The Who’s Roger Daltrey Tweaks Lyrics for Farewell Tour

Roger Daltrey is making a poignant statement to fans during The Who’s ongoing farewell tour. The band launched The Song Is Over tour on August 18 in Sunrise, Florida. Just one day later, at their concert in Newark, New Jersey, Daltrey altered the lyrics of their classic song “The Song Is Over,” delivering a heartfelt goodbye.

Instead of the original lines— “The song is over / I’m left with only tears / I must remember / Even if it takes a million years”— Daltrey sang, “The song is over / Thanks for all the years / I’ll always remember / Even if I live for a million years.”

This subtle change captured the bittersweet spirit of the band’s farewell, acknowledging decades of connection with their fans.

Touring North America, But No UK Dates Planned

The Who’s tour includes 16 North American cities, with shows scheduled in Boston, New York City, Toronto, Los Angeles, and others. The trek is set to conclude on September 28 in Las Vegas. Although the band played two dates in Milan this July, there are currently no confirmed plans to take the tour back to their native UK or across Europe.

At a live-streamed press event in May, Daltrey expressed frustration with the touring logistics in the UK compared to those in the United States. “Touring America is a damn sight easier than touring the UK,” he said. “For some reason or another, the UK has decided to make it as difficult as possible to go from A to B. In America, you seem to want to make it as easy as possible. But we are in the land of ‘no.’ I don’t want to say there will be, but equally, I’m not confident in saying there will be. That’s the honest answer to that.”

Pete Townshend’s Candid Thoughts on Touring

The band’s future on the road remains uncertain. Guitarist Pete Townshend has openly shared his dwindling enthusiasm for touring. Speaking to The New York Times in 2024, Townshend admitted:

“I don’t get much of a buzz from performing with The Who. If I’m really honest, I’ve been touring for the money. My idea of an ordinary lifestyle is pretty elevated.”

As The Who’s final tour progresses, fans are witnessing a band that is ready to close one chapter while honoring its extraordinary legacy.