The Who are to be honoured with a top US cultural honour by The Kennedy Center, in their annual ceremony this December.

Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey who play a short tour of the States from next month on their world tour will receive the honour in Washington on December 7, becoming the first band to do so.

The Kennedy Center Honors award lifetime contribution to artists from all disciplines, and previous winners have included singers Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and Smokey Robinson.

Actors and directors have included James Stewart, Robert Redford and Martin Scorsese.

Pete Townshend comments on the band’s website www.thewho.com, “This is a great thrill. Since the Who began in the early ’60s we have loved American music and audiences and have made deep and lasting friendships with everyone involved in the industry there. Roger and I both feel our work in the United States has been as important as our work at home.”

Roger Daltrey added: “As a teenager growing up in the austerity of post war England, it was the music I heard emanating from America that gave me a dream to hang my life on. That dream was to make music and make it there. I am deeply touched at receiving this honour, the warmth and affection I feel from our US audience is humbling indeed. To be added to the list of past recipients of this award makes that dream come true.”

For the full story and The Who’s US tour dates, see www.thewho.com

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