The Who plan first major tour in 20 years

The Who's first major world tour in more than 20 years includes seven concerts in Canada.

The veteran Britishrock band fronted by Roger Daltrey, now 62,has announced it is planning 17 dates at arenas and amphitheatres in North America, beginning Sept. 12 in Philadelphia.

Its first Canadian date is Sept. 16 in Ottawa, followed by concerts in London, Ont., Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto.

The Who have been touring Europe since June and plan shows in South America, Japan and Australia in 2007.

They'll be performing music from the mini rock opera, Wire & Glass, and material from their upcoming studio album Who 2, as well as old favourites including The Kids are All Right.

Daltrey and guitarist/songwriter Pete Townshend reunited for the Live 8 concert in London last year. They also played together during a 9/11 benefit concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The Who rose to success internationally with Magic Bus and Tommy in the late 1960s and Who's Next in the 1970s. Daltrey was known for his raunchy, strutting style and Townshend for smashing his guitar on stage.

Drummer and founding member Keith Moon died of a drug overdose in 1978, and bassist John Entwistleand Townshend launched solo careers. Entwistle died in 2002.

A reconstituted band played a "farewell tour" in 1982 and turned up together at Live Aid in 1985. Their last major tour was in 1996, althoughthey have appeared together sporadically since.

They will be joined on stage for this tour by John "Rabbit" Bundrick, who joined The Who after Moon's death, on keyboard. Other band members are Pino Palladino on bass, Zak Starkey on drums and Simon Townshend, younger brother of Pete, on guitar and vocals.