Iconic musician and The Who frontman Roger Daltrey has revealed he is "going blind" during a charity performance in London. The British rocker, 81, shared the shock health news during a performance for the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall. According to The Sun, he remained upbeat despite the news and joked about "the joys of getting old".
"The joys of getting old mean you go deaf. I also now have got the joy of going blind," he reportedly said, while wearing purple-tinted sunglasses. Referencing one of the band's albums, called Tommy, which tells the fictional story of a soldier of the same name that goes deaf and blind, he added, "Fortunately I still have my voice, because then I'll have a full Tommy." He was joined on stage by bandmate Pete Townshend, 79, a co-founder of the iconic band.
The Who formed in the early 1960s in London and soon became known for hits including "My Generation", "Relax" and "Another Tricky Day". The original lineup included Daltrey, Townshend, and late rockers John Entwistle and Keith Moon. In 2018, Daltrey announced on stage that he was "very, very deaf" from loud music over the years. Just four weeks ago, the band shared a happy birthday message to Daltrey to mark his 81st birthday. Sharing a shot of him holding a drink on their official Instagram page, they wrote: "A very happy 81st birthday to the guv'nor, All the very best, Roger!"
Daltrey is set to embark on a UK tour in April 2025 with various dates in London, Brighton, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. The tour is called "Alive and Kicking... and Having Fun! The 2025 UK Tour". He will be joined on tour by indie singer Linka Moja. The rocker is the curator of the concerts for Teenage Cancer Trust and reportedly recently told The Metro: "I'm some old fart of a rock singer and this has given me a purpose."
"I'm not very good at doing nothing and I'm looking towards the end of a singing career. So this has been something I'm so proud of," he added. Daltrey's commitment to the Teenage Cancer Trust is longstanding, having been a patron for many years. The charity has been the beneficiary of The Who's concerts for over two decades, raising significant funds to support young cancer patients.
During the recent concert, Daltrey opened up about his health struggles, saying, "The joys of getting old mean you go deaf, I also now have got the joy of going blind." His humorous take on aging resonated with the audience, who have followed his career for decades. He continued, "Fortunately I still have my voice, because then I’ll have a full Tommy," referring to the titular character of the band's celebrated 1969 rock opera.
Townshend, who remains an integral part of The Who, also shared a light moment during the concert. He joked about his knee replacement, saying, "Maybe I should auction off the old one. Elton John had one done, and he wears his as a bracelet. Unfortunately, mine’s in three bits." This camaraderie between the two musicians adds a personal touch to their performances, showcasing their enduring friendship.
The Who, renowned for their energetic performances and innovative music, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. They have sold an estimated 43 million albums worldwide during their 60-year career, influencing countless artists along the way. Their unique sound and style have left an indelible mark on rock music.
As they prepare for their upcoming tour, both Daltrey and Townshend have acknowledged their advancing age. In a recent interview, Townshend remarked, "We’re both old. That in itself has a downside because, apart from what you can or can’t do on the stage, when you finish touring you come back to normal life – whatever it is that you decide to do to fill your time away from the road – and it’s harder and takes longer."
Despite these challenges, the duo remains committed to their craft and their fans. Daltrey expressed his pride in continuing to perform and support charitable causes, stating, "This has given me a purpose." His dedication to the Teenage Cancer Trust reflects not only his passion for music but also his desire to make a difference in the lives of young cancer patients.
Looking ahead, Daltrey and Townshend are gearing up for what may be one of their final tours together. The announcement of this year's concerts as their last was made in January 2025, just shy of two years after the band hinted at the possibility of retirement. As they navigate this new chapter in their lives, fans are eager to see what the future holds for these rock legends.
As the concert series continues, the Teenage Cancer Trust will be working with guest curators to keep the event alive, ensuring that the legacy of The Who and their charitable efforts endure. Daltrey’s health challenges serve as a poignant reminder of the passage of time, but his spirit remains unbroken as he continues to share his music and message with the world.
With the upcoming tour and continued support for the Teenage Cancer Trust, Roger Daltrey proves that while age may bring its challenges, the passion for music and the desire to help others can shine brightly through it all.
