The Who have announced their final tour of the US and Canada, titled “The Song Is Over North America Farewell Tour” (named after the Who’s 1971 classic song). According to a press release, the tour will mark “the final face-to-face celebration of this timeless connection with North American Who fans, forever appreciative of the band’s ability to dispense with nostalgia and deliver authentic rock moments time and time again.”
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend revealed the news during a press conference this morning in London, with the North America run kicking-off on August 16th in Sunrise, Fla. at the Amerant Bank Arena and will make stops at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and more before concluding on Sept. 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Daltrey, 81, said: “Every musician’s dream in the early 60’s was to make it big in the US charts. For the Who, that dream came true in 1967 and our lives were changed forever. The warmth of the American audiences over the years have been inspirational to me, and reflect the feeling I remember getting after hearing the first rock records coming across the radio. Musical freedom! Rock gave us a feeling of generational rebellion. To me, America has always been great. The cultural differences had a huge impact on me, this was the land of the possible. It’s not easy to end the big part of my life that touring with The Who has been. Thanks for being there for us and look forward to seeing you one last time.”
Townshend, 79, added: “Well, all good things must come to an end. It is a poignant time. For me, playing to American audiences and those in Canada has always been incredible. The warmth and engagement of those audiences began back in 1967 with hippies smoking dope, sitting on their blankets and listening deeply and intensely. Music was everywhere. We all felt equal. Today, Roger and I still carry the banner for the late Keith Moon and John Entwistle and of course, all of our longtime Who fans. I must say that although the road has not always been enjoyable for me, it is usually easy: the best job I could ever have had. I keep coming back. Every time I do, I meet new fans and feel new energy. Roger and I are in a good place, despite our age, eager to throw our weight behind this fond farewell to all our faithful fans, and hopefully to new ones who might jump in to see what they have been missing for the last 57 years. This tour will be about fond memories, love and laughter. Make sure you join in.”
Tickets will be available for presale on Tuesday, March 13 at 10 a.m. local time, and the general onsale will launch Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. local time. Head HERE for information.
See The Who’s press conference about the farewell tour – HERE.
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