Rock legends The Who will celebrate their 50th anniversary at the O2 in December.

Lead singer Roger Daltrey Who Hits 50 gig on December 17 would be “the beginning of the long goodbye”.

The band, who have sold more than 100 million records since forming in 1964, will play hits from throughout their career.

Pete Townshend said: “Trying to stay young. Not wearing socks. Growing a great big Woodcutter’s beard. Might even wear a check shirt on stage and get a tattoo of a Union Jack. Always a fashion victim. But under no illusions.

“We are what we are, and extremely good at it, but we’re lucky to be alive and still touring. If I had enough hairs to split I would say that for thirteen years since 1964 The Who didn’t really exist, so we are really only thirty-seven.”

Tickets go on sale on Friday (July 4) at 9am at axs.com or on 08448 244824.