In 1982, rockstar legends The Who promoted and embarked on a “farewell tour” that was supposed to be their last. Thankfully for me and 20,000 other Wholigans jam-packed into the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey this past Tuesday night, August 19, it ultimately turned out to be a temporary hiatus rather than a permanent disbandment. The British quartet of Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle (the bassist who would later pass in 2002), and drummer Kenney Jones (having replaced the late Keith Moon) reunited at Live Aid in 1985 and have kept the band active since then.
I became a fan of The Who that very same year they were supposed to call it quits – proudly displaying my cassette of It’s Hard to my friends that I bought with my allowance, and mesmerized by “Eminence Front” and its two minute intro. I wished I was the kid depicted on the cover art playing an Atari arcade game while the band cooly stood by in the foreground!
Fast forward to the present day, which is now 61 years since the renowned band’s formation, Daltrey (81) and Townshend (80) are stronger than ever as their tour dubbed “The Song Is Over: The North American Farewell Tour” is officially underway. Coming off a couple of Italian leg tour dates in late-July and the tour launch in Sunrise, Florida this past Sunday, this tour marks The Who’s first since firing long time drummer Zak Starkey of nearly 30 years, and the naming of Scott Devours (a veteran of Daltrey’s solo band) as his replacement. Alongside original members Daltrey (vocals, harmonica, guitar) and Townshend (guitar, vocals), The Who are also Simon Townshend (guitar, mandolin, backing vocals), Loren Gold (keyboards, backing vocals), Jon Button (bass), and John Hogg (backing vocals).
After Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters warmed up the capacity crowd, The Who took the stage at 8:55 pm and immediately dove into the early single “I Can’t Explain,” (My Generation, 1965). A feast for the senses, The Who’s dynamic frontman immediately unleashed his signature microphone cord swinging while Townshend at stage left added physical punctuation to sustained chords with his iconic, aggressive “windmill” strumming.
A visually stunning stage with multiple screens that was framed by four rows of LED light panels, the two-hour, 20-song set of mostly greatest hits included such classics as “Who Are You,” “Pinball Wizard,” “My Generation,” and “Baba O’Riley.”
If you were wondering, “Does one of the greatest singers in rock ‘n’ roll history still possess a voice known for power, range and versatility?,” the answer is “YES!” Although no longer effortless, Daltrey can still switch between a robust, guttural growl and a soft, melodic tone, as was evident early on during his soul-baring performance of “See Me, Feel Me.”
The only hiccup of the night came during the beginning of “Behind Blue Eyes,” with a restart needed after Daltrey acknowledged that he was out of time. “Going Mobile,” a Townshend-penned song being played live for the first time since it’s 1971 release (Who’s Next), featured a standout rendition by brother Simon.
The evening’s penultimate tune and tour namesake, “The Song Is Over,” was ensued by band introductions. “Tea & Theatre” closed the show, a deep cut from 2006’s mini opera Endless Wire, which saw Daltrey alone onstage with Townshend and an acoustic guitar.
Here are The Who performing the timeless classics “You Better You Bet” and “Baba O’Riley”:
https://youtu.be/8n4NM3oy3nQ
https://youtu.be/gWG_Ia9xkfA
Although the song will be over soon, The Who have orchestrated a concert tour that ensures their legacy will remain intact for generations to come. For those who could not attend the show at The Rock, or just want more of The Who, you can witness their otherworldly stage presence and massive live sound during two more upcoming area shows in Long Island (August 28) and at The Garden in Manhattan (August 30). The 17-date tour of North America concludes in Las Vegas at the end of next month (September 28). As of this writing, overseas tour dates have not been announced.
Setlist: I Can’t Explain > Substitute > Who Are You > The Seeker > Love Ain’t for Keepin’ > Pinball Wizard > See Me, Feel Me (with “Listening to You” refrain) > Behind Blue Eyes > Eminence Front > My Generation > You Better You Bet > Going Mobile > The Real Me > I’m One > 5:15 > Love, Reign O’er Me > Baba O’Riley > Won’t Get Fooled Again > The Song Is Over > Tea & Theatre
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
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 9 – 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
THE WHO
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