Though everyone suspects the song won't actually be over until the band includes the rest of the world in the festivities, North America is what we know for now. And in statements posted on the Who's website, frontman Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend waxed lovingly about stateside audiences.
"Every musician's dream in the early '60s was to make it big in the U.S. charts. For the Who, that dream came true in 1967 and our lives were changed forever," Daltrey said. "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."
Added Townshend: "Well, 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 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.
"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. Make sure you join in."
Last time the Who came through South Florida was in April 2022, when they kicked off their The Who Hits Back Tour at Hard Rock Live. But pardon us whilst we flashback to ten years ago, when the Who performed at American Airlines Arena (now the Kaseya Center)...
How Can I Buy Tickets to the Who's "The Song Is Over" North American Farewell Tour?
Tickets will be available at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, via a Citi presale or through the official Wholigan Fan Club (note: $60 membership required; must be secured by noon EDT on Monday, May 12). General on-sale starts at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 16, at 10 a.m. EDT via the Who's website.The Who "The Song Is Over" North American Farewell Tour Dates
Saturday, August 16 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank ArenaTuesday, August 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Thursday, August 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Saturday, August 23 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Tuesday, August 26 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park
Thursday, August 28 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Saturday, August 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Tuesday, September 2 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Thursday, September 4 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Sunday, September 7 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Wednesday, September 17 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Friday, September 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Sunday, September 21 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Tuesday, September 23 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Thursday, September 25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sunday, September 28 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
The Who. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 16, at Amerant Bank Arena, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise; 954-835-8000; amerantbankarena.com.
