The Who announce final, farewell tour of North America – but have no UK plans yet

9 May 2025, 11:21

The Who are finally calling it a day on the road... in the US and Canada at least.

The Who have been giving out mixed signals about their imminent retirement for quite a few years now, even if you ignore the quick firing and rehiring of drummer Zak Starkey.

But it now looks like Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend's time on the road really is coming to an end.

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The Who will go on The Song is Over North American Tour in August and September 2025, billing the dates as a "bittersweet final tour of the US and Canada" and a "truly grand finale" of their career.

As for whether the band will play a final UK tour, singer Roger Daltrey told a London press conference: "Let's see if we survive this one.

"Touring America is a damn sight easier than touring the UK, because, for some reason or the other, the UK has decided to make it as difficult as possible to go from A to B.

The Who Announce Final North America Tour – Press Conference

“In America, you seem to want to make it as easy as possible. I don’t want to say that there won’t be, but equally I’m not confident in saying there will be."

According to the Evening Standard, Pete Townshend added: "The door is open to us. We could do a week at the O2, a couple of weeks, maybe, at the Albert Hall, there are all of kind of things we could do.

"But you know, we don’t do consecutive shows. We like to do a show and take a break."

In a statement, Daltrey continued: "Every musician's dream in the early '60s 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!

"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."

Pete Townshend said: "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."

He added: "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."

Pete Townshend speaks to Gold

Tickets go on general sale a week today on Friday, May 16 at 10am local time, with presales from this Tuesday, May 13.

The Who – The Song Is Over – North American Farewell Tour dates are as follows:

• August 16 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
• August 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
• August 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
• August 23 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
• August 26 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park
• August 28 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
• August 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
• September 2 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
• September 4 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
• September 7 – Chicago, IL – United Center
• September 17 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
• September 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
• September 21 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
• September 23 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
• September 25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
• September 28 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena