Ageism Rears It's Ugly Head In Criticism Of The Who's Halftime Show

When the windmill is just for show, and Daltrey can't hit the notes, they disappoint us. We remember what their talent was like and see a parody of it. I don't want to see twits like Britney ... I'm not sure what I think the halftime show should be. Certainly The Who was better than pop or rap (are any football fans into pop music?). Personally I'm into modern hard rock just as I've always been - I don't want to hear Baba O'Riley for the one millionth time, I like new bands instead of just listening to the stuff I liked in junior high. But it isn't that which made me not like the halftime show. The Who just doesn't have the talent they once did. You mention Sinatra - you also fail to mention how pathetic he was at the end when he didn't understand he had lost his talent to age.

Santana? He still has it, but remember that he also brings in younger singers like Rob Thomas for his new hits. It's a lot harder to keep your voice than it is to keep your guitar talent (assuming you don't have arthritis).

Call it ageism if you like. Just as a football player (or any athlete) gets dumped after his age affects his talent. Your age truly does affect your talent at some point, and The Who showed that today. And I didn't hear any ear splitting guitar notes from Townsend.

So - the Who isn't relevant to the young fans, and many of the older fans were disappointed because this wasn't the Who that we remembered. The question is, what should they do at halftime? Classic rock probably is the least offensive for now, but as younger fans come on board, it won't cut it. And pop and rap turn all of us older people off because there is no music in it. It will be interesting to see what happens in future half-times, and we'll probably bitch either way.

And you aren't giving new rock a chance if you truly think Daltry sings better than 95% of what passes today! There are some incredible artists out there, if you just get out of your "I want to hear what I've heard for the last 30 years" mindset.

It isn't the music, it's the audience. When I first got into radio in the early 70s, anyone from The Who, to the Rolling Stones, to Roy Rogers, to Frank Sinatra could get into the Top 40.

But kids these days are so narrow-minded, unsophisticated and downright stupid that any music other than their own will send them running screaming into the tall grass.

After watching this halftime show and reading the comments, I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter what group or artist that performs. There are so many opinions, and musical likes and dislikes. Maybe they should QUIT using music as a filler for the halftime show. Stick with commentary and leave it at that. Live music no matter what just doesn't seem to cut it. It doesn't sound or look good for one reason or another. Maybe it's time for a change...

I thought they did great, as did Tom Petty in 2008. At least there were no wardrobe malfunctions.

One problem I could see is that there was a disconnect with the audience. The Who does not have universal appeal. But their performance was fine.

It was a great show and the NFL did an amazing job with the set. Next year though; it's time to go modern. Coldplay would have been my top choice this year so if they can come out with another big single they should definitely be considered.

Meh. I thought they sounded pretty damn good. The playing was excellent and Daltrey hit most of the notes, and came out with all the energy one would expect, and his scream was much more ferocious than I expected.

I'm a pretty big Who fan, though. I saw someone compare them (negatively) to the Rolling Stones which is @!$%#ing laughable given that Jagger sounds like utter dog@!$%# every time he opens his mouth to belt out a lyric.

I also saw someone complain about them but--with a straight face--say that Daughtry would have been a better choice. Eye roll.

The teenaged wasteland was being roamed almost fifty years ago.

The Who sounded good. They also sounded like they were in their sixties. They still make great music.

I loved it! Absolutely could not stop grinning the whole time they played. They sounded fine.

You could tell they were enjoying themselves----which is very cool.

What a treasure they are! (I laughed when Pete's belly popped out!!!) I hope I can still get it on when I'm his age.

Okay, I've been around for a while; but I thought they were GREAT! Dang, I guess for some people during their youth, ranting against older ones is normal. But it sure feels funny now that it's aimed at us, instead of being dished out by us, as it was in the past!

Missing from the medley of their classic hits was My Generation. B/c guys that age can't belt out "hope I die b4 I get old" LOL

They peaked with Who's Next but o what a peak it was.