Photo: Rick Kern / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
The Who may have just taken their final bow in the U.S. in Palm Desert, California. Last Wednesday night the iconic band wrapped up The Song Is Over – The North American Farewell Tour with a big show that ended with “Tea and Theatre.” After the final note rang out, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey stood center stage and said their goodbyes — not just to the crowd, but apparently to an era.
Pete was the first to speak, reflecting on the moment with a mix of gratitude and finality. “I suppose, you know, it’s goodbye,” he said. “That’s what it is, you know, to what we know as The Who, it’s goodbye.” He hinted that he and Roger might still collaborate on smaller projects or charity work, but as far as full-scale touring goes, this was the end. Then Roger Daltrey took the mic, thanking fans for decades of support. “It was every band’s dream in the ’60s to make it in America,” he said. “And thanks to you guys, you made it happen for us.”
The two legends embraced and walked off stage together — a fitting close to a rock ‘n roll journey that began over 60 years ago. This was the last public U.S. performance scheduled for The Who. Back in May, they left the door slightly open for possible shows in the U.K. or Europe, but with Daltrey now 81 and Townshend 80, the road ahead is uncertain. Still, as Townshend said before the tour began, “We reserve the right to pop up again.” And with a deluxe reissue of Who Are You dropping October 31st, it’s clear that the music — and the legacy of The Who will play on.
[Source: Premiere]