Peter Townshend

The co-founder and guitarist of the Who talks about six decades with the band – and whether this really is their final tour

- ANDY GREENE

The Who practically invented the concept of the rock ‘n’ roll farewell tour back in 1982 when they hit the road for what they claimed was the final time. Seven years later, they practically invented the concept of the “forget that whole farewell thing” tour when they reformed for a lucrative run of stadium shows. They've been active for the past 30 years, but now, they're kicking off a second farewell tour – and this time around, they mean it.

The tour is just one project that band co-founder and guitarist Pete Townshend, 80, has in the works. He's also releasing a seven-disc box set that chronicles his solo career, working with young bands the Wild Things and Bookshop, and writing new songs. “I’ve got maybe 10 years left as a creative,” he says. “So I'm doing all kinds of interesting things. I'm trying to keep myself fuelled up.”

John Entwistle made his first solo record in 1971, Roger Daltrey in 1973, and Keith Moon in 1975. You didn’t do a proper one until 1980. Why were you the last?

Because I was writing the songs for the fucking Who, that’s why!

A lot of people heard ‘Rough Boys’ and felt it was you basically coming out of the closet.