Are The Who Breaking Up?

The future of Rock legends The Who may be in jeopardy as guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend’s tinnitus has returned with a vengeance.

Rolling Stone and NME Magazines are both reporting that Townshend’s tinnitus has become such an issue that he is considering calling it quits. "If my hearing is going to be a problem, we're not delaying shows, we're finished," the legendary guitarist said. "I can't really see any way around the issue. (Rolling Stone)"

This year was supposed to be a triumphant one for The Who. 2010 began with a performance at the Super Bowl, considered by many to be the biggest gig in the world at this time. They planned a Spring tour which would include a performance at the big New Orleans Jazz Festival, but had to cancel the tour when Townshend became ill.

Rolling Stone reports that Townshend’s tinnitus returned while working on his new musical, Floss. He developed tinnitus through a lifetime of high volume exposure, including revolutionarily large speakers and an 1967 incident where drummer Keith Moon blew up his drum set on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.

Before The Who retires, Townshend is going to try one last option. Working with an audiologist, he will use an in-ear monitor to help minimize damage. He will try the set up out at a London performance of Quadrophenia on March 30th.

Meanwhile, in New York City, Carnegie Hall will be hosting a tribute concert to The Who on March 2nd. The show will include artists such as Living Colour, Bobby McFerrin, Robin Hitchcock, and Mose Allison.

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