Concerts Reviews

Vancouver Gets a Powerful, Tender Farewell From The Who

Published

9 hours ago

September 24, 2025

The Who brought their long goodbye to Vancouver on Tuesday night, packing Rogers Arena for what may truly be their last lap with the The Song Is Over North America Farewell Tour. Pete Townshend, 80, and Roger Daltrey, 81, don’t fully move like they once did, less scissor kicks or full mic-lasso twirls, but what mattered was intact: the songs and the connection.

They opened with “I Can’t Explain” and “Substitute.” From there, the show settled into a mix of expected anthems and a few surprises. Simon Townshend took the lead on “Going Mobile,” a late addition to the live repertoire that somehow worked better than anyone might have guessed. Meanwhile, Pete himself still had flashes of his trademark fury, delivering big windmills on “Long Live Rock” and growling through “Eminence Front” like a man half his age.

The emotional peak came with a run through Quadrophenia with “The Real Me” and “5:15.” But it was “Love, Reign O’er Me” that floored the room. Daltrey’s voice, weathered yet still capable of summoning those volcanic howls, brought the house down. Townshend looked at him afterward, impressed, and the crowd roared in agreement.

Drummer Scott Devours, filling in after Zak Starkey’s exit, played it clean and steady, with enough punch to keep the machine rolling. The band’s expanded lineup filled out the sound, particularly Loren Gold’s keyboards, which gave “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Love, Reign O’er Me” a cinematic sweep.

The finale was as reflective as it was raw. After “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” Townshend and Daltrey sat side by side for “Tea & Theatre,” a tender closer from Endless Wire. It felt like a farewell toast.

At their best, The Who have always been about chaos and heart, and in Vancouver, even in their eighties, they delivered that in spades. If this really was the end, it was the right way to go out.

Remaining Tour Dates:
Sep 25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sep 28 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
More information here: thewho.com/tour/

Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!