In addressing rumors related to The Who's 2006 activities, Pete Townshend confirmed on his blog that not only will The Who tour in 2006 but they will also release an album of newly recorded material. In quashing rumors that the album and tour had been scrapped, Townshend announced The Who's June and July participation in unnamed "European Festivals" and an American tour to take place in the fall. The new album will be the first since 1982's It's Hard and the tour will be their first since 2004.

The announcement of the Festival performances marks The Who's first non-benefit, general admission performances since the 1979 tragedy in Cincinnati, Ohio, where eleven fans were trampled to death in the onrush to enter the arena. Out of respect, The Who have made an effort to avoid "festival" seating at their shows.

Labels: Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, The Who