The Who Play Final Hometown Gig at London's Hyde Park [WATCH]

Last night's Barclaycard Presents British Summer Time festival, which expediently sold out 65,000 tickets in advance, was most likely The Who's last performance in their hometown. Although Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are no strangers to announcing farewell tours, it seems their performance at London's Hyde Park will be their last.

"You're a long way away," stated Townshend as he entered the stage and scanned the audience ahead. "But we will f-cking reach you," notes Rolling Stone. The show was utterly involved with the past of The Who, making the farewell seem more conclusive.

A large screen projected images spanning the band's 50-plus-year career and shortly after, Townshend broke into a windmill over his guitar while launching into "I Can't Explain." Daltrey showcased his bluesy side to "The Seeker" while segwaying into the 1978 staple, "Who Are You," with an abundance of energy. Daltrey attempted to dedicate "The Kids Are Alright" to supporting act Paul Weller when Townshend stepped forward to set the record straight--Weller really requested "Pictures of Lily,"notes NME.

"I can sense a lot of people don't know this music," said Townshend before jamming on an extreme rendition of 1971's "Bargain." "But it's a pleasure to play it to those of you that haven't heard it before." As the duo began to delve into their discography, they enlightened fans with their stories and personal histories. Townshend pointed out that "My Generation" was a song "for people of any age, anytime, anywhere." Working their way into "Pinball Wizard" and an intense "Baba O'Riley," Daltrey offered a harmonica solo, leading to an audience-wide sing-a-long.

Prior to their tremendous final performance of "Won't Get Fooled Again," Townshend honored his fallen band members, drummer Keith Moon and bassist Jon Entwistle, describing how "terribly" he missed them. He continued to recall the time when Moon gave current Who drummer, Zak Starkey, a drumkit when he was a youthful ten years old. "So, in a way, Zak studied at the feet of... well, I won't call him the master," said Townshend. "He studied at the feet of the wanker."

As the music faded out across Hyde Park, Townshend and Daltrey gave their thanks to the crowd for their support. "We didn't think we'd last until the end of the week," said Daltrey, saluting the audience, "And here we are, all this time on." The Who will head out for their next gig as headliners for Glastonbury on Sunday before hurling into their U.S. tour, beginning September 14 at San Diego Valley View Casino Center.

The Who Setlist:

"I Can't Explain"
"The Seeker"
"Who Are You"
"The Kids Are Alright"
"Pictures of Lily"
"I Can See for Miles"
"My Generation"
"Behind Blue Eyes"
"Bargain"
"Join Together"
"You Better You Bet"
"I'm One"
"Love Reign O'er Me"
"Eminence Front"
"Amazing Journey"/"Sparks"
"Pinball Wizard"
"See Me, Feel Me"/"Listening to You"
"Baba O'Riley"
"Won't Get Fooled Again"

Tags

The Who, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend