Pete Townshend focuses on future as The Who’s final tour begins – Guitar World
With The Who’s final tour in full swing, Pete Townshend shares his thoughts on retiring from the road after this last hurrah. The iconic guitarist, along with Roger Daltrey and a revamped Who lineup, has embarked on ‘The Song Is Over’ farewell tour across North America. Kicking off in Florida on August 16, the tour will see them play 15 dates before wrapping up in Las Vegas on September 28.
Although Townshend has not always been a fan of the touring lifestyle, describing it as lonely and expressing a preference for other activities, he recognizes the significance of celebrating his long career on stage. Despite this being dubbed as The Who’s farewell tour, Townshend hints at potential future collaborations with Daltrey, possibly for charitable causes or special projects.
At 80 years old, Townshend feels sharp and creative, emphasizing that age is no barrier to his passion and energy for music. While he acknowledges his shortcomings in financial matters, he remains confident in his ability to strike successful business deals and pursue creative endeavors in the industry.
Looking ahead, Townshend envisions another five years in show business, contemplating new ventures such as one-man shows and continued collaborations with Daltrey. The dynamic duo, representing different facets of The Who’s legacy, plan to remain involved in various artistic endeavors, both individually and collectively.
Addressing the notion of a farewell tour, Townshend dispels any finality associated with the term, hinting at the possibility of future performances beyond the current tour. He acknowledges the promotional impact of branding a tour as a farewell, admitting that it can boost ticket sales and create anticipation among fans.
In a candid reflection on his collaborative tendencies, Townshend admits to struggling with partnerships, even with bandmates and fellow musicians. This introspective look into his creative process sheds light on the complexities of artistic collaboration and the individualistic approach that Townshend often adopts.
As Townshend navigates the final stretch of The Who’s farewell tour, he remains focused on the present moment while keeping an eye on future projects and creative pursuits. Despite the bittersweet nature of bidding farewell to the touring life, Townshend’s enduring passion for music and creativity will undoubtedly fuel his artistic endeavors for years to come.