RECAP: THE WHO 'THE SONG IS OVER - NORTH AMERICAN FAREWELL TOUR'

The Who made their long-awaited and final return to Rogers Arena in Vancouver on September 23rd for their The Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour, a bittersweet moment marking the end of one of rock’s most important chapters. Thousands of fans filled the arena to witness history, the last time one of the greatest bands to emerge from the 1960s would play in the city.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin HQ

The history between The Who and Vancouver runs deep. Their first local performance came on July 17, 1967, at the peak of the counterculture era, when the British Invasion had reshaped popular music. That night, just two years after releasing 'My Generation', the band planted their flag in Vancouver for the very first time. Fast forward 58 years, and this show became their 11th overall appearance in the city, their first since October 21, 2019, on the Moving On! Tour.

Roger Daltrey (vocals) and Pete Townshend (guitar), the two surviving original members, led the charge, backed by familiar names like Simon Townshend, Jon Button, and new drummer Scott Devours. At this point in their careers, there was no need to prove anything, yet both men brought the same passion that fueled them in their early days. Daltrey, 81, delivered powerful vocals that cut through the mix with remarkable clarity, while Townshend, 80, still shredded his guitar with fiery energy. Roger’s signature move, swinging the corded mic around like a lasso, appeared throughout the set, drawing roars from the crowd each time.

The setlist leaned into both timeless classics and fan-favorite deep cuts. The night opened with 'I Can’t Explain' and 'Substitute', instantly transporting fans back to the raw, explosive beginnings of their career. 'Who Are You' and 'I Can See for Miles' followed, both greeted with standing ovations that set the tone for the night. Later, 'Pinball Wizard' flowed into 'See Me, Feel Me', sparking an arena-wide singalong that highlighted just how deeply their music is etched into rock history.

'Eminence Front' and 'You Better You Bet' reminded fans of the band’s evolution into the 1980s, while 'The Real Me', 'I’m One', and '5:15' showcased material from their iconic Quadrophenia era. Simon Townshend stepped up for lead vocals on 'Going Mobile', adding another layer to the family dynamic on stage.

The show’s final stretch became a masterclass in rock performance. 'Won’t Get Fooled Again' carried its trademark fury, complete with Townshend’s crashing chords and Daltrey’s primal screams. 'Baba O’Riley', with violinist Katie Jacoby delivering a soaring solo, turned into one of the most powerful moments of the night, capped by warm band introductions.

But it was the closing trio that cemented this night as unforgettable. 'The Song Is Over' and 'Tea & Theatre' were delivered by just Roger and Pete, a stripped-back and intimate moment that underscored how far they’ve come since the explosive chaos of the 1960s. Then, as a surprise, they closed with 'Here Comes the Sun', a delicate Beatles cover that paid tribute to their peers and to the era that birthed both bands.

This farewell tour, which began August 16 in Sunrise, Florida, and will end September 28 in Las Vegas, is being billed as their last run through North America. Unlike past “farewell” tours, this one feels final. As Townshend said when announcing the tour: “This tour will be about fond memories, love and laughter. Make sure you join in.”

On this night in Vancouver, fans did exactly that. They sang, they cheered, and they celebrated a band whose music helped define not just one generation but multiple. For those in attendance, it was a living history lesson, a communal goodbye, and a reminder of why The Who stand among the most important rock acts of all time.

If this truly was their last time in Vancouver, The Who went out with the kind of fire, grace, and heart that has kept their legacy alive for nearly six decades. The curtain may finally be closing, but the echoes of 'My Generation', 'Baba O’Riley', and 'Won’t Get Fooled Again' will live on forever.

Remaining Tour Dates

September 24 - Seattle, WA at Climate Pledge Arena

September 28 - Las Vegas, NV at MGM Grand Garden Arena

October 1 - Palm Desert, CA at Acrisure Arena at Greater Palm Springs

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