Legendary rock band The Who announced on Thursday that they will embark on their final North American tour, marking the end of a remarkable six-decade journey in music.
The band, known for iconic hits like “Baba O’Riley,” “My Generation,” and “Behind Blue Eyes,” was formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon.
Lead singer Roger Daltrey, 81, reflected on the band’s early aspirations, noting that in the 1960s, every musician dreamed of breaking into the U.S. charts. “For The Who, that dream came true in 1967, and our lives were changed forever,” Daltrey said. “Rock music gave us a sense of generational rebellion and musical freedom.”
Guitarist and primary songwriter Pete Townshend, 79, the other surviving member of the original lineup, expressed his excitement for the farewell tour. “Despite our age, Roger and I are in a good place,” he said. “We’re eager to throw our weight behind this farewell to our loyal fans.”
Townshend also shared his hope that the tour might attract some new fans. “We’d love for people to see what they’ve been missing out on for the past 57 years,” he added.
The setlist for the tour will feature the band’s beloved classics, including “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Baba O’Riley,” and “Behind Blue Eyes.” However, Daltrey noted that much of the setlist is still to be determined.
The tour, scheduled for August and September, is titled The Song Is Over, named after a 1971 track that the band had never performed live until recently.
“This name is really poignant,” said Townshend. “Roger always comes up with great ideas for tour names, but this one feels particularly fitting.”
While the band confirmed the North American dates, they did not specify whether similar tours would follow in the UK or Europe.
The duo also acknowledged the challenges of touring at their age. Daltrey revealed that his voice specialist had given him strict instructions: “You need to take a day off after every show, and after every three shows, you need two days off,” he said.
Even rock legends, it seems, must follow doctor’s orders.
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