The Who's Future Uncertain

2010 was to be a busy year for The Who. Not only did the band appear at the Super Bowl Halftime Show two weeks ago, but they were scheduled for a new album, a few festival gigs and possibly another tour. However all those plans are in jeopardy as guitarist Pete Townshend's tinnitus has returned.

A condition Townshend has struggled with since the 1980s, tinnitus is a ringing of the ears brought on by a number of reasons. Townshend believes he suffers due to The Who's penchant for playing at ear shattering levels in the 1970s (they set the world record for loudest rock concert in 1975 - the decibel level was as loud as a jet liner 150 meters from the stage).

"If my hearing is going to be a problem, we're not delaying shows. We're finished. I can't really see any way around the issue." Townshend told Rolling Stone.

The only scheduled concert for The Who is March 30th in London where the band will perform their 1973 classic rock opera Quadrophenia in its entirety. Townshend will have an in-ear monitor that may help to prevent any more damage.

"It's a good test of Pete's hearing," vocalist Roger Daltrey said. "We won't know until we try."

Below is The Who's induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990 where Townshend discusses his tinnitus.