The Who are announced as Saturday headliners for The Isle of Wight Festival

British rock icons The Who are heading back to the Isle of Wight Festival for the fourth time in the band's history to headline the Saturday night, it was announced this morning.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Mar 2016, 09:40 BST
Updated 17th Mar 2016, 15:47 BST
The Who, last time they played The Isle of Wight Festival in 2004. Picture by Paul WindsorThe Who, last time they played The Isle of Wight Festival in 2004. Picture by Paul Windsor
The Who, last time they played The Isle of Wight Festival in 2004. Picture by Paul Windsor

Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and their live band, which includes Zak Starkey, Pino Palladino and Simon Townshend, will be bringing their globally successful Hits 50! tour to the island for their only UK festival performance of 2016 on Saturday, June 11.

The veteran rockers will bringing their spectacular live show packed with hits including Won’t Get Fooled Again, Baba O’Reilly, The Seeker, Pinball Wizard, Who Are You and My Generation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The band first played The Isle of Wight Festival in 1969 and 1970, and then again in 2004 – the same year that David Bowie also headlined, in what turned out to be his last ever UK live performance.

Former The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft is also confirmed as special guest to The Who on the day.

Festival boss John Giddings says: ‘The Who are part of the fabric of The Isle of Wight Festival, and it’s great to welcome them back to the island as part of their ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations.

‘We’re proud to have a line up of home-grown headliners to help celebrate our own 15th anniversary and ensure that this year delivers yet another unforgettable weekend of music.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Who join previously announced headliners Queen + Adam Lambert, Stereophonics and Faithless.

The Who have sold more than 100m records since forming in 1964. They brought together four different personalities to form a perfect unit – wildman drummer Keith Moon, stoic bassist John Entwistle, raging intellectual guitarist Pete Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey.

Richard Ashcroft is set to release his fourth solo album These People in May, marking his first new album in six years.

The festival takes place June 9 to 12 at Seaclose Park, Newport.

Adult weekend tickets are £195. For more information go to isleofwightfestival.com

Related topics:The WhoDavid Bowie