The Who’s new tour might be doomed before it even begins

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Remarkable musical groups are hard to let go, a sentiment that likely resonates with both their admirers and bandmates. When you consider the potential to produce remarkable tunes and earn a decent income from it, why would anyone want to halt this enjoyable journey?

The band The Who has occasionally gone their separate ways, but they originated in the 1960s with a string of iconic performances and hit albums. Regrettably, some original members have passed away, and guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend has lost his motivation to perform live.

It’s possible that he never pursued it. His initial passion was for songwriting. He excelled in performances, but unlike Roger Daltrey, Townshend didn’t necessarily require live gigs. His solo work was satisfactory, and he even created a Broadway musical. His motivation was more centered around the art of composition rather than performing on stage.

The Who tour might be fun for fans but not Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend

It appeared for some time that The Who wouldn’t embark on another tour, but that’s set to change in 2025. They’ve scheduled performances in Europe and the UK first, followed by a broader tour across North America. While Daltrey is eager, Townshend seems less enthusiastic.

Nevertheless, Townshend appeared to need to persuade the singer for another tour. Given that other musicians perform alongside them, the band essentially functions as a duo today. If one of them isn’t keen on an activity, it rarely goes ahead. Furthermore, they both have reached their 80s in age.

In a recent conversation with the Sunday People, Townshend expressed his belief that The Who might have reached their end, stating that performing live or creating new music feels like they’re prolonging something past its prime, similar to beating a dead horse.

Daltrey expressed to the Daily Mail, “If Pete doesn’t feel like touring, I don’t want to rejoin The Who on the road at 81, if that’s his sentiment. I won’t participate in something where he’s not fully committed. But, you know, every dog has its day, and it was a fantastic journey.

It seems clear that even though spectators may enjoy concerts and have a great time, the artists performing might not be experiencing joy. Could this lack of enthusiasm potentially be perceived by the audience? Alternatively, attending a concert where the Who perform songs they dislike feels akin to witnessing an accident unfold.

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2025-05-25 22:30