The Who Performs ‘Love Ain’t for Keepin’’ For 1st Time Since 2004 At Royal Albert Hall

Watch Daltrey and Townshend preside over the first play of the Who’s Next rarity in over 20 years.

By Nate Todd Mar 28, 2025 9:55 am PDT

The Who began their annual Teenage Cancer Trust benefit run at London’s storied Royal Albert Hall on Thursday. The concert saw frontman Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend and company performing “Love Ain’t For Keeping,” for the first time in over 20 years.

The Who launched their set with “Can’t Explain.” Daltrey and Townshend then proceeded to deliver a litany of favorites including “Substitute,” “Who Are You,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “I Can See for Miles,” “Bargain” and the Tommy classic “Pinball Wizard.”

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The eighth song slot saw The Who breaking out “Love Ain’t For Keeping.” Appearing on the band’s iconic 1971 album Who’s Next, The Who last performed the rarity on May 20, 2004 near Boston, as per SetlistFM stats. The 2004 play was the first since 1982, the last time the song was in regular rotation. Daltrey’s voice sounded solid on the ballad alongside Townshend’s always well-placed riffage and a dynamic performance from touring drummer Zak Starkey.

Along with “Love Ain’t For Keeping” and “Bargain,” The Who also performed Who’s Next cuts “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Baba O’Riley” and the album’s epic closer “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” All told, the band performed five of the nine tracks on Who’s Next.

Additional favorites performed included “The Seeker,” “Love, Reign O’er Me,” “My Generation,” “See Me, Feel Me,” “Eminence Front” and “You Better You Bet.” Following “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” The Who concluded the concert with “Tea & Theatre” off the their 2006 album Endless Wire.

Watch the full concert below (“Love Ain’t For Keeping” at 36:43):

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The Who’s Teenage Cancer Trust benefit run continues tonight (March 28) at Royal Albert Hall. The band also has a few Italian dates on the books. Scroll down for their itinerary and ticket info.

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Setlist

The Who
  • I Can't Explain
  • Substitute
  • Who Are You
  • The Kids Are Alright
  • I Can See for Miles
  • Bargain
  • Pinball Wizard
  • Love Ain't for Keepin'
  • The Seeker
  • Behind Blue Eyes
  • The Real Me
  • 5:15
  • I'm One
  • Love, Reign O'er Me
  • My Generation
  • Cry If You Want
  • See Me, Feel Me
  • Eminence Front
  • You Better You Bet
  • Baba O'Riley
  • Won't Get Fooled Again
  • Tea & Theatre
Setlist data setlist.fm.
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