The release is set to include newly mixed live tracks from the 1979 tour, never before heard live versions of sensational eponymous track ‘WhoAre You’ and candid recordings of the band rehearsing in the 70s.

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Released in 1978, ‘WHO ARE YOU’ is the final album from the band that features legendary drummer Keith Moon, who passed away in the weeks following the album’s release in August of that year. This led to the album tour being postponed to the following year.  

It is a significant album for The Who. In the changing era of the 70s, it was important to change if relevancy was your goal. Punk was on the rise in the late 70s and early 80s and this record at least somewhat gave a nod to the changing face of music and specifically the punk genre.

Bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Buzzcocks were all at the peak of their powers during this era, all revelling in an anti establishment mentality which the people really correlated with.

Tracks like ‘Music Must Change’ and ‘New Song’, explore the influence of punk and are heavily critical of the banality of music at the time due to the older bands not making way for the younger. This was despite them being aging rockstars in a changing world.

‘WHO ARE YOU’ peaked at #2 on the US Billboard and achieved double platinum status. It’s often praised for its ambition, and demonstration of songwriter Pete Townshend’s open-mindedness, but also is widely seen as lacking the power and gusto of their earlier albums.  

The band are currently touring North America on what has been touted as their last. Vocalist Roger Daltrey has confirmed this, although hasn’t ruled out the band performing again on select occasions in an interview with ‘American Songwriter.‘ The man is 81 years old after all… they can’t go on forever !

The album will also be released as a deluxe 4-LP box set, a 2-CD deluxe edition, and limited-edition coloured and half-speed master vinyl editions.

It will be available for purchase from October 31.

The daring adaptation is the result of a collaboration between Sadler’s Wells, Universal Music UK, Extended Play and Arts Council England. The show offers a bold reinterpretation of Townshend’s multi-million selling album, originally recorded by The Who and later adapted into the 1979 cult film of the same name.

The story centres around Jimmy, a young, disillusioned mod struggling with identity and alienation. In the new ballet adaptation, Jimmy is portrayed by dancer Paris Fitzpatrick. His personality is split into four aspects (quad) – The Romantic, The Lunatic, The Hypocrite, and The Tough Guy – each represented by separate dancers.

The ballet expands on Jimmy’s world, introducing his emotionally detached parents – whose tender ballroom duet emerges as one of the production’s most poignant moments. Familiar figures such as the Mod Girl and Ace Face return as central characters, with the narrative exploring identity, alienation, and the desperation to belong.

The musical score is based on an orchestral version of the original ‘Quadrophenia’ album. The arrangement was composed by Rachel Fuller, Pete Townshend’s wife. Originally debuted at the Royal Albert Hall and later recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Fuller’s arrangements lend an emotional richness to the performance, giving new life to classic tracks such as ‘Love Reign O’er Me’ and ‘The Real Me’.

Bringing this ambitious production to the stage are choreographer Paul Roberts and director Rob Ashford. Roberts, best known for his pop choreography with artists like The Spice Girls and Harry Styles, makes his ballet debut with ‘Quadrophenia’, while Ashford brings his musical theatre expertise to the staging. The production incorporates multiple dance styles and is described as a hybrid between ballet and contemporary dance, influenced by mod culture and theatrical performance.

Deemed by The Guardian as a “razor-sharp reboot of the Who’s rock opera”. ‘Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet’ is a bold reinvention of the classic album, honouring the original record while pushing artistic boundaries. With its striking visuals, emotionally charged choreography, and powerful music, the production offers a fresh and immersive way to experience Townshend’s timeless tale of youth, identity, and lost direction.

‘Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet’ opened on 24 June 2025 at Sadler’s Wells – tickets to the show can be accessed here.

Our recent coverage on The Who can be read here – as they fire and rehire dummer Zak Starkey

Sir Roger Daltrey rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead vocalist and co-founder of The Who, a band that would go on to redefine rock music and become one of the most influential groups of the 20th century. Known for his commanding stage presence, signature microphone-swinging, and powerful voice, Daltrey became the face and voice of anthems such as ‘My Generation’, ‘Pinball Wizard’, and ‘Baba O’Riley’. The Who’s ground-breaking performances and rebellious spirit left a lasting mark on generations of musicians and fans alike. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, cementing its place in musical history.

Beyond his musical achievements, Daltrey has also dedicated large amounts of his life to charitable work, most notably as a long-time patron and driving force behind the Teenage Cancer Trust. Since launching a series of now-iconic benefit concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2000, Daltrey has helped raise more than $50 million for the charity, supporting specialised cancer units for teenagers and young adults across the UK. The annual concerts feature performances from some of the world’s biggest artists – all in support of a vital cause.

