British rock legends The Who have officially announced their final North American tour, aptly named "The Song Is Over North America Farewell Tour." This much-anticipated tour marks a bittersweet farewell for the iconic band, comprised of singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, as they prepare to bid adieu to their U.S. and Canadian fans this summer.
The tour kicks off on August 16, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida, and will feature a total of 16 shows across major cities, including New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, before concluding with a final performance in Las Vegas on September 28, 2025. Tickets for the tour will be available for presale starting at 10 a.m. on May 13, 2025, with general sales beginning at 10 a.m. on May 16 at thewho.com/tour/.
In a heartfelt statement, Daltrey reflected on the band's journey, stating, "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 band first gained significant attention in the U.S. with their hit single "I Can See for Miles," and they have since become one of the most celebrated rock acts in history.
As they prepare for this farewell tour, Daltrey, now 81, and Townshend, who turns 80 on May 19, 2025, have expressed their gratitude for the support they have received from their fans over the decades. "The warmth of the American audiences over the years has been inspirational to me," Daltrey continued. "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."
The tour schedule includes multiple stops in New York and New Jersey, with shows at prestigious venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Prudential Center in Newark. Specifically, the band will perform in Newark on August 19, Atlantic City on August 23, Long Island on August 28, and New York City on August 30, 2025.
Townshend also shared his thoughts on the tour, calling it a "poignant time" and emphasizing the unique connection the band has with their North American audience. "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," he reminisced.
Despite the upcoming farewell, the band has hinted that they may not be done performing altogether. Daltrey mentioned, "Let’s see if we survive this one," when asked about the possibility of a farewell tour in the U.K. He noted that touring in America is often easier than in the U.K. due to logistical challenges. Townshend added, "The door is open to us. We could do a week at the O2, a couple of weeks, maybe, at the Albert Hall. But you know, we don’t do consecutive shows. We like to do a show and take a break."
Fans have eagerly awaited this tour, especially since The Who last performed in the U.S. during their "Who Hits Back! Tour" in 2022, which showcased a selection of their classic hits such as "Pinball Wizard," "Who Are You," and "Baba O’Riley." The band has a rich history, having first toured North America in 1967 and previously announcing a farewell tour in 1982, which they later clarified was not intended to be the end.
As the tour approaches, excitement builds among fans who are eager to witness what could be the last opportunity to see The Who perform live. The band has promised to deliver an unforgettable experience, filled with fond memories, love, and laughter. Townshend remarked, "This tour will be about fond memories, love, and laughter. Make sure you join in."
In addition to the emotional weight of the tour, it also serves as a celebration of The Who's incredible six-decade career. The band's legacy is marked by their innovative sound and influential contributions to rock music, including two iconic albums, "Tommy" and "Quadrophenia," which were adapted into successful films. The Who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, solidifying their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
As fans prepare to say goodbye, they can expect to hear a mix of classics and perhaps some surprises during the farewell shows. With the tour set to visit cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle, the anticipation continues to grow. The Who's final North American tour promises to be a grand celebration of their remarkable journey, and a fitting tribute to the band that has left an indelible mark on the music world.
In a final note, the band is also working on new music, with Townshend pushing for a last album before they officially hang up their touring boots. However, fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for The Who after this monumental farewell tour.
