Legendary bands are tough to give up. This might hold true as much for fans as members of the groups. If one knows they can create great music and make good money doing it, why stop?
The Who have been a group that has taken time apart from one another, though. They began in the 1960s, buoyed by iconic concerts and great album after album. Over the years, however, a couple of founding members have passed away, and guitarist/songwriter Pete Townshend lost his will to want to play live.
Maybe he never had that. He wanted to be a songwriter first. He was good when performing, but unlike vocalist Roger Daltrey, Townshend didn't need to play gigs. His solo work was fine, and he also developed a Broadway musical. His drive was more about craft than concerts.
The Who tour might be fun for fans but not Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend
For a while, it seemed as if the band might never do another tour, but that will change in 2025. The Who is scheduled to play a handful of dates in Europe and the UK before doing a more expansive run in North America. Daltrey is ready, but Townshend appears not to be overly excited.
Still, Townshend seemed to have to nudge the singer into doing another tour. While other musicians play with them, of course, the band is basically a duo now. If one of them doesn't want to do something, it does not usually get done. Plus, both are now in their 80s.
In a recent interview with the Sunday People, Townshend said that the Who has likely passed its expiration date. By continuing to play gigs or make studio albums, Townshend said it felt like he and Daltrey were "flogging a dead horse."
Daltrey responded by telling the Daily Mail, "If Pete doesn’t want to tour, I don’t want to be back with The Who on the road, at 81, with someone who doesn’t want (to) be there – if that’s what he’s saying. I won’t do it with someone who is half-hearted about it. But, you know, every dog has its day, and it was a wonderful ride."
All of this implies that while fans might go to shows and have a good time, the performers on stage might not be having fun. Could that joylessness, if it does exist, come across to the crowd? Otherwise, going to a show and watching the Who play songs they don't want to play is like watching a car crash.