The Who to launch channel on satellite radio

LOS ANGELES - Legendary British rock band The Who is reaching out to a new generation of listeners.

In addition to this week launching its first world tour in more than 20 years to promote its first new album since 1982, The Who, which rose to fame with rebellious hits such as My Generation, said it will be hosting its own channel on Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

The Who Channel, a commercial-free music channel, will launch on September 21. Sirius, a subscriber-based satellite radio provider, announced the new channel during a press event in New York attended by all current members of The Who.

The Who has only two of its original members -- singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend.

Two other original members, drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle, died in drug-related incidents.

The limited-run channel will feature five decades of the band's music, exclusive interviews with band members and nightly broadcasts of concerts on the band's current tour.

Sirius will also broadcast shows from The Who's archives, including some never before-heard shows and backstage conversations with the band, including some with the late Keith Moon and John Entwistle.

Townshend and Daltrey are now joined by bassist Pino Palladino, drummer Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr's son), guitarist Simon Townshend and keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick on the new album, as well as in their live performances.

The band kicked off their world tour in Philadelphia on Wednesday with a two-hour set that included a full complement of classic hits and a smattering of new material.

Endless Wire, The Who's first studio album in 24 years, is due to be released by Vivendi's Universal Music on October 31.

- REUTERS