The farewell started with an electric guitar.
On Wednesday night at the Hollywood BowlPete Townshend kicked off The Who’s first of two nights at the venue with “I Can’t Explain,” as Roger Daltrey swung his wired microphone in circles in the air and caught it before singing the opening line of the night.
Close to 43 years after the group embarked on its first run of farewell shows back in 1982, The Who returned for one final trek (for now, at least). Daltrey, Townshend, along with guitarist Simon Townshend, keyboardist Loren Gold, bassist Jon Button, drummer Scott Devours (“a very difficult position in this band,” Daltrey joked later on in the show), Jody Linscott, and backing vocalist John Hogg took the stage close to 8:50 p.m. For a farewell show, the band sounded like they were just getting started with every energetic passing track right up until the very last note.
“Well it’s very nice to be back in this … Los Angeles’ kitchen sink,” Townshend told the crowd a few songs in. “And thank you so much for coming out to see us. We always have such a good time here – and we wanna know who the fuck you are.”
Right on cue, red lights flashed onto the Bowl and the band hit the crowd with “Who Are You,” as old portraits of the members flooded in and out of the screen behind them like splashes of paint on a canvas.
Throughout their monumental opening night at the Bowl, the band reminded the crowd why they’re known as one of the greatest rock groups of all time. Daltrey and Townshend and the group kept the crowd on their feet with early hits like “Long Live Rock” and “I Can See for Miles,” before playing the Tommy cut “Pinball Wizard,” as a virtual Who-themed pinball machine materialized on screen.
The night continued with Who’s Next tracks like the Townshend love song “Love Ain’t for Keeping,” followed by “Behind Blue Eyes,” as Townshend sat to play his acoustic guitar with a massive projection turning the stage into a blue eyeball. The acoustic moment didn’t last long, as the band moved into the grooving “Eminence Front,” complete with almost Tron– or Matrix-like visuals. Then came a string of Quadrophenia tracks, including “Love Reign O’er Me,” with Daltrey’s vocals sounding powerful as ever.
So much of the band’s farewell show was, of course, about looking back. When the band launched into their Sixties classic “My Generation,” the crowd was transported back to the London Underground at Goldhawk Road Station for a few rocking minutes, as photos of the band and videos of them performing when they first started out appeared as posters against a brick wall.
When the band announced their last round of shows earlier this May, Daltrey said that “every musician’s dream in the early ‘60s was to make it big in the U.S. charts,” the singer shared in a statement. “For the Who, that dream came true in 1967 and our lives were changed forever. The warmth of the American audiences over the years have been inspirational to me, and reflect 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.”
Before the tour, Townshend also added that “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 guitarist and songwriting legend said. “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,” Townshend continued. “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.”
The fond memories started even earlier in the night, hours before The Who took the stage, as fans were treated to a rock & roll spectacle worthy of its own headlining slot with opener The Joe Perry Project. For close to an hour, the band, including The Black Crowes’ singer Chris Robinson, Brad Whitford, Buck Johnson, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz, put on a rollicking opening set featuring everything from Crowes cuts to Stone Temple Pilots covers, and even a shredding appearance from Slash.
Then, close to the end of their set, it was time for another surprise from another rock royal. As The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reported earlier this week, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler joined The Joe Perry Project during the band’s opening performance. Tyler, who suffered a vocal injury last year, sounded incredible as he jumped on stage to perform “Walk This Way,”along with “Train Kept a Rollin’.” Aerosmith might’ve retired from touring, but the unit that performed on-stage Wednesday night set the tone for one hell of an evening of rock & roll.
Appropriately dubbed The Song Is Over Farewell Tour after the band’s song of the same name, The Who kicked off the North American leg of their trek in August. Following their two nights at the Bowl, the band will head to Vancouver, Seattle, Las Vegas, and conclude the tour with a show at the Acrisure Arena outside of Palm Springs in October.
Before saying goodnight to Los Angeles, Daltrey and Townshend finally launched into “The Song Is Over,” a poignant send-off as Daltrey delivered lines like “Thanks for all the years” to applause from the crowd. To cap off their set, Daltrey, holding a white mug in his hand, joined Townshend for the duo’s subdued-and-intimate “Tea & Theatre,” with nothing but a few lights, Townshend’s acoustic plucking, and the crowd’s full attention. “We did it all, didn’t we,” Daltrey sang.
But the night wasn’t over just yet. Then, the iconic duo addressed their fans with a few jokes before the lights went up for the evening. “It feels ridiculous calling this a farewell tour,” Townshend told the Bowl, “‘cause we’re still learning how to do the fucking thing.”
“One day we’ll be good, really good,” Daltrey replied, before the duo shared some more stories and had some more laughs.
Night one of a farewell show from the iconic rockers had sadly come to a close. “Thank you so much for coming,” Daltrey said. “May you all have wonderfully healthy lives. May you all think lucky. And what’s the magic message? Think lucky, and be lucky.”
How did Teh Who’s innovative approach to rock music storytelling, exemplified by albums like *Tommy* and *Quadrophenia*, contribute to their lasting influence?
