The Who to Perform “The Song Is Over” on North American Farewell Tour at Jones Beach Theater

The Who recently brought their “The Song Is Over” North American Farewell Tour to Jones Beach Theater. In their latest concert, the iconic rock band took the stage at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, N.Y., presenting a stellar 21-track setlist spanning their illustrious six-decade career.

The musical journey kicked off with “I Can’t Explain,” The Who’s debut single released in 1965, setting the stage for a retrospective start delving into the band’s early discography. The nostalgic nostalgia continued with chart-toppers like “Substitute” and “The Seeker” capturing the essence of their pioneering sound. An exploration of their fourth studio album from 1971, “Who’s Next,” featured tracks like “Love Ain’t for Keepin’,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” and “Going Mobile.” Notably, the last song saw guitarist Pete Townshend’s brother, Simon, lending his vocals during the Florida tour kickoff.

The band revisited their iconic rock opera, “Tommy,” with tracks like “Pinball Wizard” and “See Me, Feel Me” before highlighting their unique electrified vibes from the 1982 album, “It’s Hard,” with hits such as “Eminence Front” and “Cry If You Want.” A clever combination of “My Generation” and “Cry If You Want” created an exciting fusion, showcasing their musical prowess. Moving into the 2000s soundscape, “You Better Bet” paved the way for an in-depth exploration of “Quadrophenia,” featuring prominent cuts like “The Real Me,” “5:15,” and “Love, Reign O’er Me.”

Closing their spectacular performance, The Who unleashed epic anthems “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” before presenting a musical tribute to the band’s legacy. “The Song is Over” marked a poignant conclusion, followed by a soul-stirring rendition of “Tea & Theatre,” delivered acoustically by the band’s founder, Townshend, and iconic frontman Roger Daltrey. Noteworthy variations in the setlist included songs like “I Can See for Miles,” “Bargain,” and “I’ve Had Enough,” which made sporadic appearances on the ongoing tour.

With a lineup comprising Daltrey, Townshend, Simon Townshend on guitar, Jon Button on bass, Loren Gold on keyboards, John Hogg and Jody Linscott on percussion, and Scott Devours on drums, The Who has been entertaining crowds across the U.S. and Canada until Sept. 28. The tour includes performances at major venues such as Toronto’s Budweiser Stage, Chicago’s United Center, and Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena before concluding at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Despite canceled shows in Philadelphia and Atlantic City waiting to be rescheduled, the band conveyed their willingness to revisit those missed markets in upcoming performances.