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Videos
Full show
Who Are You
The Seeker
Long Live Rock
See Me Feel Me
Love Ain't For Keeping
Eminence Front
My Generation
The Real Me
I'm One
The Song is Over
Tea & Theatre
Press
Review by Stephen Voyce
September 25, 1982, Philadelphia, PA, I attended my first WHO concert at JFK Stadium. I recall it as a hot, sweltering day but a quick Google search shows the high temperature that day was a comfortable 74°F.Perhaps my recollection is influenced by the anticipation of the event and the heat generated by the large crowd. Billed as the WHO’s final North American Tour (and sponsored by Schlitz beer), I thought it was my one and only chance to catch my favorite band in a live performance. The stadium was packed with nearly 100,000 fans and the band put on an incredible show. Indeed, it was a concert I knew I would remember forever... BUT...
“Final” is not always the end, especially in rock-n-roll.
I’ve seen the lads many times since 1982; attending several shows during almost every WHO tour since that “final tour”. Although all WHO shows have been worthwhile, there has been some variability in the performance quality as well as frequent changes in the core band and additional musician line-ups. The last few shows also included an orchestral section - certainly a different, but enjoyable, WHO concert experience. How would my octogenarian musical heroes hold up with a more “stripped down version” of the band?
I shouldn’t have been concerned.
September 10, 2025, Philadelphia, PA, nearly 43 years to the day, I attended what I believe will be my last WHO concert. The venue was Xfinity Mobile Arena, which interestingly, occupies the same parcel of land as the long-ago razed JFK stadium. This concert was the makeup date for a postponed event initially scheduled for August 21, 2025. Despite logistical difficulties with work schedule and travelling to Philly during the middle of the week at peak rush hour, and contending with a Phillies baseball game in the same sports complex area, we made it safely and with some time to spare.
The band was outstanding this evening. Roger and Pete were both in fine form. Roger’s voice was strong and resonant. Pete’s playing was near perfection for the entire gig. Pete seemed to really be enjoying himself and I noted several smiles throughout the performance. He made some humorous comments that now that he is older, he finally understands Shakespeare and his quote on “time”. He used the Shakespearean “the King is Dead, Long Live... ROCK” as his brief introduction to the song and then nailed his vocal parts. I also loved his acoustic guitar playing and singing of “I’m One” during the Quadrophenia section of the show.
The setlist is well known and they kept to the songs which have been performed throughout this tour. I particularly enjoyed hearing “Long Live Rock” and “Song is Over”. It is amazing to hear Roger sustain the power of his vocals while belting out songs like “Love Reign O’er Me” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” The passion and intensity he puts into these songs is unequalled. The overall sound quality was excellent and surprise(!) I did not notice Roger fiddling with his in-ear monitor the entire show.
A few shout outs to the backing band.
Simon Townshend did his usual masterful job on guitar and taking lead vocals on “Goin’ Mobile.” Scott Devours was great on drums. I’ve seen him with Roger’s solo band several times and he always brings his “A” game. Loren Gold was amazing on keyboards and particularly shines on the intro to “Love Reign O’er Me.” John Button did stellar work on bass including the standout performances on “The Real Me” and the famous solos in “My Generation.” I cannot forget to mention Katie Jacoby who made her presence known with a blistering violin solo at the conclusion of “Baba O’Riley.” Her exuberant playing is one of many highlights in the show.
A “final” thought.
If this is truly the final WHO tour, they are leaving while still at the top of their craft. We have been blessed to live during the same time as these artists who have given us all so much joy, solace, comfort and passion in their words and music.
Review by Edward Murphy
As I was sitting in the parking lot before Wednesday’s Philadelphia Who show, the irony hit me. My first ever Who concert had been at the very same spot, almost to the day, in 1982. It caused me to reflect on a lifetime filled with the music of The Who. Literally the soundtrack to my life. I had seen the incredible MSG show two weeks earlier, safe in the knowledge that it wasn’t quite over yet. But this night, this show, would be the bookend to 43 years and over two dozen Who concerts.
The band, as in NY, were simply spectacular. Roger, an absolute marvel at 81, truly sounding as good as ever. Pete’s guitar playing was magnificent. Numerous times he played so aggressively, his guitar went out of tune. Just like the good old days. From the very beginning I could sense they were giving it their all.
This indeed was going to be the last time Philadelphia would be graced with their presence. The crowd clearly could feel this reality, and was electric. Is there a better feeling than dancing and singing at the top of your lungs with thousands of people to The Who’s greatest hits?! Every song took on a special significance for me.
When they reached the Quadrophenia section of the show, the emotion was overwhelming for me. The greatest album ever made, my teenage Bible, hearing The Who play selections live from it is otherworldly. By LROM, WGFA, and Baba (the very first Who song I fell in love with) it was impossible to hold back the tears. Happy and sad tears. Guess that’s called bittersweet, huh? The finality of it all was unmistakable with The Song is Over and the beautiful, poignant Tea & Theatre.
And so it ends. Where it began. I’ll still have the music, of course. But I’m blessed with a lifetime of countless memories of this band on stage. Thanks for everything, boys!
Long Live Rock.