It’s just like the old days.
Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, founding members of the iconic band The Who, are back to their bickering ways.
The latest turmoil began after comments made by guitarist and songwriter Townshend about The Who’s upcoming farewell tour of the U.S. and Canada.
As reported by NME, Townshend during an interview with Sunday People said that the legendary British Invasion band had “gone on a bit too long.”
Townshend, whose love-hate relationship with singer Daltrey is well known, pointed out that two original members of the band, drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle, had died.
Townshend, who has had significant solo career including on Broadway in addition to his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame work with The Who, said that touring with the band “does sometimes feel like flogging a dead horse.”
Townshend, recognized as one of the greatest songwriters of the rock era, has acknowledged numerous times over the years that, unlike Daltrey, touring isn’t a big attraction for him.
Daltrey didn’t take Townshend’s recent comments lying down, telling the Daily Mail: “If Pete doesn’t want to tour, I don’t want to be back with The Who on the road, at 81, with someone who doesn’t want (to) be there – if that’s what he’s saying.
“I won’t do it with someone who is half-hearted about it. But, you know, every dog has its day and it was a wonderful ride.”
The Who had recently announced their “Song Is Over” farewell tour of North America.
While he doesn’t relish the road, Townshend has said he’s open to recording a new Who album, a concept that Daltrey has shot down, saying that fans want to hear the old hits.
The “My Generation” band has been in a bit of turmoil of late.
The Who announced a few weeks ago that longtime drummer Zak Starkey, son of Beatles icon Ringo Starr, had been let go following a subpar gig in the U.K.
But Townshend then quickly said that Starkey remained in the fold, only for Starkey to add to the confusion by saying he’d been told by Daltrey that the drummer had been “retired” from The Who in order to work on his own projects.
The Who’s long history is littered with personal battles on stage and off, namely between frontman Daltrey and song creator Townshend.
Daltrey in 1973 knocked Townshend unconscious with a punch after Townshend had swung a guitar at the singer.
