The WHO (with orchestra) to rock the UK in July 2023

The Who, joined by a full orchestra, are set to rock the UK from July 6 to 23 in Hull, Edinburgh Castle (their first Scotland show in 40 years), London, Derby, Badminton, Durham, St Helens and Brighton cricket grounds. UB40, featuring Ali Campbell, will open for The WHO at all shows except at The O2 London and Edinburgh Castle dates. Tickets are here: https://lnk.to/TheWho-Tour

Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and their band are expected to perform sections devoted to their classic albums Tommy & Quadrophenia as well as tracks from their 2019 WHO album, their first studio release in 13 years. The UK tour dates follow last year’s ‘The Who Hits Back’ tour of 30 cities in the US, where they played their hits supported by the orchestral arrangements of David Campbell.

The Outside Organization in London notes that the 2023 UK tour will feature guitarist/vocalist Simon Townshend, drummer Zak Starkey, keyboardists Loren Gold and Emily Marshall, bassist Jon Button, and backing vocals by Billy Nicholls, along with orchestra conductor Keith Levenson, lead violinist Katie Jacoby and lead cellist Audrey Snyder.

“Having not toured the UK for six years, it’s great that at this time of our careers we have the chance to go to places that are not on the usual touring map Edinburgh Castle and Derby, as well as the other cities across the country that we haven’t been to for decades, will make this very special for me,” said singer Roger Daltrey. “This opportunity will give our UK Who fans the chance to hear our current show, which, with the addition of an orchestra, takes our music to new heights.”

Pete Townshend added: “Roger initially christened this tour with an orchestra ‘Moving On!’ I love it. It is what both of us want to do. Move on, with new music, classic Who music, all performed in new and exciting ways. Taking risks, nothing to lose. I’m really looking forward to bringing this show to the UK.”

The Who are asking fans to add an optional £1 donation onto their ticket price at point of sale in support of Teenage Cancer Trust. Daltrey has led the Teenage Cancer Trust’s Royal Albert Hall concerts since they began in 2000. For more information visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

For more information about The Who 2023 dates, visit www.robomagiclive.com or www.thewho.com

The Who’s show at Wembley Stadium in London in 2019 (their only UK date of that tour) featured a 50-piece orchestra. A recording of that concert will be released as a limited edition yellow, orange & red 3LP set, triple black vinyl, 2CD / Blu-Ray set which features the audio remixed in Dolby Atmos and 1CD edition.

The Who’s achievements include 9 albums that reached the top ten in the US and the UK, plus 14 UK top ten singles and 27 singles in the top 40 of both the US and the UK. During their 60-year career, they have played over 2000 gigs at venues such as Woodstock, Monterey Pop, Glastonbury (twice), Hyde Park (four times), The Isle Of Wight (three times), the 2010 half-time show of the Superbowl in the USA, the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, Desert Trip, Shea Stadium, Live Aid and more.

The Who debuted in 1964 with a trio of anthems “I Can’t Explain,” “The Kids Are Alright” and “My Generation.” They followed up with hits including “Baba O’Riley” (Teenage Wastelands), “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Pinball Wizard,” Who Are You,” and “You Better You Bet.”

Their greatest works include the 1969 rock opera Tommy, 1971’s iconic recording Live At Leeds, 1973’s Quadrophenia and 1978’s Who Are You.

Their memoirs include Pete’s “Who I Am”, released in 2012, and Roger’s autobiography, Thanks A Lot Mr. Kibblewhite; My Story, released in 2018.

6th July – Sewell Group Craven Park, Hull*

8th July – Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

9th July – Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

12th July – The O2, London

14th July – The Incora County Ground, Derby*

16th July – Badminton Estate, Bristol*

19th July – Seat Unique Riverside, Durham*

21st July – Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens*

23rd July – The 1st Central County Ground, Brighton*