Often considered one of the most influential bands of the 20th century, The Who received such high praise thanks to hits like “My Generation”, “Baba O’Riley”, and “Behind Blue Eyes.” While the decades passed by in what seemed like a blink of an eye, the band wanted to hit the stage one last time for a farewell tour. Celebrating their legacy and mark on the music industry, drama engulfed the tour, including the exit of longtime drummer Zak Starkey. And now, it seemed that Roger Daltrey didn’t want to tour with Pete Townshend over recent comments.
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While The Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour was scheduled to kick off in August and run until the end of September, fans are now wondering if it will even happen. When discussing the idea of taking the stage one last time, Townshend appeared anything but excited when he declared, “The Who has gone on a bit too long with two of us dying. It does sometimes feel like flogging a dead horse.”
With the statement eventually finding its way to Daltrey, he fired back, “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 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.”
Roger Daltrey At Odds With Pete Townshend As The Who Parted With Zak Starkey
Just the latest drama to surround the tour, The Who also made headlines when the band decided to cut ties with Starkey, who performed with the group for nearly 30 years. Apparently, the decision came after a disagreement over a show at the Royal Albert Hall in March. But Pete claimed it was all just a “Communication” issue. While reinstated, not long after, Pete revealed Starkey was not joining them on the final tour.
Trying to clear the air as to what exactly happened, Starkey decided to share a few facts about his departure on Instagram. “I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit the who to pursue my other musical endevours this would be a lie. I love the who and would never had quit. So I didn’t make the statement ….quitting the who would also have let down the countless amazing people who stood up for me…”
Zak concluded his post, declaring, “The lie is or would have been that I quit the who- I didn’t. I love the who and everyone in it.”
Responding to the post, The Who wished Zak the best moving forward with his career. But without Zak, and Roger and Townshend at odds, the final tour from The Who could be nothing more than a missed opportunity.
(Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
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