The Who Debuts 54-Year-Old Song Live At Royal Albert Hall

The Who had a special surprise in store last night to end the 2025 Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The legendary band closed out the benefit series by performing “The Song Is Over” live in concert for the first time.

Vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend and their touring band returned to Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night after a Thursday night show at the historic venue. The Who performed “Love Ain’t For Keepin'” for the first time since 2004 on Thursday. Both “Love Ain’t For Keepin'” and “The Song Is Over” are featured on the band’s iconic 1971 album Who’s Next.

The 54-years-in-the-making live debut of “The Song Is Over” punctuated the band’s 21-song, career-spanning set on Sunday. After opening with “I Can’t Explain,” Daltrey & Co. played such beloved hits as “Who Are You,” “Pinball Wizard,” “5:15,” “Eminence Front” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” The Who also performed the aforementioned “Love Ain’t For Keepin'” again.

“We dedicate this to all the fans that heard the 2016 setlist a 100 times,” Pete Townshend said of “The Song Is Over” before The Who launched the live debut as pointed out by Rolling Stone. “Well, not 100 times, but a lot. So, we’re going to have a go at this one. I think Roger is having trouble hearing though.”

Roger Daltrey acknowledged his issues hearing the band when he aborted “The Song Is Over” approximately two minutes into the premiere. “To sing that song, I do need to hear the key,” Daltrey told the crowd. “And I can’t hear. There’s no pitch here. I just hear drums, ‘boom boom boom.’ I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry guys. We’ll try one more even though it’s getting late.”

“I can sing it in any fuckin’ key you want, but I need to be able to hear myself,” Daltrey continued. “It’s not your fault guys. I just can’t hear.” The Who then made it through “The Song Is Over” without any further issues.

Watch fan-shot video of The Who performing “The Song Is Over” for the first time below: