Pete Townshend, the guitarist of the iconic rock band The Who, has opened up about the communication challenges he faces with fellow bandmate Roger Daltrey. During an interview with AARP Magazine, Townshend stated that he and Daltrey “are very different” and “don’t communicate very well.” This admission comes as the band embarks on their farewell tour, marking over five decades of musical collaboration.
The 80-year-old guitarist emphasized that their differing needs as performers have at times led to misunderstandings. He noted that Daltrey, who is 81, has expressed frustrations regarding his hearing loss, which impacts his ability to perform at his best. Townshend remarked, “He got upset because he felt I had sometimes given the impression of having left the building.”
This candid reflection highlights the complexities of their partnership, especially as they continue to honor the legacy of their late bandmates, Keith Moon and John Entwistle, who passed away in 1978 and 2002, respectively. Townshend described their current performances as akin to “a Who tribute band,” acknowledging that they feel a responsibility to keep the band’s legacy alive. He explained, “The Who [still] sells records — the Moon and Entwistle families have become millionaires.”
Despite their differences, Townshend expressed a genuine appreciation for performing alongside Daltrey. He noted the importance of reflecting on their lives at this stage, stating, “We’re lucky to be alive. I’m looking forward to playing; Roger likes to throw wild cards out sometimes in the set, and we have learned and rehearsed a few songs that we don’t always play.”
The farewell tour, titled The Song Is Over: The North American Farewell Tour, commenced at Amerant Bank Arena in Florida on August 16, 2025. The 23-song set featured the live debut of “Going Mobile,” with Simon Townshend, Pete’s brother, on lead vocals. While Simon had performed the song previously, this marked its first appearance in a live concert by The Who.
Originally penned by Pete Townshend and featured on the 1971 album Who’s Next, “Going Mobile” was initially part of his abandoned project, Lifehouse. The song showcases the band’s legacy, with Pete providing the lead vocals, guitars, and synthesizers, while Moon and Entwistle contributed on drums and bass, respectively. Roger Daltrey was not involved in the original recording.
The performance was not without its challenges; a technical glitch interrupted the show at one point. Daltrey humorously remarked, “You never remember the perfect show. You remember the f***-ups.”
As The Who continues their farewell tour, the band remains committed to celebrating their music and the memories they have created over the years.
