The band is confirmed to play 17 dates at arenas and amphitheatres across the U.S. and Canada with more U.S. shows to follow in November and December.

Planned concerts for 2007 include South America, Japan, Australia and Europe.

The Who’s initial European dates started in June and have been receiving an encouraging amount of praise. The current tour runs through July.

“For the first time in 25 years we are returning to the USA with great live music – the entire catalogue of our old stuff – and new music,” Townshend said. “We have a great new video show, a new mini-opera and plans to do some special shows with special themes. … I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to a tour as much as this one.”

The new mini rock opera is called “Wire & Glass.” The new album, provisionally called Who 2, is scheduled for release October 23. It’s the band’s first since 1982’s It’s Hard.

“We’ll also be digging out some rarities that we’ve not played for a long time,” Daltrey said. “We’re looking forward to reconnecting with our American fans and hopefully seeing some new ones coming along too.”

Rog and Pete will be joined on stage for this tour by The Who’s longtime keyboard whiz – John “Rabbit” Bundrick, Pino Palladino on bass, Zak Starkey on drums, and Pete’s little bro Simon Townshend on guitar and vocals.

Tickets for select cities will go on sale beginning July 17 and will be available at all usual outlets with more dates to be announced in the weeks to come.

Every ticket sold for the tour will include a free Virtual Ticket membership in The Who Tour club. Updated throughout the tour, tour club members will get an insider’s look at everything from rehearsals and preparations, to coverage via audio and videos streams, downloads, set lists, news and more.

For further info on tour club memberships and VIP packages, visit www.thewhotour.com.