Staff at a Watford cinema had their work cut out trying to prevent excited music fans from literally getting their hands on one of the world’s most famous bands when they returned to perform in the town during the 1960s.

The Watford Observer has previously featured archive pictures of The Who on stage at the Watford Trade Union Hall in October 1985, and we have now unearthed these images of vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon on stage at the Odeon cinema in April 1966.

Our photographer’s diary lists the band’s performance as part of the ‘Odeon Beat Show’ and website The Who Concert Guide, at thewholive.net, states it was an afternoon show as part of a package tour with The Spencer Davis Group, The Merseys and other acts.

The fan reaches out to grab Pete Townshend's legThe fan reaches out to grab Pete Townshend's leg (Image: Watford Observer)

It reports The Who closed the show with a “very short but explosive set” consisting of the songs Man with Money and My Generation.

Roger Daltrey looks across as Townshend strikes a trademark poseRoger Daltrey looks across as Townshend strikes a trademark pose (Image: Watford Observer)

Sadly, two of the original negatives have been suffered some damage over the years but they capture the excitement generated by the legendary rock band's performance.

The excitement in the audience is evidentThe excitement in the audience is evident (Image: Watford Observer)