September 10, 2025 – Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadephia PA
Review by Christopher Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
I have been a fan of The Who for as far back as I can remember. As a kid in the 70’s I would play their music nonstop until I knew every word to every song… from vinyl to cassette, to CD — from record player, to Sony Walkman, to car stereos, to current day downloads they have been with me through every step of my life, with many fond memories and life experiences attached to their music as I grew older. I must have burned through the Who’s Next album more than any other music I’ve owned. They are my all-time fave!
I’ve seen The Who a bunch and can even remember when they announced they were playing their final show back in the 80’s. I was devastated at the time but I thank the music Gods that wasn’t the case. And I thank them again for yet another opportunity to see them and write this review on this final farewell tour aptly named, “The Song Is Over”.
This was a rescheduled show from last month when The Who had to postpone due to “an illness” (though the specific member(s) affected hasn’t been made public). We listened to their music and sang in the car as we arrived early for our photo pass and review tickets. Along with almost 20,000 fans in attendance, I was burning with anticipation for what I was about to experience.
The Who chose Leslie Mendelson as the opening act. She has opened for The Who before and played acoustically as if to calm the audience to settle everyone into what was to be a very special evening for those fortunate enough to be present. Mendelson crafts a distinctive folk-rock, pop sound with precision and elegance with a satiny, easy listening voice. I didn’t know what to expect but enjoyed her performance very much. While each song ended with applause, when she mentioned she was from New York, the Philly crowd let out a few “boos”. It was a funny moment rather than insulting, and she laughed and took it with grace. I guess as a New Yorker playing in Philly, one has to know their audience and when one is in rival territory.
As the lights dimmed, a ripple of excitement resonated through the full house. Cheers flowed through the venue as silhouetted band members took the stage. With a slight delay Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend took the stage in spotlight as the place erupted. Then when the opening chords of “I Can’t Explain” hit, Roger & Pete immediately asserted their presence. Despite Roger being in his eighties, he still has that raw, commanding punch in his voice. From the first note, he’s both honoring the legacy and reminding us of the energy that The Who has always had.
Pete Townshend is stoic but lively as ever — his guitar work was sharp and his presence still commanding, still swinging his arm in that signature windmill motion. The band backing them (including Scott Devours on drums, Jon Button on bass, Simon Townshend (Pete’s brother on guitar), Loren Gold on keys, Jody Linscott on percussion and John Hogg with backup vocals) is tight and respectful of the classics, but they also inject enough freshness to keep long‑time fans engaged.
When the open song concluded, Roger approached the mic and said, “sorry we’re late” acknowledging the postponement of the originally scheduled date with humorous apology. They played a ton of classics early (“Substitute”, “Who Are You”, “The Seeker“) as the “essential” set list was littered with hit after hit. Mid set dug into deeper territory with “Love Ain’t For Keepin’”, “The Real Me”, “5:15” and “I’m one” – all part of their Quadrophenia suite. Emotional peaks to the show where “See Me, Feel Me“, “Love, Reign O’er Me” with big crowd pleasers in “Pinball Wizard‘, “Behind Blue Eyes“, “My Generation” and “You Better You Bet“.
Daltrey still has plenty of power, especially in the iconic scream moments (ie: “Won’t Get Fooled Again“) though some lower registers might be more carefully handled; he knows his voice is precious now. Townshend’s guitar work remains excellent, though occasional age is noticeable in guitar solos or movement. The sidemen hold the show together and Drummer Scott Devours fills that role well.
The Visuals were represented with a big screen backdrop which leaned heavily on nostalgia —with archival photos from the ’60s and ’70s, vintage stage lighting cues, and other thematic elements (ie: mod imagery for the Quadrophenia segment). The theatrical moments through visual storytelling was very cool, especially during songs like “The Real Me” and “5:15“. I found myself watching the screen as well and enjoy what they put together.
Philadelphia is a major rock town, the energy of the crowd was loud and passionate. Songs like “My Generation‘ and “Baba O’Riley” brought out sing‑alongs and emotional moments were present in songs like “See Me, Feel Me” which produced a reaction of quiet awe followed by loud applause. Even with any health concerns (which have been part of the tour’s narrative), the energy in these farewell shows has often overcome the physical limitations.
As the evening wound down and The Who moved through their set list, it was apparent the show was approaching its finale/encore. The 19th of 22 songs still had fans on their feet as “Won’t Get Fooled Again” erupted, followed by “Baba O’Riley”. Then, post applause, as a peaceful calmness enveloped the crowd, the delicate keyboard intro of “The Song Is Over” penetrated everyone’s heart and soul as Roger & Pete played their goodbye. Then as the other band members left the stage a spot light stayed with Roger & Pete and as if to sit back and relax and soak in the audience while reflecting on their success, they broke into an intimate, acoustic rendition of “Tea & Theatre” as the evening concluded.
The knowledge that this is one of the final U.S. legs of The Who together, ever, casts everything in a sharp lens with all in attendance seeing teenage heroes still performing live. Even with some rough edges, this was not just a great show but a “do not miss” event. For fans like me, it was a thrill hearing beloved songs played live once more and seeing these rock legends deliver with dignity, power, and (yes) a little vulnerability. The peak moments delivered goosebumps, but it was the in‑between: the soulful quieter bits, the surprises and rarities, the sense of history and finality — that makes it unforgettable.
To The Who: Thank you for everything. Farewell. Long Live Rock!
For more info please visit http://www.thewho.com