The Who may be one of the oldest surviving vestiges of rock 'n' roll, but they are currently outclassing the group of current bands when it comes to technology.
Roger Daltrey and Co. signed off on The Who Immersive App, which coincides with their just-released anniversary compilation The Who Hits 50!
From Billboard: "The Who Immersive App is centered on a 3-D virtual world that features key events and landmarks from The Who's 50-year history, including some of the iconic visuals conjured by Pete Townshend's songs, such as a pinball and a magic bus. The app's 16-strong staff includes Jamie Daltrey — son of Who frontman Roger Daltrey — who has been closely involved in the app's development, gathering rare band artifacts from his father and from Trinifold."
An Oculus Rift Virtual Reality version — available later this year — will allow fans to shift their view 360 degrees via headset technology and isolate various aspects of the band's greatest hits. For instance: Turn your head left to isolate Daltrey's vocals on "Who Are You," turn your head right to zero in on John Entwistle's bass line.
"I'm not a fan of smartphones, but I have to admit they do open up huge possibilities to entertain and educate," Daltrey said. "The music business needs to use every avenue possible to keep the fans and the music in close contact. This app will hopefully teach our newer, younger fans everything they might want to know of our history, and hopefully unearth some odds and sods for our older ones."
Universal Strategic Marketing head of digital Geoff Smith told Billboard: "It's been a great collaboration working so closely with Immersive, the band and management, being able to create a new way to experience the music, the stories and the iconic imagery of The Who. This first release is just a taste for what's to come, as we plan to evolve the app through the band's current touring schedule while celebrating their incredible catalogue and 50-year legacy.
"Virtual reality's been around for years, but with Facebook buying Oculus and other leading tech companies actively building VR hardware and software, the technology is going to start accelerating into the public's hands. Once you've experienced it, it's clear that the possibilities are endless."
The group announced a "farewell" tour this fall, but Daltrey later clarified The Who will still play shows after its conclusion.
Here are the currently scheduled dates, via radio.com:
4/15/15: Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
4/17: Miami, FL @ AmericanAirlines Arena
4/19: Jacksonville, FL @ Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
4/21: Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
4/23: Duluth, GA @ The Arena at Gwinnett Center
4/27: Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
4/29: Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
5/2: Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
5/11: Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
5/13: Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena
5/15: Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
5/17: Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
5/20: Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
5/22: Atlantic City, NJ @ Boardwalk Hall
5/24: Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
5/26: Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
5/30: Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
9/14: San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center
9/16: Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center
9/19: Las Vegas, NV @ Colosseum at Caesars Palace
9/21: Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center
9/23: Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
9/25: Portland, OR @ Moda Center
9/27: Seattle, WA @ KeyArena
9/29: Vancouver, BC @ Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
10/1: Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
10/10: Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
10/13: Milwaukee, WI @ BMO Harris Bradley Center
10/15: Chicago, IL @ United Center
10/17: Detroit, MI @ Joe Louis Arena
10/19: Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
10/21: Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
10/23: Pittsburgh, PA @ CONSOL Energy Center
10/25: Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
10/27: New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
10/29: Boston, MA @ TD Garden
11/1: Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
11/4: Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
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