The Who tour: UK arena shows postponed due to coronavirus

‘Given the developing Coronavirus concerns, the band felt that they had no option but to postpone the shows as a precaution’

(Getty Images)

The Who have postponed their UK tour, which was due to start next Monday (16 March), due to coronavirus fears.

The tour was meant to start at the Manchester Arena before finishing at Wembley SSE Arena in April. The dates will be rescheduled for later in the year and all tickets will be honoured.

In a statement, a representative of the band said: “The fans’ safety is paramount and given the developing Coronavirus concerns, the band felt that they had no option but to postpone the shows as a precaution.”

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 added that the band “haven’t reached this decision easily, but given the concerns about public gatherings, we couldn’t go ahead”.

The Who have also cancelled their appearance at the Royal Albert Hall on 28 March as part of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust shows.