Says Goodbye to Hollywood
September 23rd, 2025 Review by Shane Pase
Some shows you know are going to be special before you even walk through the gates. The Who’s farewell performance at the Hollywood Bowl was one of those nights – a last hurrah for rock legends in one of the world’s most iconic venues.
With Orange County punk rockers The Offspring warming up the crowd, this wasn’t just another concert; it was a celebration of rock history spanning five decades.
The pairing of The Offspring with The Who might have raised some eyebrows on paper, but sometimes the best musical moments come from unexpected combinations. When Dexter Holland and Noodles took the stage with genuine excitement written all over their faces, you could feel their energy ripple through the Bowl’s diverse crowd. Sure, most people were there for The Who, but The Offspring knew exactly how to win them over.
Opening with “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” was a smart choice – it’s impossible not to move to that song, and the Offspring fans scattered throughout the audience immediately jumped to their feet.
The band’s self-aware humor worked perfectly in this setting, with Holland and Noodles joking about finally making it to the Hollywood Bowl and wondering how many people actually knew who they were.
By the time they reached “Bad Habit,” they had the crowd eating out of their hands.
Holland’s classic move of stopping the band right before the breakdown and getting the audience to participate turned the entire Bowl into one big singalong, though some of the older concertgoers in the crowd may have been shocked by the words in the breakdown.
Even the most devoted Who fans found themselves swept up in the moment. Noodles’ genuine amazement at sharing the stage with these rock icons was infectious – “Oh my god, how insane is that we are opening up for the Who!?
I mean they are the loudest band in rock music!” His excitement felt completely authentic.
The young drummer’s solo showcased some serious double-kick skills, and their extended version of “The Kids Aren’t Alright” provided the perfect bridge between punk energy and classic rock grandeur. What could have been an awkward mismatch turned into inspired programming that got everyone warmed up for the main show.
Then The Who took the stage, and the Hollywood Bowl erupted. Everyone was on their feet before Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend even played a note – this crowd understood the gravity of the moment. This was it, the final Who show in Los Angeles, and you could feel 50-plus years of rock history hanging in the air.
HOLLYWOOD BOWL
September 19, 2025
When they launched into “I Can’t Explain,” any doubts about whether these rock gods could still deliver vanished instantly.
Daltrey’s voice was the first revelation of the night – at 81, the man sounds like he could still front a band of twenty-somethings.
His range and power remain virtually untouched by time, which is nothing short of miraculous given how demanding Who songs are on a vocalist.
The setlist was a masterclass in pacing, weaving through different eras of their catalog with the confidence that comes from decades of knowing exactly what works. “I Can See for Miles” and “Who Are You” came early, both sounding crisp and powerful through the Bowl’s amazing acoustics. Townshend’s guitar work was sharp and focused, proving that muscle memory and pure talent can overcome whatever Father Time might have taken away.
The night’s one moment of human comedy came during “Pinball Wizard” when Townshend’s guitar decided to go rogue. Daltrey stepped up to stop the song mid-stream, announcing that “the guitar is horribly out of tune.” Townshend’s visible frustration as he handed off his red Stratocaster to his tech was endearing – even rock legends have technical difficulties. His joke about the weather affecting his tuning got a good laugh, and when they restarted with a properly tuned guitar, “Pinball Wizard” flowed seamlessly into “See Me, Feel Me” like they’d never missed a beat.
Townshend’s brother Simon taking vocal duties on “Going Mobile” added a nice family touch to the show. It was a reminder that The Who has always been more than just Daltrey and Townshend – they’re part of a larger musical community that spans generations.
But the absolute peak of the night for me came during “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Every Who fan knows this song comes down to one moment – Daltrey’s legendary scream. As the band approached that climactic moment, the anticipation was building throughout the Bowl. Would he try to hit it? Could he still pull it off? Would they have to adjust it for his 81-year-old voice?
When the moment arrived, Daltrey didn’t just hit the scream – he absolutely crushed it. It sounded like they’d pulled the original recording from 1971 and played it through the speakers. The entire venue went ballistic, and honestly, it was one of those rare concert moments that gives you actual chills. To witness a performer at that age still delivering one of rock’s most demanding vocal moments with that kind of power and precision was genuinely moving. It literally brought a tear to my eyes.
The evening’s final act featured some beautiful musical touches. Violinist Katie Jacoby, who joined them for “Baba O’Riley”, was phenomenal, adding an orchestral elegance while Daltrey played harmonica.
“The Song is Over” felt appropriately final, and when the full band took their bows, you could sense the weight of the moment settling over everyone.
The acoustic duet of “Tea and Theatre” between Daltrey and Townshend provided the perfect intimate ending to such a massive night. Just two old friends with a guitar, sharing one last musical conversation in front of a packed house.
Daltrey’s simple “thank you” to the crowd before they quietly walked off stage, waving goodbye, was understated and perfect.
Nearly three hours of musical history unfolded that night, and The Who proved that true artistry doesn’t fade with age – it just gets more refined.
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend erased any lingering questions about whether they could still deliver a complete top-level performance at this stage of their careers. They can, and they did, with everything they’ve learned over five decades of making music together.
The Hollywood Bowl has hosted countless legendary performances over its history, but The Who’s farewell show will rank among the most memorable.
It wasn’t just a concert – it was evidence of rock and roll longevity, a celebration of musical brotherhood, and a reminder that some things really are worth preserving. For those lucky enough to be there, it was a night that perfectly honored both the venue and the band’s incredible legacy. It was a show I will never forget.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Shane Pase Photography
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SID 250925 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
