Pete Townshend Withdraws From Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, Cites Health Issues

Pete Townshend has withdrawn from his planned appearance at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2026, in Austin, Texas. The Who guitarist announced the news in a statement in which he pointed to a left foot injury and related balance problems as the reason he can no longer commit to the trip.

Townshend said the issues trace back to complications following a knee replacement operation he underwent in February 2025. He explained that a long-haul flight from London, followed by jetlag on the return trip, would set his recovery back further than he can afford right now.

• Crossroads Guitar Festival 2026 runs September 26 and 27 in Austin, Texas.
• Townshend is donating $50,000 to the festival’s cause through his charity, Double O.
• He underwent knee replacement surgery in February 2025 and is still dealing with complications.
• The festival supports the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, an addiction treatment facility Clapton founded in 1998.

Why Pete Townshend Pulled Out of Crossroads

In his statement, Townshend wrote, “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.” He 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.”

Despite bowing out, Townshend said he is contributing $50,000 to the festival’s cause through his own charity, Double O. He also expressed hope that he can eventually take Clapton up on his invitation to perform, noting, “One day I hope I can accept Eric’s invitation to appear with him. He has now asked me several times.”

Townshend also thanked Derek Trucks and Susie Tedeschi for offering to serve as his backing band for the appearance he ultimately had to cancel, calling the offer “something I can only dream about” and adding that he hopes it might still happen someday.

Pete Townshend Points Toward Future Plans With The Who

Townshend closed his statement by saying, “Meanwhile I will keep working on getting well so I can work with Roger and The Who in future.” The remark follows Roger Daltrey’s recent disclosure that The Who has returned to rehearsals.

The band has reportedly reunited with drummer Zak Starkey, who was let go last year, with Starkey said to be rehearsing with the group again. This comes after The Who wrapped up a farewell run of shows across North America the previous year.

About the Crossroads Guitar Festival

Townshend’s statement was shared through The Who’s Instagram account and also appeared via Eric Clapton’s X account on September 1. Clapton’s account responded with a message reading, “We love you, feel better and we are so appreciative of your donation, from your friends at the Crossroads Guitar Festival.”

The 2026 edition of Crossroads Guitar Festival is being held at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on September 26 and 27, marking the event’s return to the city after it was last staged in Dallas in 2019. The festival benefits the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, the addiction treatment and education facility Clapton established in 1998.

This year’s lineup includes Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Billy Gibbons, John McLaughlin and Jimmie Vaughan, among others.

More Info

• Pete Townshend pulls out of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival due to injury | yahoo.com
• Pete Townshend Exits Eric Clapton’s Festival Last Minute, Issues Statement | rockcelebrities.net
• Pete Townshend pulls out of Eric Claptons Crossroads Guitar Festival due to health issues | Far Out Magazine
• Pete Townshend pulls out of Crossroads Guitar Festival due to injury: “One day I hope I can accept Eric’s invitation to appear with him” | Guitar World