"IF you want to catch The Who at their most effective for 20 years, come and join us."

That's the message guitarist Pete Townshend gave to the legions of Who fans as a massive European tour of 14 countries and 28 cities was announced.

Not content with headlining the main stage at Glastonbury this summer, the group responsible for such classic albums as Quadrophenia and Tommy have booked a massive gig at Swansea City's Liberty Stadium.

The first major concert to be held at the £25m ground, it also comes 31 years after The Who's triumphant showat City's old ground, the Vetch Field.

The band started life as The High Numbers way back in 1964. After changing their name to The Who, they enjoyed phenomenal success not only with singles but with a clutch of important concept albums as well.

In short, they became one of the most influential rock groups of all time, and built a reputation as one of the greatest live bands in the world.

Following the announcement of the gigs, which kick off in May, Townshend gave an interview to the band's official website.

The group have sold hundreds of millions of records, but what single thing - but what single thing - an album, a song, a moment in time - was he most proud of?

"I feel most proud about managing to be a reasonably good father three times," said the 61-year-old. "I am immensely proud of my three children."

Only Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey remain as original members (bass player John Entwhistle died after a heart attack in 2002, while manic drummer Keith Moon took a fatal drugs overdose in 1978, at the age of 32).

However, they are joined on tour by some of the most talented musicians in the world of rock.

The Who are appearing at Swansea City's Liberty Stadium on Friday, June 1. Tickets are £40-£55. For further details visit www.thewhotour.com