The Who’s Farewell Tour
By: Debbie Brautman | Photos: Chris Schmitt
The Who’s North American Farewell Tour Kicked Off at The Amerant Bank Arena in Ft Lauderdale, FL and was Truly Something Special!
You really had to be there to appreciate how great The Who sounded, because the excitement of the entire extraordinary experience was just not captured on YouTube videos. Their North American Farewell tour is named after their 1971 song, “The Song Is Over.” The Who’s touring days are ending, but their exceptional songs live on forever. Great songs don’t go away. There was something very special about seeing these classic rock English legends that was sentimental for anyone who grew up with them. Their North American tour started at The Amerant Bank Arena on August 16 and concludes September 28 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with 16 concerts across America and Canada. Amerant Bank Arena has surprisingly great sound quality for such a large venue. This farewell tour of The Who, unlike their previous farewell tour in 1992, really feels like it’s the final one, as founding members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have insisted it is. It is pretty clear they don’t want it to be over, but they did not die before they got old (although bandmates Keith Moon and John Entwhistle did.) Time has not been on their side health wise. Although Pete, at 80, looked pretty mobile, Roger, at 81, struggles with severe hearing loss, vocal issues, vision problems and limited mobility. Problems with Roger’s right ear monitor caused him to pull it off multiple times. The techs tried to fix it for him to no avail. He sounded like himself, and although he did not have his moves from the past, he was a champ and sang his heart out. It sent shivers down your spine at times, and the superb effort by the entire band produced a most outstanding show. It’s not fair to compare a 2025 performance to a 1970 one, but it was still a night to remember. Referring to the end of their touring days, Pete joked, “If any of you have got very, very, very deep pockets… Roger and I are always available for private parties!”
Roger, dressed in jeans, pale blue long-sleeved t-shirt and sneakers, was not making any fashion statement but looked comfortable. Pete wore dark sunglasses, black pants, black jacket and a black and white striped shirt underneath. He looked mod, fit and sharp. For those not aware, this particular English band, officially formed in 1964, embraced the Mod culture of that time, dressing in sharp, tailored suits, clean cut hairstyles and accessories that embodied the Mod look. Their high-energy performances and unique blend of rock, pop and R&B resulted in songs like “My Generation” and “The Kids are Alright,” which became anthems for youth expressing frustration and rebellion. Pete Townsend, the band’s songwriter, immortalized the Mod subculture in their 1973 concept album Quadrophenia. “I Can’t Explain, “My Generation” and “Substitute” were song highlights performed at this concert from their early Mod days. More than just a rock band, The Who’s impact has left a lasting mark on music, fashion and youth culture. Even their iconic use of the Union Jack flag became associated with their image. Other highlights of the evening were: “Baba O’Reilly;” “Pinball Wizard;”, “5:15” and a gorgeous version of “Love Ain’t for Keeping.” Pete did some of his trademark windmill moves on “Baba O’ Reilly.” The arm movement was inspired by Keith Richards and became Pete’s signature move while playing guitar. Pete’s brother Simon Townshend, only 64 years old, plays guitar and backup vocals and is such a tremendous asset to The Who. Originally, Pete had sung “Going Mobile” on the studio version, but he said Simon would sing it, as he couldn’t hit the high notes. Simon’s vocal performance on it was spectacular. This was the first time that The Who, as a band, played this song live, which also made this performance special. Roger played harmonica and it all sounded perfect. At the concert, Roger joked, “You’ll never remember the perfect show…but you will remember the screw ups.”
Narrowing down their enormous catalogue of songs to 23 must have been tough. “Who Are You” and “I Can See For Miles” feature great harmonies and sharp drumming. “See Me, Feel Me/Listening To You” from their epic 1969 Tommy album was EPIC! Roger hit the high notes on “The Seeker,” and did a beautiful “Behind Blue Eyes.” The packed crowd happily helped sing “You Better You Bet.” The sound of “Love Reign O’er Me” was so clear and the quality so rich. “The Real Me,” “Had Enough” and “I’m One” all sounded great. After a rousing performance of “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” it was clear that Roger and Pete had fun out there with much caring between them. Simon put his arm around Roger with affection as well. It was touching. They introduced the super talented band members: Loren Gold (Keyboards, Vocals); Jon Button (Bass); John Hogg (Vocals); Jody Linscott (Percussion, Vocals); and Scott Devours (Drums). Devours, from Daltrey’s solo band, recently replaced Ringo Starr’s son Zak Starkey, who they sacked twice this year. Starkey had been their drummer for the past 29 years. They stayed on stage to perform their final two songs. Pete acoustically played the rarity “Tea & Theatre” from 2006’s mini opera Endless Wire. “The Song Is Over” was the final song…fittingly. It was tremendously emotional and the perfect closer. Two hours and ten minutes of pure pleasure and this fabulous concert was over… but the songs will never be over.
Oscar winning actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton, with his band The Boxmasters, opened the show. They performed a surprisingly explosive and exciting set of original rock and roll, inspired by the 60’s with rockabilly, punk, and Americana twang. Looking more like a rock star than an actor, he wore loads of necklaces, a peace sign, bracelets, sunglasses and a hat. He and his band had similar black outfits that had name tags like garage mechanics. Billy Bob’s said “Bud.” They all looked super cool. Rows of Vox amps showed his love of the British Invasion. Thornton joked, “No pressure opening for one of the biggest bands in the world.” He humbly and continuously thanked the audience. He was engaging and funny, oozing charisma. “Emily,” the opening song, a scorching rocker, was written by his late brother Jimmy Don Thornton. It is a winner. He mentions how the world is “kind of a mess right now,” as he introduced his original song “A River Rising.” They played a fast paced and energetic “Garage,” sounding like a super charged Black Keys. He mentioned how “Science Fiction” was inspired by Devo, and it rocked with punk attitude. “Light of Lenore” was moody and atmospheric. J.D. Andrew is his songwriting partner since 2006, and with 19 studio albums, they have a dedicated following. This is not surprising, as their energetic rock and roll is infectious. Their latest album is Pepper Tree Hill and they played “Feels Like Peace” from it. His giant peace sign on one of his necklaces emphasized his plea for peace and a kinder world. He said, “Thank you for allowing us to be out here in front of our legends.” Then, with the punkiness of Iggy Pop, he did a cover of the Kinks’ “I’m Not Like Everybody Else.” He added, “Enjoy The Who!” Meanwhile, Thornton is currently starring in the TV series Landman on Paramount + in his spare time. He is a man of many talents!
