While nurturing a successful solo career, Roger Daltrey also spent a significant part of his career as the lead singer of The Who. Bringing a unique style and sound to rock music, The Who entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 thanks to hits like “Pinball Wizard.” But with Daltrey turning 81 back in March, the singer shared his concern surrounding The Who’s final North American tour. Expected to kick off in just a few weeks, Daltrey admitted he hoped to make it to the end.
Although not battling any serious health concerns at the moment, Daltrey worried about the grueling schedule that quickly approached. Having spent decades in the music industry, he told the Times, “It’s grueling. In the days when I was singing Who songs for three hours a night, six nights a week, I was working harder than most footballers.”
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While loving his time on stage, Daltrey also knew his limits. “I’m going to be 82 next year. Fortunately, my voice is still as good as ever. I’m still singing in the same keys and it’s still bloody loud, but I can’t tell you if it will still be there in October. There’s a big part of me that’s going: I just hope I make it through.”
Roger Daltrey Promises Tour Will Be The End Of Life On The Road
Promoting the upcoming tour as a celebration of The Who’s legacy, Daltrey promised it was the end of life on the road. “This is certainly the last time you will see us on tour … As to whether we’ll play [one-off] concerts again, I don’t know. The Who to me is very perplexing.”
Besides Daltrey worrying about his age, he also struggled with his health. Fighting meningitis for years, he admitted to the lasting damage it did. “It’s done a lot of damage. It’s b******* up my internal thermometer, so every time I start singing in any climate over 75 degrees I’m wringing with sweat, which drains my body salts. The potential to get really ill is there and, I have to be honest, I’m nervous about making it to the end of the tour.”
Looking to push through until the end, The Who will travel both the U.S. and Canada before their final concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on September 28th.
(Photo by Andrew Benge/Redferns)