The Who: Updates on Touring, Band Member’s Health & Revival of ‘Tommy’ Musical
The Who has been in the news a lot lately. First, co-founder and longtime member of the band The Who, Pete Townshend, dashed fan’s dreams as he shut down a possible farewell tour. This month, he took back remarks he previously made that sparked rumors of a farewell tour. He confirmed that a tour is not in the works. Around the same time, band member Roger Daltrey also denied that The Who would ever make another studio album.
He sounded grim as he shared, “What’s the point? What’s the point of records? We released an album four years ago, and it did nothing. It’s a great album, too, but there isn’t the interest out there for new music these days.”
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Daltrey also gave an update on his recent health struggles. The 80-year-old was previously treated for a pre-cancerous throat condition and more recently suffered from viral meningitis. He admitted that he was feeling “on my way out” after turning 80.
Rick Kern/Getty Images for The Who
He explained, “I have to be realistic. I’m on my way out. The average life expectancy is 83 and with a bit of luck I’ll make that, but we need someone else to drive things.” Despite The Who not touring and Daltrey’s pessimism, he is touring this summer on his own. He will be performing some of The Who’s greatest hits along with some of his solo songs.
Roger Daltrey has added another date to his 2024 North American Summer Tour. He will be appearing with his electric/acoustic band @MoheganSunAren1 in Uncasville, CT on June 23rd with his special guest @KTTunstall . Tickets on sale from 10.00am ET, Friday April 12th on… pic.twitter.com/hZovY9kNJ8
— The Who (@TheWho) April 8, 2024
It isn’t just sad news for The Who. The band recently revived their Broadway show The Who’s Tommy and it has been receiving rave reviews. The show first premiered in 1993 and showcases the music of their 1969 album Tommy. The music and lyrics in the musical are written by Townshend.
Deadline called the musical at the revival’s premiere, “Certainly one definition of great music might include an ability to meet the present – and the future – head-on and come out unbruised, even triumphant. By that standard and many more, The Who’s Tommy, opening tonight on Broadway, is thrilling proof that the premiere concept album of 1969 is great music indeed.” The show is currently running at the Nederlander Theatre now through November 2024. Get your tickets on The Who’s Tommy’s website.
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