Table of Contents
- 1. How did Teh Who’s innovative approach to rock music storytelling, exemplified by albums like *Tommy* and *Quadrophenia*, contribute to their lasting influence?
- 2. The Who’s Final Performance: Electric Rock Legends Conclude Tour with Historic Hollywood bowl Farewell Show
- 3. A Night Etched in Rock History
- 4. The Setlist: A Journey Through The who’s Greatest Hits
- 5. Hollywood Bowl: The Perfect Venue for a Farewell
- 6. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend: A Final On-Stage Chemistry
- 7. The Legacy of The Who: Beyond the Music
- 8. Remembering Keith Moon and John Entwistle
- 9. Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
The Who’s Final Performance: Electric Rock Legends Conclude Tour with Historic Hollywood bowl Farewell Show
A Night Etched in Rock History
On September 17th, 2025, The Who brought their remarkable 60+ year career to a close with a breathtaking final performance at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.The show, billed as the culmination of their “The Who Hits Back!” tour, wasn’t just a concert; it was a party of rock and roll history, a poignant farewell from one of music’s most influential bands, and a testament to the enduring power of live music. This final concert cemented The Who’s legacy as true rock icons.
The Setlist: A Journey Through The who’s Greatest Hits
The three-hour setlist was a carefully curated journey through The Who’s extensive catalog, spanning their groundbreaking albums from My Generation to Who’s Next and beyond. Fans were treated to a powerful rendition of classic anthems, including:
* “Pinball Wizard” – A crowd favorite, igniting the Bowl with its energetic tempo.
* “baba O’Riley” – The opening track, instantly recognizable and setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
* “Won’t Get Fooled again” – A powerful, extended version that showcased Roger Daltrey’s still-incredible vocal range and Pete Townshend’s signature guitar work.
* “Behind Blue Eyes” – A deeply emotional performance that resonated with the audience.
* “The Kids Are Alright” – A nostalgic anthem celebrating youth and rebellion.
* “Love, Reign o’er Me” – A dramatic and moving closer to the main set.
The band also included deeper cuts for dedicated fans, demonstrating their musical breadth and refusing to simply rely on the biggest hits. The setlist was a masterclass in balancing fan expectations with artistic integrity.
Hollywood Bowl: The Perfect Venue for a Farewell
The Hollywood Bowl, with its legendary acoustics and stunning setting, proved to be the ideal location for The Who’s final bow.The venue’s history – having hosted countless iconic performances as 1922 – mirrored the band’s own storied career. The open-air amphitheater allowed for a truly immersive experience,with the energy of the crowd palpable throughout the night.The capacity crowd of over 17,000 fans created an electric atmosphere, singing along to every word and celebrating the band’s legacy. Choosing the Hollywood Bowl for their final show was a symbolic gesture, acknowledging the importance of Los Angeles in the band’s history and the broader rock music landscape.
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend: A Final On-Stage Chemistry
Despite their well-documented history of creative tensions, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend displayed a remarkable onstage chemistry during the final performance. Daltrey’s powerful vocals and energetic stage presence were as captivating as ever, while Townshend’s guitar playing remained innovative and electrifying. Their interplay, honed over decades of performing together, was a highlight of the show.
Townshend,in particular,seemed reflective throughout the night,occasionally pausing between songs to address the audience with heartfelt gratitude. Daltrey’s signature microphone swings were still present, adding to the visual spectacle.The dynamic between these two rock legends was a core element of The Who’s enduring appeal, and it was on full display during their farewell concert.
The Legacy of The Who: Beyond the Music
The Who’s influence extends far beyond their impressive discography.They were pioneers of the rock opera, pushing the boundaries of the genre with albums like Tommy and Quadrophenia. Their energetic live performances set a new standard for rock concerts, inspiring generations of musicians.
* Rock Opera Pioneers: Tommy (1969) and Quadrophenia (1973) redefined the possibilities of rock music storytelling.
* Stage Presence innovators: Known for their destructive stage shows (guitar smashing!), The Who created a visually arresting and energetic concert experience.
* Influence on Punk & New Wave: Their rebellious spirit and raw energy influenced the advancement of punk and new wave music.
* Cultural Impact: The Who’s music captured the spirit of youth rebellion and social change in the 1960s and 70s.
Remembering Keith Moon and John Entwistle
The concert also served as a poignant tribute to the band’s late members, Keith Moon and John Entwistle.Images of the drummers and bassist were displayed on the large screens during instrumental breaks, and Townshend spoke briefly about their contributions to The Who’s sound and legacy. The absence of moon and Entwistle was keenly felt, but their spirit was undeniably present throughout the night. The band acknowledged their integral role in The Who’s success, ensuring their memory lived on.
Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
The final performance received widespread media coverage,with reviews praising the band’s energy,musicianship,and emotional depth. Fans took to social media to share their experiences, expressing gratitude for The Who’s music and lamenting the end of an era. The hashtag #TheWhoFinalShow trended worldwide on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms. Many fans described the concert as a “bucket list” experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness rock history
