THE WHO w/ TOM COCHRANE
@ BUDWEISER STAGE, TORONTO
SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
The phrase “The Who’s Final Tour” is often met with a roll of the eyes and a knowing smile, as the band that has been known to attach that term to various tours, as far back as 1982. In fact, the whole notion has become a lighthearted joke among fans. Currently on the road with The Song Is Over – Farewell to North America Tour (which rolled into Toronto for two dates last week), it appears that this time, they really mean it.
Fans of all ages were out in full force at Toronto’s lakeside outdoor amphitheatre, and they were treated to an excellent night of music. Opening the bill was veteran Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane and band, who delivered a brilliant seven-song set. Taking their tour support role seriously, they did not disappoint, playing the hits and turning in faithful renditions of old songs like “White Hot,” “Boy Inside the Man,” and “Life Is a Highway.” With Cochrane on guitar, harmonica, and lead vocals along with Bill Bell on guitar and vocals, Davide DiRenzo on drums and vocals, and Jeff Jones on bass and vocals, this proved to be a very tight unit indeed. His chops intact, Cochrane’s voice and performance skills are still strong. It was wonderful to watch this successful and well-loved homegrown act prime the audience for the headliners.
The Who took the stage to a huge welcoming cheer from the near-sellout crowd. First launching into “I Can’t Explain” followed by “Substitute,” “Who Are You,” and “The Seeker,” the band gave us a glimpse into the evening’s program: a time-shifting trip throughout the various eras of their 60-plus year career.
Founding members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were both in excellent form throughout the show. The crowd thrilled at the early appearances of Townshend’s trademark windmill guitar slashes during “The Seeker” and he demonstrated a strong, theatrical lead vocal on “Long Live Rock.” For his part, Daltrey gave consistently impressive vocal performances throughout the evening. Whether with his triumphant delivery of “Who Are You,” the commanding force of “Pinball Wizard,” or the transcendentally sacred “See Me, Feel Me” with its prayer-like ending, Daltrey consistently amazed the crowd.
Performance highlights for the two founding members were many, but kudos are also due to the backing band, which included Simon Townshend (Pete’s brother) on guitar and vocals. A strong vocalist and guitarist, Simon ably took the lead vocal on “Going Mobile.” Additionally in the band, Loren Gold (keyboards), Scott Devours (drums), Jonathan Button (bass), John Hogg (backing vocals), and Jodi Linscott (percussion) artfully injected new energy into the old songs. They all gave stunning performances, respecting the original band recordings, particularly the contributions of late, great original members, drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle. Special guest violinist Katie Jacoby also deserves mention for the sheer joy and musicianship displayed during her marvelous solo in “Baba O’Riley”. Such a treat!
As far as legacy bands go, The Who must be seen to be believed. Hearing Daltrey’s full-throated scream out of the break on “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is nothing short of astounding. Likewise, with “Love, Reign O’er Me.” The frontman gives a stunning, impassioned vocal on this beautiful song, adding a sweet a cappella ending. Such moments kept coming throughout the show. Not to be outdone, Townshend shone vocally, with his bluesy growl on “Eminence Front” and “Cry If You Want.” His acoustic and electric guitar playing on all of his iconic songs totally floored the crowd. Speaking to fellow audience members after the show, the opinion of The Who’s performance was pretty much unanimous. One couple near me were effusive, saying, “What a powerhouse performance! Roger’s voice held up and then some, and Pete’s iconic windmill guitar arm stood the test of time! We are avid concert goers and these legends, who left Toronto’s stage for a final time, are most definitely in our top three shows!”
The show ended with two particularly heartfelt songs. Poignantly, the full band played a beautiful version of “The Song Is Over,” a song whose message added gravity and significance to the show. Finally, alone onstage, Daltrey and Townshend (on acoustic guitar) gave a beautifully bare and emotive rendition of “Tea and Theatre,” from their 2006’s Endless Wire album. Two old men, old bandmates, old friends. Saying “good-bye”. There were very few dry eyes in the venue. Just before the pair took their bows, Daltrey said his thanks, and declared to all assembled, “You have a fabulous country, and a fabulous city, and you’re doing it right.”
Thank you, gentlemen.
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