The Who said goodbye to performing last year. Now they’re rehearsing again.
Roger Daltrey revealed the unexpected development during his solo show at Las Vegas’ Encore Theatre, where he made a passing reference to the Who’s current rehearsals while performing “Who Are You” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” According to The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Daltrey said the rehearsals “sounded great.”
The revelation comes less than a year after the Who completed what was billed as their final tour. The Song Is Over wrapped in October 2025, bringing the band’s latest farewell to a close — or so it seemed.
There’s no word yet on what the Who are rehearsing for, or whether the sessions will lead to new performances. But the news is particularly striking because the band’s future appeared decidedly uncertain after the farewell tour, with Daltrey and Pete Townshend having repeatedly described the run as their last.
And there’s another remarkable twist: Zak Starkey is apparently back behind the drum kit. Starkey was the Who’s drummer from 1996 until 2025, when he was fired in the chaotic run-up to the farewell tour. Daltrey’s solo-band drummer Scott Devours ultimately replaced him for the shows.
Now Starkey has confirmed that he has reunited with the Who for rehearsals.
“The rehearsal was great,” Starkey said in an Instagram post. “I don’t think we’ve ever rehearsed as tough as that. Usually, we drink tea and talk about what time we’re going home!”
Whatever comes next, the reunion represents a remarkable development that could lead to a performance or recording. While Daltrey has historically been skeptical about the necessity of a new record, Townshend — whose electric guitar exploits are a thing of legend — has expressed a strong desire to record a follow-up to their 2019 album, WHO.
The primary constraint on their timeline is Daltrey’s vocal longevity. Townshend noted that ensuring the 82-year-old frontman’s voice stays in good shape amidst minor health issues is their central priority for future commitments
Daltrey has even suggested that his own solo career may be nearing its conclusion. In May, he said that after 17 years of touring with various solo bands, “a less grueling life becomes more attractive.”
“After finishing the Who’s final tour of the U.S., it’s time for me as a solo artist to possibly do the same,” Daltrey said. “After touring solo with different bands of musicians for the last 17 years, a less grueling life becomes more attractive — I’ll see.”
Daltrey has also already ruled out one potential destination if the Who do return to the stage. Asked about Las Vegas’ Sphere, he said he wasn’t convinced the venue suited the band.
“I think the management may have had talks about playing there, but when I think about it, I don’t know whether it really interests me,” Daltrey told the Review-Journal. “I think the Sphere’s got its place… it is an extraordinary thing, but I like the energy from a show just to come from the stage.”
