Roger Daltrey Says He’s ‘On His Way Out’ Weeks After 80th Birthday

Roger Daltrey is renowned as the visionary force and lead vocalist behind the iconic rock band The Who, which he co-founded in 1964 alongside Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon. His commanding vocal prowess catapulted the band to legendary status. The band is renowned for its electrifying stage presence and groundbreaking fusion of rock, pop, blues, and art rock elements. He has also been actively involved in supporting teenagers battling cancer for 24 years through the Teenage Cancer Trust charity.

Over the years, Roger Daltrey has received many recognitions, such as Grammy Awards and induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Weeks after his 80th birthday celebration, the singer took a moment to reflect on his life and career journey, especially his time as the curator of the Teenage Cancer Trust(TCT) charity.

Roger Daltrey speaks about stepping down as curator of Teenage Cancer Trust

While attending an event at the historic Royal Albert Hall, the 80-year-old opened up about his choice to relinquish his position of authority within TCT. “I have to be realistic,” Daltrey wrote. “I’m on my way out. The average life expectancy is 83, and with a bit of luck, I’ll make that, but we need someone else to drive things.”

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“I’m not leaving TCT – I’ve been a patron since I first met the charity’s founders, Dr Adrian and Myrna Whiteson, more than 30 years ago – and that will continue,” he added. “But I’ll be working in the back room, talking to the government, rattling cages.”

The “Giving It All Away” singer shared details about his recent health journey, shedding light on his struggles in recent months. “We haven’t done anything for seven months, and this winter’s been brutal. I’ve been in hibernation,” the 80-year-old admitted. “For the whole of January, I lost my voice completely.”

Daltrey also expressed that he is experiencing a decline in his physical strength compared to his earlier years. “I live like a monk, and if I went on tour for a week, I’d be fit as a butcher’s dog again,” he confessed. “But tonight, for the first time in my career, I think, ‘Blimey, this is hard.’”