Roger Daltrey Expresses Concern About Completing The Who’s Tour
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Sir Roger Daltrey has admitted he is unsure if he will be able to finish The Who’s upcoming tour, saying he has “the potential to get really ill.”
The band has been touring this year and is set to begin its final North American run in Florida on August 16. However, Daltrey worries that health issues could interrupt the schedule, including possible strain on his voice and lingering effects from a previous battle with meningitis.
Health Challenges and Past Struggles
Speaking to The Times, Daltrey explained the physical demands of performing: “It’s gruelling. 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.”
“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 …”
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Lingering Effects of Meningitis
Daltrey was diagnosed with meningitis nine years ago, and the illness left lasting damage that affects his ability to perform in warmer climates. He explained that he struggles to regulate his body temperature during shows.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Final Tour Plans
The Who’s tour will take them across the US and Canada in August and September before ending in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 28. The run has been promoted as the band’s last tour.
Daltrey stressed that this would mark the end of their time on the road, although the possibility of occasional performances remains uncertain.
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The Future of The Who
“This is certainly the last time you will see us on tour,” Daltrey confirmed. “As to whether we’ll play [one-off] concerts again, I don’t know. The Who to me is very perplexing.”
At nearly 82, Daltrey continues to perform with the same power fans have known for decades, but the demands of touring and the risks to his health leave the future of The Who’s live performances unclear.