Speaking about the honour, Daltrey expressed pride in the collective efforts of those involved in the charity’s success. “It’s a wonderful honour for me, and especially Teenage Cancer Trust,” he shared in an official statement. “I accept this award not only for myself but on behalf of all the unsung heroes who have given their energy towards making the Teenage Cancer Trust the success it has become.”

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In a previous statement, Daltrey reflected on the continuing importance of the charity’s work: “Every year, Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall raises essential funds to support the charity’s work. I am incredibly proud of what we have already achieved and am inspired about what we will accomplish together”. With aid from Daltrey, the charity now has 28 specialist units in NHS hospitals across the country.

This year’s King’s Birthday Honours list recognised more than 1,200 individuals for their public service and achievements across a range of sectors. Other high-profile recipients include actor Gary Oldman, footballer David Beckham, and television presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

For Sir Roger Daltrey, the knighthood not only acknowledges a renowned career in music but also highlights a profound commitment to improving the lives of young people facing extraordinary challenges.

Check out MXDWN’s recent coverage on The Who’s North American Farewell tour here

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Starkey was reinstated within a matter of days with guitarist Peter Townshend stating: “There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily.” Pete has now confirmed that Zak will not be joining the band for their final tour of North America. Townshend took to his Instagram on Sunday to announce the news to his fans, explaining in the caption: “After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change. A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best. Scott Devours, who has worked with Roger’s solo band, will join The Who for our final shows. Please welcome him.”  

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The Who are set to go back on tour later this year with their ‘The Song Is Over North America Farewell Tour’ with both band members holding a press conference earlier in the month to announce the tour dates whilst also letting the general public know that this would be the last North American tour to end their 60 year long career.

Pete, 79, said: “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 long-time 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.”

Roger, 81, said: “Every musician’s dream in the early ’60s was to make it big in the US charts. For The Who, that dream came true in 1967 and our lives were changed forever. 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.”

The Who will be joined by new drummer Scott Devours on their last tour. Devours is known for his band No Plan B whilst also having toured and collaborated with Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Honey Honey and more.

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The tour, named after one of the song on the band’s famous 1971 album ‘Who’s Next’ will go on for a total of sixteen dates and will start in Florida at the Amerant Bank Arena before making pit stops in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Toronto, New Jersey, New York and other cities. The tour will finish on September 28th at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Guitarist, Pete Townshend said to The Independent: “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 long-time 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.”

Lead singer, Roger Daltrey, added: “Every musician’s dream in the early ’60s was to make it big in the US charts. For The Who, that dream came true in 1967 and our lives were changed forever.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.”

Tickets for ‘The Song Is Over North America Farewell Tour’ go on sale on Friday, May 16 at 10am local time through the band’s official website.

The Who ‘The Song Is Over North America Farewell Tour’ dates:

AUGUST:

16 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena

19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

21 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

23 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

26 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park

28 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

SEPTEMBER:

2 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

4 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

7 – Chicago, IL – United Center

17 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl

19 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl

21 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

23 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

28 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena

The songwriter and guitarist was speaking to Spanish radio station RockFM to promote the new ballet adaptation of The Who’s 1973 album ‘Quadrophenia’.

During the interview, which can be found below, Townshend revealed that there are “two things” that most musicians love doing, but don’t appeal to the rock legend: “One is they love performing. I don’t love performing. I don’t like being on stage. I don’t mind being on stage, I don’t hate it, but it doesn’t fill my soul.”

He went on to explain that he also does not enjoy collaborating with fellow musicians in the same way others do, saying he “finds it very difficult.”

Speaking of his dislike of collaborations, Townshend said: “If I was in the studio, like with a really, really great musician, or with a group of really great musicians, I think I would find it very hard. I often do find it very hard. I find it difficult to collaborate. I find it very difficult looking in the eyes of another musician. I find myself looking to my own energy to express myself.”

However, an exception to the rule is the new ballet that he was promoting. Hitting the stage this summer, ‘Quadrophenia’ will head to Plymouth, Edinburgh, Southampton, London and Salford. 

The guitarist revealed in the same interview that this is a different process of collaboration, compared to making music: “I admire the process of dance and music. Quadrophenia is currently being turned into a ballet. We had our first rehearsal on Monday. It’s gonna be fantastic.

“But I think one of the things about that is that kind of collaboration is an exploration of the human body, of dancing. With music, I find myself wanting to stay in my box for a while.”

Although he doesn’t have much interest in musical collaborations these days, Townshend did share in the same interview that there were two musicians he enjoyed working with back in the day.

Townshend revealed: “I loved working with David Gilmour on my White City album, and we co-wrote some songs.”

