Personalities | The Who | Remixed (1982) | Key Events

September

It’s Hard

It was an apt title for a band on the verge of collapse. The previous September, almost exactly three years to the day that Moon had died, Pete Townshend was rushed to hospital as a result of taking heroin. Only the quick reactions of his driver, Paul Bonnick, saved him. He was a mess and decided that he needed treatment, so he moved back in with Karen before checking into a Californian clinic. The band held a crisis meeting and decided to release two more albums before dissolving the band. In fact, only one more album saw the light of day. It’s Hard was released in September 1982.

Birmingham Gigs

Pete managed to clean himself up for the recording sessions and the upcoming tour. He even managed to fit in a solo charity performance at the Dominion Theatre, where he looked fit and confident. He also released another solo album. In September, The Who booked two nights at the NEC arena in Birmingham to loosen up for the forthcoming US tour. It had, after all, been almost 18 months since their last live performance together at Essen. The shows were competent, highlighting songs from the latest album as well as signalling Daltrey’s return as a guitarist for the first time in 20 years.

September–December

Farewell Tour In The US

On 22 September the band returned to North America for what was to be their final tour. On stage the magic was still there, but backstage the tensions were as evident as ever. Surprisingly, in light of Townshend’s alcoholism, the tour was sponsored by Schlitz beer. The 40-date term smashed box-office records and included two nights at Shea Stadium, where they were supported by The Clash. The final show took place at the Maple Leaf Garden, Toronto, and was beamed live as a pay-to-view event across the continent, as well as being released later as a live album. The Who had left the building.

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