OK, so half the original Who didn't die before they got old (then again, half did), and they are definitely part of rock's geriatric set, and they haven't done anything musically notable in who-knows-when (I thought last year's Endless Wire was a letdown). Here are the facts as I see them: The geezers are alright; they can still bring it live. The band has played the Forum three times (if my count is correct) over the last few years, and each show was eminently worthwhile. For their last appearance, Pete Townshend had come out from behind his ear-protecting Plexiglas cage and was windmilling to his heart's desire. The guys tore into their old catalog with gusto. Can Daltrey hit the scream in "Won't Get Fooled Again" with the same intensity? No, but he gives it a game try. Legendary bands like The Who are always susceptible to low-energy nights, but three good gigs out of three is a solid track record. Here's predicting that they'll do it again.
The Who w/Rose Hill Drive, 7:30 p.m. Tues., March 13, Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa. Ticket prices range from $56 to $181, livenation.com. —Eric Snider
Toot Toots
I saw Toots & the Maytals once at Skipper's and was transported. (Seeing as the band's played the Bay area several times since, I don't know why I haven't gone back for a second helping). What first jumped out at me was the celebratory atmosphere of the concert — it didn't have that sleepy/stoned feel that has practically killed my inclination to attend reggae shows. Another major factor: Non-dreadlocked Toots Hibbert is an absolutely terrific soul singer, who brings a barbed R&B feel to his reggae and ska material. And also: The Maytals (currently eight strong, according to MySpace) are a terrific band, with a knack for whipping up the party behind their amiable frontman. Toots & the Maytals are legendary figures in Jamaican music, but go to this show because they are still vital, energetic performers. Count me in for a second go-'round.
Toots & the Maytals, Fri., March 9 (doors at 7 p.m.), Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg, $18 advance, $22 day of show, jannuslandingconcerts.com —ES
Mo' Blues
When you envision a guy who came up in Compton, Calif., a bluesman isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But Kevin Moore was a kid whose parents had grown up in the Deep South, and he was drawn to the gospel and blues as well as radio fare in his youth. He played in a variety of R&B bands as an up-and-comer. In time, he transformed into Keb' Mo', a musical alchemist who uses the raw materials of acoustic blues to create a postmodern blend of acoustic folk, R&B, gospel, pop and bits of world music. Blues purists tend to view his music as inauthentic. I, on the other hand, have never seen him as a bluesman per se, but as a charming, blues-inclined performer with a rich, expressive singing style and some catchy tunes. Keb' Mo' can enchant a crowd while sitting on a stool with just his acoustic guitars, but on this show he'll also plug in and play with a band.
Keb' Mo', Thurs., March 8 (doors at 7:30 p.m.), Tampa Theatre. $34.50, tampatheatre.org. —ES
This article appears in Mar 7-13, 2007.