The Who have announced a 2023 U.K. summer tour and a new live album. The ten shows are on top of their first European dates in seven years that were previously announced in December. As they have done in recent years, the 2023 shows will see the band performing with a full orchestra each night. Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and their longtime touring band will be performing music from throughout The Who’s nearly 60-year career, including songs from classic albums Tommy, Quadrophenia, Who’s Next, and Who Are You. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.
On July 6, 2019, The Who headlined a sold out concert at Wembley Stadium in London for the first time in forty years. Performing many of their greatest hits, the show featured the band accompanied by the 57-piece Isobel Griffiths Orchestra. The Who with Orchestra Live at Wembley arrives on March 31 in a variety of formats including a 2-CD/Blu-ray Audio set featuring the audio remixed in Dolby Atmos, and a 3-LP edition. All come with a booklet with unseen photos from the show. A clip of “Baba O’Riley,” was released on Feb. 9. (And scroll down to hear more songs and to see the track listing.)
The European and U.K. tours will feature The Who‘s full live band comprised of guitarist/backup singer Simon Townshend, keyboardist Loren Gold, second keyboardist Emily Marshall, bassist Jon Button, drummer Zak Starkey and backing vocals by Billy Nicholls, along with orchestra conductor Keith Levenson, lead violinist Katie Jacoby and lead cellist Audrey Snyder.
In the U.K. announcement, Daltrey said, “Just because it is The Who with an orchestra, in no way does it compromise the way Pete and I deliver our music. It is full throttle Who with horns and bells on.”
Watch The Who perform the “Overture” from Tommy, with the full orchestra, on May 8, 2022
Commenting on playing in Europe for the first time in almost a decade, Townshend, who will turn 78 on May 19, said, “It is wonderful that we can return to Europe after so long away. We look forward to bringing our grand orchestral show which has received such great reviews so far and play some old-fashioned Who-style rock ’n’ roll songs from our back catalog as well. We mix it all up in the most amazing evening of music: I have to say that this show is one that I personally enjoy as much as anything I have ever done in the 60 years I’ve been working with Roger. We are so lucky to be able to spend an evening with you all.” Daltrey turned 79 on March 1.
The Who 2023 Tour (Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster and StubHub)
Jun 14 – Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi
Jun 17 – Florence, Italy – Firenze Rocks
Jun 20 – Berlin- Germany – Waldbuhne
Jun 23 – Paris, France – La Defense Arena
Jul 06 – Hull, UK – Sewell Group Craven Park
Jul 08 – Edinburgh, UK – Edinburgh Castle
Jul 09 – Edinburgh, UK – Edinburgh Castle
Jul 12 – London, UK – O2 Arena
Jul 14 – Derby, UK – Incora County Ground
Jul 16 – Bristol, UK – Badminton Estate
Jul 19 – Durham, UK – Seat Unique Riverside
Jul 21 – St Helens, UK – Totally Wicked Stadium
Jul 23 – Brighton, UK – 1st Central County Ground
Jul 25 – St Austell, UK – Eden Project
Aug 28 – Norfolk, UK – Royal Sandringham Estate
Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours
The Who with Orchestra Live at Wembley Track Listing
DISC ONE
Who Are You
Eminence Front
Imagine A Man
Pinball Wizard
Hero Ground Zero
Join Together
Substitute (No Orchestra)
The Seeker (No Orchestra)
Won’t Get Fooled Again (Acoustic)
Behind Blue Eyes (Acoustic)
DISC TWO
Ball And Chain
The Real Me
I’m One
The Punk And The Godfather
5:15
Drowned (No Orchestra)
The Rock
Love Reign O’er Me
Baba O’Riley
Tea & Theatre (Acoustic)
