After pulling out of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival due to ongoing health issues, Pete Townshend is “working on getting well” so he can get back to playing with The Who “in the future.”
Now 81-years-old, the iconic rocker is experiencing balance problems after suffering damage to his left foot, and despite trying to recover in time for September 26/27 event at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, Townshend said the long flight from the UK isn’t sensible in his current condition.
Taking to Clapton’s X page, Pete shared: “I’m so sorry to say that due to damage to my left foot, and subsequent issues with my balance, I cannot commit to travel to appear at the upcoming Crossroads Festival in Austin. I so desperately wanted to appear, and have battled to get in shape, and I am improving, but the long flights from London, and the jetlag on my return, would cause backtracking I really can’t afford.”
In lieu of performing, The Who legend has made a $50,000.00 donation to Clapton’s Crossroads Centre – a drug treatment clinic near St Philip’s, Antigua – via his own charity, Double O, which supports addiction-recovery organizations, adding:
“I am making a $50,000 donation to the festival cause from my charity Double O, and one day I hope I can accept Eric’s invitation to appear with him. He has now asked me several times. There has always been some issue, in this case it is my recovery from my knee replacement in February of 2025, and some complications.” “I want to especially thank Derek Trucks and Susie Tedeschi for their offer to support me as my backing band. Wow! That is something I can only dream about, and maybe one day it will happen.” “Meanwhile I will keep working on getting well so I can work with Roger and The Who in future.”“We love you @PeteTownshend_, feel better and we are so appreciative of your donation (sic),” captioned the post.
The Who played their last ever shows in 2025.
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Author: Al Dente
Photo: Joe Bielawa from MInneapolis, USA