The Who have postponed their upcoming tour of the UK and Ireland over concerns of the spread of the coronavirus.
The three-week series (see dates below) was scheduled to begin in Manchester on March 16.
“The fans’ safety is paramount and given the developing Coronavirus situation, the band felt that they had no option but to postpone the shows,” said the group in a statement.
The dates will be rescheduled for later in the year; all tickets will be honored.
Singer Roger Daltrey assures fans that the shows will “definitely happen and it may be the last time we do a tour of this type, so keep those tickets, as the shows will be fantastic.”
Pete Townshend said the band ”haven’t reached this decision easily, but given the concerns about public gatherings, we couldn’t go ahead.” He added that “if one fan caught Coronavirus at a Who concert, it would be one too many.”
As part of the spring postponement, The Who will also be unable to appear at the Royal Albert Hall on March 28 as part of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust shows, but intend to reschedule that show also, with more news to follow.
The 2020 tour is in support of the band’s recently-released “Who” album, which debuted at No. 3 in the UK.
The Who
2020 UK / Ireland tour
** all shows postponed as of March 12
Mar 16 – Manchester Arena
Mar 18 – Dublin 3 Arena
Mar 21 – Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Mar 23 – Glasgow SSE Hydro Arena
Mar 25 – Leeds First Direct Arena
Mar 28 – London Royal Albert Hall (Teenage Cancer Trust show)
Mar 30 – Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Apr 01 – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
Apr 03 – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Apr 06 – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
Apr 08 – London SSE Wembley Arena
See also:
The Who to headline Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert
VIDEO: The Who perform rare acoustic shows in London
The Who announce vinyl reissues of The Kids Are Alight and Quadrophenia soundtracks
The Who score US Top 5 debut with new album
Search The Who at hennemusic
