Roger Daltrey Reflects on Health Ahead of The Who’s Farewell Tour

Roger Daltrey isn’t feeling his best these days.

The 81-year-old frontman of The Who has expressed some anxiety about his health as they prepare to launch “The Song Is Over” Farewell Tour later this month.

“This will definitely be the last time you see us on tour,” Daltrey remarked. He called it a difficult realization in an interview released on August 1st.

Reflecting on past performances, he noted, “Back when I was performing, I sang alongside people who worked harder than many footballers for hours each night, six nights a week. I can’t say if we’ll perform again after this tour. It’s a bit confusing for me.”

Yet, the “Pinball Wizard” singer is pleased with his vocal ability after over six decades in music. “I’m hitting the same notes, my voice is still powerful, but I wonder if it will hold up in October,” he admitted, hesitantly acknowledging the uncertainty.

Daltrey co-founded The Who in 1964 with guitarist Pete Townsend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. He has faced health challenges since experiencing severe meningitis in 2015, and he noted that he continues to feel some lingering effects. “It damaged my internal temperature regulation. If it’s over 75 degrees, I can really start to sweat, losing essential minerals,” he explained.

Daltrey shared a candid perspective: “You might really get sick. To be truthful, it makes me anxious about finishing the tour.”

In a separate conversation last year, he reflected on his life and mentioned that he feels ready to take on whatever comes next. “Dreams have come true for me,” he said, acknowledging that he is at peace with life’s impermanence.

Looking closely at his age, he noted, “You have to be realistic. None of us can live forever. Folks my age need to understand that life is finite.” He darkly joked about the quirks of aging, referring to the character from The Who’s iconic rock opera “Tommy.” “Getting older, you might find yourself deaf and blind,” he laughed during a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in March.

Despite the challenges, he chuckled, “Thank goodness my voice is still intact. I still feel like I have a full ‘Tommy’ experience.”

The farewell tour kicks off in Florida on August 16th and wraps up in Las Vegas on September 28th.

Daltrey and his longtime bandmate Pete Townsend, who is also 80, recently announced the tour, a significant milestone after the losses of Moon in 1978 and Entwistle in 2002. “Touring isn’t easy when it’s been such a large part of my life,” Daltrey reflected. “Thank you all for being with us; we hope to see you one last time.”

Townsend echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of this farewell. “All good things must eventually come to an end,” he remarked. “This is a momentous time for us.”

Both artists hope to celebrate the memories, love, and laughter shared with fans throughout their careers during this final tour.