to the side, often in shadow.

Before the set began, giant screens featured video of the group rehearsing at Townshend's home nearly two weeks before Entwistle's death. The audience cheered and applauded each time Entwistle was seen.

Many said they were sorry that he was gone, but believe The Who would survive his loss.

"The truth of the matter is, Entwistle was very mellow, so he affects the music but he doesn't affect the stage dynamic as much," said Howard Fuchs, 50, a Los Angeles attorney who said he had seen the group perform nearly 20 times. "He was unique and replaceable all in one."

Most fans said they were glad the band planned to continue.

"I've lost good friends in my life and the best thing you can do to get it out of your system is to express it through music," said Michael May, 39, of Los Angeles, a camera operator and amateur guitarist.

Midway through the show, Townshend took the microphone to thank fans for supporting the band during their time of mourning.

"We're not just pretending as if nothing happened," Townshend said. "It is difficult."

At the end of the show, he and Daltrey embraced and waved farewell to a giant screen beside the stage on which was projected images of Entwistle from his youth to his older days.