The Who Backyard Concert 2025 Raises Millions for Charity

What happened at The Who Backyard Concert in 2025? On October 3, 2025, rock legends Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend hosted their most spectacular charity event yet, bringing together an incredible lineup of classic rock artists for a night that attendees are calling “the greatest backyard concert ever.” Just two days after wrapping up their farewell tour, The Who proved they weren’t quite ready to say goodbye.

Table of Contents

• Star-Studded Lineup Rocks Pacific Palisades
• Supporting Teen Cancer America and UCLA Health
• Complete Setlists from All Performers
• Eddie Vedder’s Special Appearances
• Def Leppard’s Historic Acoustic Return
• The Who’s Seven-Song Powerhouse Set
• Connection to The Who’s Farewell Tour
• Shop Classic Albums from These Legendary Artists

Star-Studded Lineup Rocks Pacific Palisades

Where was The Who Backyard Concert held in 2025? The 10th annual The Who Backyard Concert transformed a private Pacific Palisades residence into rock and roll heaven. This wasn’t your typical outdoor festival — this intimate charity showcase featured The Who, John Fogerty, Def Leppard, The Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, Cheap Trick, and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder all performing on the same bill.

The Who Backyard Concert has become legendary in classic rock circles, and the 2025 edition exceeded all expectations. Television host and former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield summed up the evening perfectly when he tweeted that it was “the greatest backyard concert ever last night that Roger and Pete of THE WHO put together for the teenage cancer trust that saves children’s lives.”

Supporting Teen Cancer America and UCLA Health

Why does The Who host the Backyard Concert? Founded by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, Teen Cancer America creates specialized hospital units where teenagers and young adults battling cancer can receive treatment in spaces designed specifically for them — complete with musical instruments, video games, and age-appropriate resources. The organization has established dozens of these crucial facilities across North America and the UK.

The Who Backyard Concert 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of this remarkable fundraising initiative, which has raised over $20 million since its inception. Past events have featured performances by Pink, Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Billy Idol, with each year bringing together rock’s biggest names for an unforgettable cause.

UCLA Health, the event’s co-beneficiary, operates world-class treatment programs and consistently ranks among the nation’s top hospitals. The health system treats nearly 700,000 patients annually and has provided critical support to victims of California’s devastating 2025 wildfires.

Complete Setlists from All Performers

What songs did the bands play at The Who Backyard Concert? The evening showcased classic rock’s greatest hits across multiple generations. Each artist delivered carefully curated sets that reminded everyone why classic rock continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The Who’s Seven-Song Powerhouse Set

The Who Backyard Concert wouldn’t be complete without an explosive performance from the hosts themselves. Fresh from their farewell tour finale, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, and company delivered seven career-spanning classics:

1. “I Can’t Explain”
2. “Who Are You”
3. “Substitute”
4. “You Better You Bet”
5. “The Kids Are Alright” (with Eddie Vedder)
6. “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
7. “Baba O’Riley”

The connection between this performance and their recent farewell tour added emotional weight to every note. Just 48 hours earlier, Townshend had told fans at Thousand Palms’ Acrisure Arena, “I suppose, you know, it’s goodbye. To what we know as the Who, it’s goodbye.” Yet here they were, proving that their passion for helping young cancer patients transcends any notion of retirement.

John Fogerty’s Creedence Clearwater Revival Classics

Who performed with John Fogerty at the charity concert? The Creedence Clearwater Revival legend delivered six timeless hits, with a special appearance by Eddie Vedder on “Fortunate Son”:

1. “Bad Moon Rising”
2. “Joy of My Life”
3. “Down on the Corner”
4. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”
5. “Fortunate Son” (with Eddie Vedder)
6. “Proud Mary”

Def Leppard’s Historic Acoustic Return

When was Def Leppard’s last acoustic performance? The British rock icons made history at The Who Backyard Concert by performing their first all-acoustic set since 1995, a remarkable 30-year gap. The band expressed their gratitude on social media: “Good times at the Who’s 2025 Backyard Concert. Thanks for having us, it was an honor to be a part of the event.”

This stripped-down performance showcased the songwriting prowess that has made Def Leppard one of rock’s most successful acts, with classic rock fans getting to hear these arena anthems in an entirely new light.

The Doobie Brothers’ Feel-Good Rock

The Doobie Brothers brought their signature California sound to The Who Backyard Concert with five crowd-pleasers:

1. “Long Train Runnin'”
2. “China Grove”
3. “Black Water”
4. “Takin’ It to the Streets”
5. “Listen to the Music”

Eddie Vedder’s Special Appearances

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder served as more than just a special guest at The Who Backyard Concert — he’s been a longtime Teen Cancer America ambassador. Vedder joined The Who for an emotionally charged rendition of “The Kids Are Alright” and appeared during John Fogerty’s set to deliver a powerful “Fortunate Son.”

Matt Pinfield, who attended the event, shared a touching tribute to Vedder on social media, revealing how Pearl Jam’s recent album “Dark Matter” provided a soundtrack during his own health recovery: “Let me tell you how much I love Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam, their most recent album was the soundtrack of my last year.”

Connection to The Who’s Farewell Tour

Is The Who really retiring after the Backyard Concert? The Who Backyard Concert took on added significance coming just two days after The Who’s final American farewell tour date in Thousand Palms, California. While Townshend’s farewell speeches had “an air of finality,” the band’s willingness to perform this classic rock news event suggests their story may not be completely over.

As Townshend cryptically told the crowd: “What Roger and I will get up to next, who knows? If we last any longer, I’m sure we’ll get up to all kinds of mischief.”

The Legacy Continues

What makes The Who Backyard Concert so special? Beyond the incredible music, The Who Backyard Concert represents something rare in today’s world — rock legends using their platform and influence to create lasting change. Every dollar raised goes directly toward creating specialized cancer treatment facilities where young people can fight their battles surrounded by peers and age-appropriate resources.

Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have turned this annual event into one of classic rock’s most anticipated gatherings. The 2025 edition proved that even after 60 years in the business, The Who still knows how to bring together the perfect combination of legendary performers, passionate fans, and meaningful philanthropy.

Whether The Who Backyard Concert continues beyond 2025 remains uncertain, especially given the band’s farewell tour. But if this 10th anniversary celebration taught us anything, it’s that when great causes and great music come together, magic happens — and lives are changed forever.

Want to support Teen Cancer America? Visit teencanceramerica.org to learn how you can help create more specialized treatment spaces for young cancer patients.