“And I really enjoyed working with Eric Clapton back in 1973 when we did the Rainbow Concert together. I think it’s interesting, cause so many new musicians that I really respect want to work with me, and I wish I was more open to it. I could have fun with some of the greatest musicians in the world.”

Tickets for the Quadrophenia ballet go on sale to the general public on July 5 and can be found here.

In other news relating to The Who, drummer Zak Starkey was recently fired before being rehired in a dramatic week for Ringo Starr’s son. Check out the mxdwn coverage here.

The so-called confusion came after a performance at the Teenage Cancer Trust shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall, during which frontman Roger Daltrey blamed Starkey for a miscued key change, telling the crowd that all he could hear was “boom, boom, boom”. The situation bubbled up earlier this week when the drummer took to Instagram to tell followers that he was about to “get the Zak”, adding that he was facing “formal charges of overplaying.” The band then made an official statement on 15 April confirming the 59-year-old had left the band. The decision was met with confusion by the wider music community, especially considering the various ties between Starkey and the band’s original drummer, Keith Moon. 

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Just as the ordeal seemed to come to an end, The Who did a U-Turn, reversing their earlier decision. Pete Townshend took to social media on 19 April, sharing a post which read “News Flash! Who Backs Zak!”. Less than three hours later, a full statement was released, clarifying the situation and telling fans “Zak is not being asked to step down from The Who,” and blaming the misunderstanding on a “breakdown of communication”.  

“There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily,” the statement read. Penned by Townshend, he shared that the March shows had been “tricky” for him too, following a knee replacement surgery, and asked himself, “Why did I ever think I could land on my knees?”

Starkey’s contribution to the band was praised, and Townshend had confirmed that the drummer agreed to “tighten up his latest evolved drumming style” for shows that didn’t feature an orchestra alongside the band. Having worked together for three decades, the guitarist said, “We are a family. This blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen. It’s over. We move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies.”  

The full statement was shared on Zak Starkey’s own Instagram page, with the drummer adding his own message. “Very grateful to be part of The Who family. Thanks Roger and Pete xx”.

 

 

 

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Townshend also took the opportunity to address rumours that began to swirl regarding a replacement, with Roger Daltrey’s solo drummer, Scott Devours, being heavily linked with a seat behind the kit. He apologised to Devours for not rubbishing the rumours sooner, adding that the drummer “has been hurt by this” and was owed a long drink and a hug.

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 Despite the reconciliation, some fans on Reddit are sceptical about the reasons behind it. One user wrote “seems to me like Pete had to step in to resolve it after so much support for Zak.” Regardless, Starkey is set to pick up the sticks for The Who once again for their upcoming shows in Italy.

Insiders quoted by The Daily Mirror claim that the split hasn’t been as amicable as the statement suggests, and Starkey himself made reference to tensions in an Instagram post on 12 April. The drummer joked that he was set for the “Zak”, and that “formal charges of overplaying” were set to be brought against him. The post also seemed to place the blame squarely on frontman Roger Daltrey. In an earlier Instagram post, Starkey shared a photograph of himself and guitarist Pete Townshend saying “What a guy”. 

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Starkey had been playing with The Who since 1996, when he joined them as part of the touring band for a live concert version of their 1973 album, ‘Quadrophenia’. During his 29-year stint, Starkey contributed to two studio albums, ‘Endless Wire’ and ‘Who’, and was described as being the best fit for the band after Keith Moon’s passing by both Daltrey and Townshend. Moon was friends with Starkey’s father, Ringo Starr, and was also Zak Starkey’s godfather, so he felt like a natural fit when he joined the group.   

The split appears to have stemmed from an incident on stage at the Royal Albert Hall. During the show’s finale, Daltrey apparently stopped ‘The Song Is Over’ mid-performance, telling the band and the crowd “To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can’t. All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that.” This account of events was backed up by an X user, who said “Daltrey missed the key change and blamed it on the drums. Now he’s fired Zak Starkey.”

The abrupt separation has caused confusion, particularly given Starkey’s prominence in the band. At nearly three decades, the 59-year-old had been part of The Who for twice as long as Moon, becoming part of the furniture. Not only was the quick dismissal surprising, but so were the accusations of “overplaying”. The Who had a reputation for being one of the 60’s loudest and most rebellious bands, almost proto-punk, and Keith Moon once set off an explosive charge in his kick drum while recording a TV show in 1967.  

No replacement has been named, and the rumour mill is relatively quiet. The band’s touring lineup has remained relatively stable, however they will need to find a replacement before their two shows in Italy this summer. Starkey will be kept busy with his group Mantra of the Cosmos, the supergroup featuring Shaun Ryder, Bez, and Andy Bell. The group played the Cavern Club earlier this year, and released a single co-written with Noel Gallagher. 

