However, in a statement released via Clapton’s X account on September 1st, Townshend announced that he has sadly had to withdraw due to ongoing matters with his health.
“I’m so sorry to say that due to damage to my left foot, and subsequent issues with my balance, I cannot commit to travel to appear at the upcoming Crossroads Festival in Austin,” Townshend said in the message.
He then added, “I so desperately wanted to appear, and have battled to get in shape, and I am improving, but the long flights from London, and the jetlag on my return, would cause backtracking I really can’t afford.”
The festival is staged in benefit of the Crossroads Center in Antigua, which was founded in 1998 by Clapton as an education and treatment facility for those who struggle with addiction, as well as their loved ones.
This mission clearly still means a lot to Townshend, as he revealed that in his absence, he will be making a $50,000 donation to the charity via his own foundation, Double O. “One day I hope I can accept Eric’s invitation to appear with him,” the rocker noted.
In response to Townshend’s statement, Clapton’s X post was captioned with the words “‘We love you, feel better and we are so appreciative of your donation,’ from your friends at the Crossroads Guitar Festival.”
Notably, at the end of his message, Townshend said he was focusing on his recovery “so I can work with Roger and The Who in future,” implicitly confirming that the band are set to announce more tour dates, despite performing a farewell run across North America last year.
In doing so, the band have allegedly reunited with their drummer Zak Starkey, who they ceremoniously fired last year but now seem to have made up with, after he was reportedly rehearsing with them.
