The Who are once again saying goodbye as they just announced The Song Is Over -- The North American Farewell Tour. They famously said goodbye in 1982, but it didn't stick.
They made the announcement in London at the Iconic Images gallery, which you can watch on Live Nation's YouTube channel. Pete Townshend was at the gallery while Roger Daltrey joined via video.
They will do 16 shows starting on August 16th in Sunrise, Florida and wrapping up in Las Vegas on September 28th. Among the iconic venues they'll visit are Madison Square Garden in New York, Boston's Fenway Park, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Commenting on the decision to bring things to an end, Roger Daltrey says, "Every musician's dream in the early '60s was to make it big in the U.S. 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 we look forward to seeing you one last time.”
And Pete Townshend adds, “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 go on sale Friday, May 16th at 10:00 AM local time at TheWho.com/tour/. All dates are subject to change.
8/16 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
8/19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
8/21 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
8/23 – Atlantic City, NJ – Boardwalk Hall
8/26 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park
8/28 – Wantagh, NY – Jones Beach Theater
8/30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
9/2+4 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
9/7 – Chicago, IL – United Center
9/17+19 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
9/21 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
9/23 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
9/25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
9/28 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena