Roger Daltrey, the iconic frontman of the legendary rock band The Who, recently shared with his fans that he is gradually losing his sight and hearing. The revelation came during a concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall on March 27, shortly after his 81st birthday. Despite these challenges, Daltrey maintains his sense of humor, joking that he still has his voice, otherwise he would be a “full Tommy,” referencing the deaf, blind, and mute protagonist of The Who’s 1969 rock opera.
Daltrey’s health issues are not entirely unexpected, given his long career in the music industry. He has previously spoken about his deteriorating hearing, attributing it to his six-decade-long career as a rock ‘n’ roll singer. During a 2018 concert in Las Vegas, he even advised his audience to bring earplugs to gigs.
The rock star has also been open about his thoughts on aging and mortality. In a January 2024 interview with the Times, Daltrey expressed his readiness to face whatever comes next, stating that his dreams have come true and his family is well taken care of. He also acknowledged the inevitability of aging, saying, “You can’t live your life forever.”
Daltrey’s bandmate, Pete Townshend, has also shared his experiences with aging. The 79-year-old guitarist recently underwent a knee replacement surgery, which he humorously suggested auctioning off the old one. Townshend injured his knee while attempting to emulate the dance moves of Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones frontman.
The news of Daltrey and Townshend’s health issues comes two years after they hinted at the possibility of The Who retiring, nearly 60 years after the band’s formation in 1964. Townshend admitted that the decision to continue performing is difficult, given the uncertainty of their health and fitness.
The Who has faced its share of tragedies, with the deaths of original drummer Keith Moon in 1978 and original bassist John Entwistle in 2002, both due to drug-related issues. Despite these losses and the challenges of aging, the band’s legacy continues to resonate with fans around the world.