Legendary rock band THE WHO has announced their "The Song Is Over" North American Farewell Tour, marking what they describe as a bittersweet conclusion to their illustrious six-decade career. This final tour will take place across the United States and Canada, with the band kicking off the series of shows on August 16, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida, and wrapping up in Las Vegas on September 28, 2025.
The news was revealed during a press conference on May 8, 2025, at the Iconic Images gallery in Piccadilly, London, where band members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend shared their reflections on the band's journey and the significance of their American audience. The tour is named after their classic 1971 song, "The Song Is Over," and features a nostalgic theme that resonates with their long-standing connection to fans.
During the press conference, Daltrey expressed his gratitude towards American audiences, saying, "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 has been inspirational to me, and reflects 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."
Townshend echoed these sentiments, stating, "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 for the tour will be available starting with a presale for Citi cardmembers and THE WHO fan club members on May 13, 2025. The general sale will commence on May 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. The tour will also offer a variety of VIP packages, which include premium tickets, access to pre-show soundchecks, invitations to the pre-show VIP Lounge, and limited-edition autographed tour posters. Fans can expect a range of exclusive experiences designed to enhance their concert experience.
THE WHO's North American Farewell Tour will visit several major cities, including:
- 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
As one of the most influential rock bands in history, THE WHO has a legacy that spans generations. Their music, characterized by powerful performances and thought-provoking lyrics, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. From their iconic hits like "My Generation," "Baba O'Riley," and "Pinball Wizard," the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music.
This farewell tour follows a long history of performances in North America, dating back to their first appearance in 1967 as part of "Murray The K's Music In The Fifth Dimension" in New York. Over the years, THE WHO has captivated audiences at major festivals, including the legendary Woodstock in 1969, and has continued to perform to sold-out crowds across the continent.
While this tour is billed as their last, fans remain hopeful for future surprises, as the band has a history of returning to the stage after previous farewell announcements. However, with Daltrey and Townshend now in their 80s, many believe this tour will truly mark the end of an era.
As THE WHO prepares to take their final bow, fans are encouraged to seize the opportunity to witness the band that has defined rock music for decades. With heartfelt performances and a rich catalog of music, "The Song Is Over" tour promises to be a memorable celebration of THE WHO's extraordinary journey.
