The Who 'The Song is Over' Farewell Tour at the Hollywood Bowl

 

Legendary British rock band The Who crossed the Atlantic for their official farewell tour, The Song Is Over, stopping for two unforgettable nights at the Hollywood Bowl. If this really is the end (and let’s be honest, how many times have we heard that before?) They went out swinging. The venue was packed with a multigenerational crowd eager to witness Roger Daltrey (80) and Pete Townshend (81) in what may or may not be their final Los Angeles performance.

SoCal local’s The Offspring opened the show on Friday night with their pop-punk hits like, Come Out and Play, You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid, and Why Don’t You Get a Job. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Dexter Holland’s unmistakable voice set the mood and captivated the audience as millennials sang along to all of their major 90’s hits. Looking throughout the audience, I saw my fair share of 50 something’s, shredding the air guitar, reliving the memories of their youth only this time alongside their teenagers.

It had been six years since The Who last played the Bowl, but the roar that greeted them proved Los Angeles was more than ready. The stage was bathed in Union Jack colors, as the band opened with their 1965 classic, I Can’t Explain. After years of perfecting their tricks, Daltrey’s mic twirled through the air like a lasso, while Townshend delivered his iconic windmill in full stance. Behind them, retro photos flashed across the big screen, underscoring the nostalgia as boomers sang, swayed, and relived the soundtrack of their youth.

The setlist was a parade of greatest hits: Pinball Wizard, Behind Blue Eyes, You Better You Bet. But the standout moment came when Townshend introduced My Generation. Explaining why the song had disappeared from their setlist, he reflected: “Around 1969, we stopped playing My Generation because we thought we were too old. How old were we—26, 27? That’s old then. Now? That’s young.” The crowd chuckled with laughter proving that after nearly six decades, The Who’s generation is still going strong. Once an anthem of rebellion, Daltrey gripped the mic and delivered his famous stutter, “People try to put us d-dowwwn. Talking about my generation” This was the moment we had all been waiting for! You just had to be there!

Another standout moment was when Pete’s brother, Simon Townshend resurrected the song, Going Mobile as he sang lead vocals while Daltrey played a killer blues harmonica. This groovy jam was off the 1971, Who’s Next album. It was a deepcut tune for true Who fans. As the night drew to a close, Daltrey saved his most powerful punches for last. His outstanding vocals on Love, Reign O’er Me, Won’t Get Fooled Again ,and the thunderous Baba O’ Riley shook the Bowl to its core. An impressive ovation that refused to end. A breathtaking performance worthy of rock royalty.

Despite their age, Daltrey and Townshend remain living proof that rock ’n’ roll doesn’t fade, it matures. Formed in London in 1964, The Who have performed more than 2,000 concerts across their prolific career, inspiring fans worldwide and filling arenas to this day. The Song Is Over tour kicked off August 16 in Florida and will wrap September 28 in Las Vegas, spanning 16 major U.S. cities. Whether or not this truly marks the end, The Who’s Hollywood Bowl shows were a reminder that rock’s eternal flame still burns brightly.

SETLIST

  • I Can't Explain

  • Substitute

  • Who Are You

  • I Can See for Miles

  • Long Live Rock

  • Pinball Wizard

  • See Me, Feel Me

  • Another Tricky Day

  • Behind Blue Eyes

  • Eminence Front

  • My Generation

  • Cry If You Want

  • You Better You Bet

  • Going Mobile

  • The Real Me

  • I'm One

  • 5:15

  • Love, Reign O'er Me

  • Won't Get Fooled Again

  • Baba O'Riley

  • The Song Is Over

  • Tea & Theatre

  • Here Comes The Sun

 

TOUR DATES

  • Sep 23, 2025 - Rogers Arena - Vancouver, BC

  • Sep 25, 2025 - Climate Pledge Arena - Seattle, WA

  • Sep 28, 2025 - MGM Grand Garden Arena - Las Vegas, NV

  • Oct 1, 2025 - Acrisure Arena at Greater Palm Springs - Palm Desert, CA

Coverage by Hannah Mayorga


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