Roger Daltrey has expressed concerns about his ability to complete The Who’s upcoming tour. He cited the physical demands of performing at his age in an interview with The Times.
The legendary frontman opened up about the grueling nature of touring. He also discussed his uncertainty about sustaining his performance through the end of the tour dates.
“It’s gruelling,” Daltrey said. “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.”
The 81-year-old singer acknowledged both his vocal strength and his age-related concerns about the demanding schedule ahead.
“I’m going to be 82 next year,” he continued. “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.”
Daltrey’s concerns about completing the tour come amid broader health challenges. These challenges have affected his performance capabilities in recent years.
iHeartRadio reported that the rock icon has been dealing with progressive hearing loss and vision decline. These conditions have significantly impacted his daily life and stage presence. During a recent charity concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, he made light of his situation by comparing himself to Tommy, the “deaf, dumb and blind” character from The Who’s 1969 rock opera.
Vinyl Me Please noted that Daltrey remains committed to maintaining his vocal abilities through consistent practice and performance despite these mounting health issues. He has adopted a “use it or lose it” philosophy when it comes to his voice. He believes that staying active vocally is crucial for preserving his singing capabilities.
The Who’s current tour represents what could be one of the final extended touring commitments for the legendary band. AXS TV highlighted that their recent performance at the Royal Albert Hall demonstrated that despite Daltrey’s health concerns, the band continues to deliver powerful live shows. These shows showcase their enduring musical legacy.
The Who’s tour is set to continue through October. Daltrey’s comments highlight the physical challenges facing veteran rock performers and the determination required to sustain a decades-long career in music.
