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The Who Announce Final North American Tour and Release of 'Live at The Oval 1971'

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The Who Announce Final North American Tour and Release of 'Live at The Oval 1971'

Legendary rock band The Who have announced their final North American tour, coinciding with the release of a long-awaited live album.

In a significant moment for rock enthusiasts, The Who have declared their final North American tour, aptly named "The Song Is Over," marking the culmination of their illustrious six-decade career. This farewell tour is set to traverse major cities across the United States and Canada, offering fans a last opportunity to experience the band's electrifying performances live.

The tour's title, "The Song Is Over," is a nod to the band's 1971 classic from their acclaimed album Who's Next. Guitarist Pete Townshend and vocalist Roger Daltrey announced the tour during a press conference in London, expressing gratitude for their American fanbase and reflecting on their journey since breaking into the U.S. charts in 1967.

Kicking off on August 16, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida, the tour will include performances in cities such as Newark, Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, and Toronto. The final shows are scheduled for early September, concluding what promises to be an unforgettable series of concerts.

Coinciding with the tour, The Who are set to release Live at The Oval 1971, an official recording of their historic performance at the "Goodbye Summer" benefit concert held at The Oval cricket ground in Kennington, South London. This concert, which took place on September 18, 1971, was in aid of famine relief for the people of Bangladesh and featured the classic lineup of Daltrey, Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon.

Previously available only as a low-quality bootleg, this legendary performance has been meticulously remixed from the original eight-track analogue tapes. The setlist includes iconic tracks such as "Behind Blue Eyes," "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Pinball Wizard," and "My Generation," capturing the raw energy and dynamism that defined The Who's live shows.

Live at The Oval 1971 will be released on August 22, 2025, across various formats, including CD, digital platforms, and 2LP 180g black vinyl. A limited edition 2LP sea blue and red hot colour swirl and splatter vinyl will also be available, catering to collectors and audiophiles alike.

Fans eager to secure tickets for the farewell tour can gain early access by joining the revived Wholigan Fan Club. Membership benefits include exclusive merchandise, a copy of the new live album, and a 10% discount on The Who's official web store.

As The Who prepare to take their final bow, this tour and album release serve as a fitting tribute to a band that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music. Their legacy, characterised by groundbreaking albums, unforgettable performances, and a rebellious spirit, will continue to inspire generations to come.