Rock legends The Who to play cricket ground

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has announced that rock legends The Who will play at its Incora County Ground this summer.

The band, who will supported by UB40, is bringing The Who Hits Back! Tour to Derby on Friday 14 July, with registration for tickets now being taken.

As part of their UK 2023 tour, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and the band will be performing music from throughout their nearly 60-year career, accompanied by a live orchestra.

Ryan Duckett, the cricket club’s chief executive, said: “It is fantastic to be welcoming rock legends The Who to The Incora County Ground this summer, further enhancing our reputation as a multi-purpose events venue in the heart of the East Midlands.

“It’s the first time The Who will perform in Derby since 1966. They are among the greatest rock bands in music history, with 10 UK top 10 albums and so many memorable songs.”

Lead singer Roger Daltrey said: “Having not toured the UK for six years, it’s great that at this time of our careers we have the chance to go to places that are not on the usual touring map – such as Edinburgh Castle and Derby, as well as the other cities across the country that we haven’t been to for decades.”

For the Derby show, The Who plans to play sections devoted to classic albums Tommy and Quadrophenia, as well as other beloved Who tracks, as well as songs from their 2019 WHO album, their first studio release in 13 years.

The 2023 UK tour will feature The Who’s full live band comprised of guitarist/backup singer Simon Townshend, keyboardist Loren Gold, second keyboardist Emily Marshall, bassist Jon Button, drummer Zak Starkey and backing vocals by Billy Nicholls, along with orchestra conductor Keith Levenson, lead violinist Katie Jacoby and lead cellist Audrey Snyder.

Roger said: “This opportunity will give our UK Who fans the chance to hear our current show, which, with the addition of an orchestra, takes our music to new heights.”

The Who wound up its Who Hits Back tour of the US in November last year having wowed audiences in over 30 cities.

Pete Townshend said: “I’m really looking forward to bringing this show to the UK.”

The Who adds to the list of big name acts that have performed at The Incora County Ground in recent years.

Ryan said: “Following on from the likes of Elton John, Little Mix and Michael Bublé in recent years, this promises to be another spectacular night of musical entertainment for all visitors and a standout date in the calendar for the local community and wider region to enjoy.”

To find out more and to register for venue pre-sale tickets visit here.