The Who, O2 Arena

Iconic British rock band The Who has announced a concert at the O2 Arena as part of a tour to mark their 50th anniversary.

The legendary band, who have sold more 100 million records worldwide, are scheduled to play 11 dates across the UK and Ireland as part of the home leg of their The Who Hits 50 tour. 

Since their formation in 1964 The Who have gained a reputation as one of the most influential bands in British rock history. Through hit albums including Quadrophenia, Tommy and Who’s Next the band built up a huge fan base worldwide, creating some of most iconic British pop music ever recorded. Songs like My Generation, Baba O’Reilly and Pinball Wizard retain enduring popularity and stand as monolithic anthems of the British Invasion and Mod scenes. 

In the 1960s British acts including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones gained immense popularity   in what was termed the ‘British Invasion’. While being an important part of that scene, The Who were also poster boys for the streamlined, scooter-riding ‘Mod’ subculture.

Surviving original members Pete Towshend and Roger Daltrey claim The Who Hits 50 will be the band’s last major tour, and have promised an eclectic setlist featuring classic hits as well as album tracks selected from their extensive body of material. 

The Who are renowned for their high-octane approach to performing and the sheer volume of their concerts- they held a Guinness World Record for a 1976 concert, which was then the loudest ever recorded. Record-breakers (and guitar breakers) in many respects, The Who will storm the O2 on December 17.