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 Starkey was also the drummer alongside Gallagher in Oasis, playing with the band between 2004 and 2009. With less than 100 days until their reunion tour kicks off, fans are already speculating about whether we could see Starkey reunite with the band this summer.

#TeenageCancerGigs at the Royal Albert Hall is back for 2025, with another incredible line-up

Tickets on sale Friday 31st Jan at 9amhttps://t.co/e6jo2B8WzP pic.twitter.com/0d1VWsDmc7

— Teenage Cancer Trust (@TeenageCancer) January 27, 2025

The Who will perform two shows during the week, bringing their timeless hits to the historic venue. They rose to fame in the 1960s and are credited with helping shape the modern rock genre. They are best known for their album ‘Who’s Next‘ (1971), which includes classic tracks like ‘Baba O’Riley’ and ‘Behind Blue Eyes’. The band’s lead singer, Roger Daltrey, has also announced a tour for 2025, starting on April 20 in Brighton. A special collaboration between Frank Carter, Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and Glen Matlock brings together punk history with an explosive performance. This night promises to pay homage to the punk legends of the Sex Pistols, who were pivotal in shaping the British punk movement. Their participation adds a rebellious spirit to the 2025 lineup. This one-off performance is expected to be a highlight of the week.

 

 

 

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The chart-topping singer-songwriter James Arthur will headline on Wednesday, March 26, offering an evening of his soulful melodies. The singer is most known for winning the ninth season of The X Factor UK in 2012, which catapulted him to fame. His debut single, ‘Impossible’, became a massive hit, topping the UK Singles Chart and selling over a million copies in the UK alone.The Corrs are known for their distinctive blend of pop, rock, and traditional Irish music. The band consists of four siblings, who are celebrated for seamlessly incorporating Celtic influences into mainstream pop music, creating a unique sound that resonates globally. This fusion helped them stand out in the 1990s and 2000s, bringing Irish music to an international audience. The Corrs’ biggest hit on the UK Singles Chart was ‘Breathless’, released in 2000. The song reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and became one of their most iconic tracks.The Teenage Cancer Trust concerts have been a cornerstone in raising funds and awareness for young cancer patients, with all proceeds supporting the charity’s vital work. This year’s lineup continues the tradition of bringing together top-tier talent to make a meaningful impact. Tickets for these events will be available from midday on January 31, 2025 and can be purchased through the Royal Albert Hall’s official website.

We’re excited to announce the line-up for this year’s #TeenageCancerGigs at the @RoyalAlbertHall!

Tickets on sale Friday 12 Jan at 9:00am https://t.co/e6jo2B8WzP pic.twitter.com/G6BQLZs2tx

— Teenage Cancer Trust (@TeenageCancer) January 8, 2024

The event will kick off on Monday, March 18, with The Who, backed by an orchestra, and special guests Squeeze. There will be a night of comedy on Tuesday, March 19, with the full line-up to be announced soon, and Wednesday, March 20 will see The Who and Squeeze welcomed back to the Royal Albert Hall for the second time. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will then perform on Thursday, March 21, along with indie rock special guests Blossoms.

Friday, March 22 will see Scottish progressive hip-hop group Young Fathers kick off the weekend, followed by a headline Saturday show from The Chemical Brothers, alongside DJ James Holroyd, on March 23. The week-long fundraising extravaganza will conclude on Sunday, March 24 with an Ovation, bringing together the likes of Roger Daltrey, Kelly Jones, Paul Weller, Robert Plant, Pete Townshend and Eddie Vedder to commemorate 24 successful years of performing live music for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The celebrations come with a hint of sadness, however, as this year’s event will see Roger Daltrey stepping down from his role as curator for the Teenage Cancer Trust annual concerts. Since starting in 2000, performing at the first live Teenage Cancer Trust gig with his band, The Who frontman Daltrey has been at the centre of every annual celebration. He has unceasingly inspired countless musicians to come together and perform for a very special cause year upon year, and he will now allow a series of guest curators to take up the task.

Noel Gallagher, on the positive impact the Teenage Cancer Trust has had, said, ‘The TCT continue to make a real difference to teenagers in what undoubtedly must be the most challenging years of their lives. Having performed at the very first event back in 2000 it is a charity very close to my heart.  24 years and counting is a triumph in itself. NGHFB will be there en masse. Together we will make the night unique. I’d buy a ticket if I were you.”

Tickets go on sale from 9am Friday January 12 and will be available to purchase here.

Donations to the Teenage Cancer Trust can be made here.