The Who with Special Guest Feist

The Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour

Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Wantagh, NY

August 28, 2025

By Mike Perciaccante

On a beautiful, cool late August evening, in a fitting and appropriate way to end what has been a fabulous career, The Who performed “The Song Is Over,” from the band’s classic 1971 Who’s Next (MCA Records) album as its second-to last song at the intimate seaside Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. There was definitely a correlation and not just a little coincidence as the summer of 2025 was coming to a close along with, what can be described as, the end of an era. Though Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have both said that this is the final, final, final tour, in the past beginning in 1982, they have also said the same. The iconic musicians may very well work together on future projects, but it seems safe to state that this is the end of the road for The Who as a touring entity. 

The last song in what some folks have coined as The Longest Goodbye, was a sweet, acoustic duet of “Tea & Theatre” with Daltrey and Townshend alone on stage  for “Tea & Theatre.” Daltrey made the moment even more poignant when he placed his arm around Townshend’s shoulder.

The evening began with a strong set by indie singer-songwriter (Leslie) Feist. The Canadian songstress and her band delivered a tight set of clever and intriguing tunes. On numerous occasions she expressed how grateful she was to The Who for providing her with the opportunity open for them. Though she tried to pump up those who were in their seats for her performance, she fell just a bit short, but only because the audience was there with only Daltrey and Townshend on its collective mind. By the end of her short six-song set, she had won over the audience as she and the crowd sang together on “1234.”

After Feist’s set ended and a short intermission, shortly before 9pm, The Who hit the stage ready to rock and immediately put the pedal-to-the-metal. The band kicked off its performance with a rockin’ trifecta of “I Can’t Explain,” “Substitute” and “Who Are You.” The 21-song set was both powerful and masterful featuring staples such as “The Seeker,” “Pinball Wizard” which segued into “See Me Feel Me,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “My Generation,” an amazing and driving version of “5:15,” “You Better You Bet” and “Eminence Front.” Other highlights included the rarely played “Love Ain’t for Keeping” and “Going Mobile” which on this tour was being played live for the first time by The Who. Simon Townshend (Pete’s bother) took lead vocals on the tour de force version of “Going Mobile” while Daltrey contributed harmonica.

Following the Quadrophenia (MCA Records, 1973) portion of the show--“The Real Me,” “I’m One,” “5:15” and “Love, Reign O'er Me”--the band dove back into it Who’s Next songbook for the cynical, powerful but no less relevant today than they were in 1971 “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”

The Who delivered (mostly) the big hits that the audience was hoping to hear. The 81-year-old Daltrey was in good voice, hitting the high notes that only he can. The 80-year-old Townshend provided the lead guitar licks that only he can deliver with the expected arm-swinging windmills, however, there were no leaps, or smashed guitars. In addition to Simon Townshend, Daltrey and Pete Townshend were joined by bassist Jon Button, keyboardist Loren Gold, drummer Scott Devours (replacing Zak Starkey), percussionist Jody Linscott and backing vocalist John Hogg.

The entire performance featured a video backdrop that included photos of the band (including original drummer Keith Moon, who passed in 1978 and bassist John Entwistle who died in 2002) throughout its history as well as some CGI effects placing Daltrey and Townshend within various scenes.

Sixty years after exploding on the musical scene, Daltrey, Townshend and their cohorts had the adoring fans on their feet from the first notes to the last. It was a magical concert that was both nostalgic and triumphant. They’re going out on top. The Who, its legacy and its amazing accomplishments will stand the test of time.   

The Who’s August 28^th Set List:

1.    “I Can’t Explain”

2.    “Substitute”

3.    “Who Are You”

4.    “The Seeker”

5.    “Love Ain’t for Keeping”

6.    “Pinball Wizard”

7.    “See Me, Feel Me" with a "Listening to You” refrain

8.    “Behind Blue Eyes”

9.    “Eminence Front”

10. “My Generation”

11. “Cry If You Want”

12. “You Better You Bet”

13. “Going Mobile” (with Simon Townshend on lead vocals)

14. “The Real Me”

15. “I’m One”

16. “5:15”

17. “Love, Reign O’er Me”

18. “Baba O’Riley”

19. “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

20. “The Song Is Over”

21. “Tea & Theatre”