On July 20, 2025, legendary rock band The Who launched their much-anticipated farewell tour, aptly named "The Song Is Over," with a memorable show at the Anfiteatro Camerini in Piazzola sul Brenta, Italy. This concert marked a significant moment in the band's storied history, as it was their first performance without longtime drummer Zak Starkey, who had been part of the group since 1996. Instead, Scott Devours took up the drumsticks, stepping into big shoes amid a backdrop of controversy and lineup changes.
The Who's choice to kick off their final series of concerts in Italy was particularly poignant, as the band had not performed there for two years since their 2023 appearance at Florence Rocks. Italy welcomed around 9,000 fans for the debut night, who were treated to a dynamic 20-song setlist that blended classic hits with deep cuts, giving both longtime followers and newer fans an unforgettable experience.
The set opened with the iconic "I Can’t Explain," a track from their groundbreaking 1965 album My Generation, setting the tone for a night steeped in rock history. The band then rolled through a high-energy lineup including "Substitute," "Who Are You," "Pinball Wizard," "My Generation," and the anthemic "Won’t Get Fooled Again." Notably, the band included "Love Ain’t For Keepin’," a deep cut from the Who’s Next album that hadn’t been performed since 2004 prior to their Royal Albert Hall shows earlier in 2025. The inclusion of "I’ve Had Enough," nestled within a segment of Quadrophenia songs like "The Real Me," "5:15," and "Love, Reign O’er Me," was a rare treat, marking one of the first times it was played outside a full Quadrophenia set since the early 1970s.
The band’s lineup for this tour features the familiar faces of Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, joined by Simon Townshend, Loren Gold on keyboards, John Button on bass, Scott Devours on drums, John Hogg as the new background singer, and percussionist Jody Linscott. Devours, who has been part of Daltrey’s solo band since 2009 and previously filled in for Starkey during injury absences, officially took over the drum throne after Starkey’s tumultuous departure. Starkey’s exit was dramatic: initially fired, then rehired, and finally dismissed again within weeks following their March 2025 Royal Albert Hall charity show for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Starkey publicly disputed the circumstances, stating on Instagram that he was asked to claim he had quit to pursue other projects, a statement he called false. Pete Townshend acknowledged the mishandling of the situation, admitting, "It’s been a mess," and taking responsibility for the decisions alongside Daltrey.
Upon being named the new drummer, Devours expressed his gratitude and empathy on Instagram: "Yesterday, with a short, simple Instagram post, Pete and Roger, once again, changed my life forever." He also addressed the fans’ feelings about Starkey’s departure, saying, "I understand and accept the reality that there are many lifelong Who fans who are absolutely gutted by the news that Zak is no longer on the throne behind The Who. As a huge fan myself, there is a part of me that’s processing this loss with a heavy heart too."
The tour’s start was not without its challenges. Roger Daltrey, now in his early eighties, experienced leg cramps during the performance and notably knelt while singing the tender opening of "See Me, Feel Me." He stood up after the lyric "heal me," showing his determination to power through despite physical discomfort. This moment of vulnerability highlighted the human side of the rock legend, underscoring the bittersweet nature of the farewell tour.
In a candid interview with AP Entertainment, Daltrey opened up about the complex chemistry he shares with Townshend. Despite their long partnership and mutual respect, they have contrasting personalities and interests. "He likes boats. I hate boats. I like my feet on the ground. I like my feet in the mud," Daltrey said. "He likes fashion. I don’t give a shit. I hate new clothes. So we’re total opposites." Yet, he acknowledged the special bond that has fueled The Who’s enduring legacy, emphasizing the importance of cherishing their unique relationship.
Townshend, 80, also reflected on the joys and hardships of touring in a statement made earlier in May 2025 when announcing the farewell tour. "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," he said. "I keep coming back. Every time I do, I meet new fans and feel new energy." Both Townshend and Daltrey expressed enthusiasm for this final chapter, aiming to deliver a tour filled with "fond memories, love and laughter."
Musically, the band sought a "back to basics" approach, moving away from the elaborate orchestral arrangements of previous tours. Daltrey told Pollstar that they wanted to recapture the raw energy of their 1970s performances. "We are trying to just make it more like what we were in the ’70s, make it raw," he explained. However, he lamented the constraints imposed by modern concerts, particularly the reliance on visual effects and fixed setlists. "I fucking hate set lists!" he admitted. "The next song should follow the energy of what you’ve created to the previous one. And you don’t know that until you go out there doing it." This spontaneity, once a hallmark of their live shows, has been curtailed by the demands of synchronized lighting and screen effects, making the tour a carefully coordinated "military operation."
Following their Italian dates—the debut show in Piazzola sul Brenta and a July 22 performance at the Parco della Musica in Milan—the band plans to return to the United Kingdom before embarking on the North American leg of the tour. The U.S. shows will begin on August 16 in Sunrise, Florida, and conclude on September 28 in Las Vegas. However, Roger Daltrey expressed skepticism about touring in the U.K., citing logistical difficulties and calling the country "the land of ‘no.’" He contrasted this with the United States, where he said, "Touring America is a damn sight easier. The U.K. 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." At the time of writing, the Las Vegas show remains the last scheduled date, though more may be added.
The Who’s farewell tour not only celebrates their immense catalog of rock anthems but also serves as a poignant farewell from two of rock’s most enduring icons. Fans were treated to a setlist that included classics such as "Baba O’Riley," "Pinball Wizard," "My Generation," and "Won’t Get Fooled Again," alongside rarities and deep cuts that showcased the band’s musical breadth and depth. The night’s energy, despite the challenges, was a testament to The Who’s lasting impact and their commitment to delivering an authentic, heartfelt goodbye.
As the band moves forward with their tour, the world watches with a mix of nostalgia and admiration, witnessing the closing chapter of a band that shaped the sound of rock music for generations. The Who’s "Song Is Over" tour promises to be a celebration of their legacy, a final bow that honors their past while embracing the present with raw power and undeniable spirit.
