Photo: Marc Millman

On Saturday, March 30, The Who participated in the second and final Teenage Cancer Trust 2025 concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall. During the rock icon’s set, they worked through 21 total songs, including classics “Who Are You,” “Baba O’Riley,” “My Generation,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” and others. This led to their final movement, a live debut of their 1971 release, “The Song Is Over.”

Prior to the band’s latest performance and subsequent debut, they used their initial Teenage Cancer Trust appearance on Thursday, March 27, to bust out “Love Ain’t for Keepin’.” The Pete Townshend original was first released on the band’s 1971 LP, Who’s Next [the same LP “The Song Is Over” originated on]. Besides ample plays during its debut year, “Love Ain’t for Keepin’” was shelved until 1982, when it reemerged nine times in concert.

Between 1982 and 2004, The Who did not perform “Love Ain’t for Keepin’.” The rarity was played once on May 20, 2004, during the band’s concert at Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts in Mansfield, Mass., until it was revived during Thursday’s concert. The band kept up the surprises on Saturday, March 30, 2025, offering the first-ever live performance of “The Song Is Over.” 

Despite appearing on the band’s 1971 Who’s Next LP, it was never performed live until Saturday’s lauded debut, which came 54 years after its release. 

Watch videos of The Who’s bust out of “Love Ain’t for Keepin’” and their debut of “The Song Is Over” below.

The Who will take part in a European tour this spring. Learn more and purchase tickets here.