The Who have officially announced they are retiring from touring, but with a major twist after performing a string of final concerts across North America

Rock band The Who have announced they are retiring from touring after 60 years after one last set of dates. Pete Townshend said at a London press conference to announce the tour: “Everyone needs to know the truth…. I can’t lie…. I am not crazy about touring.”

They are playing 16 shows in North America, and insiders hope they will later come to Europe, including dates in the UK. The show is called The Song Is Over, which is also the name of their new single. Speaking on video link, Roger Daltrey added: “It will have to come to an end one day.”

He said: “Pete (Townshend) is still playing great guitar, the music’s still got the vitality that suits it, because it’s something about the way Pete’s music is written, the way it’s shaped, the sentiment behind it, it doesn’t seem to age like a lot of rock music does.” Roger added: “Us out there performing for the last time is a thank you for fans.”

The band will perform a string of dates across North America ( 
Image:
Redferns)
Roger commented that the final performances, which will take place across North America, will be a “thank you” to their fans. Pete added that the name of their tour was “poignant.”

However, Daltrey admits that he’s “not confident” that there could be a set of final shows in the UK. He said: “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.

“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.” Roger had been informed by a throat specialist to have a “day off” after each of his gigs. The musician, who had a growth removed from his vocal cords in 2009, has announced his band will embark on their last tour of North America this year.

Speaking at a press conference in London, he said: “I can’t do consecutive shows. At the end of the tour I might be able to do two back to back. I’ve been ordered by my throat specialist, (who would) say ‘You have to have a day off after every gig, and then after every three gigs you have to have two days off, because otherwise you will wreck your voice and you will not be able to sing’.”

It is not clear whether the band will perform any UK dates ( 
Image:
AFP/Getty Images)
Despite this, Roger admits he cannot wait to play across the States. He said: “Every musician’s dream in the early 60’s 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!

“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 look forward to seeing you one last time.”

Pete commented: “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 will be available starting with a Citi presale and through the Who Fan Club beginning on Tuesday, May 13. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, May 16 at 10:00 AM local time at thewho.com/tour/.