Roger Daltrey, the iconic frontman of The Who, has been rocking stages for over 50 years. However, he’s not thrilled with a modern trend in concert-going.
Daltrey, known for legendary hits like “My Generation,” “Baba O’Riley,” “Pinball Wizard,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” expressed his frustrations in a recent Billboard interview. As he gears up for his new tour, which includes a June 16 performance at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts—the original Woodstock festival site—he shared his disdain for pre-revealed setlists.
“Too many people reveal songs ahead of shows,” Daltrey told Billboard. “There’s no surprises left with concerts these days because everybody wants to see the setlist. I’m f—ing sick of it. The Internet’s ruined live shows for me. Who wants to know what’s coming next? People forget about surprises. I can’t stand it.”
When asked if fans might use websites like setlist.fm to plan bathroom breaks, Daltrey laughed and retorted, “Why not just start to listen to the bloody show in the toilet, then?”
Despite his grievances, Daltrey confirmed he will perform “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” but with a twist. “I’m not gonna do the scream,” the 80-year-old revealed. “I’m gonna get the f—ing audience to do the scream. I’ve done that scream for 55 years, and I’ve had enough of it. I don’t even want to try it now; it’s brutal on the vocal cords. They can do the scream, and I’ll do everything else. I’m more into singing these days. At the age of 80, I think I deserve to be.”
Tickets for Daltrey’s June 16 concert are available via Ticketmaster, with additional options on VividSeats, StubHub, TicketNetwork, and SeatGeek.
Daltrey’s solo tour will feature Simon Townshend (guitar), Billy Nicholls (mandolin), Jody Linscott (percussion), Doug Boyle (guitar), John Hogg (bass), Katie Jacoby (violin), Steve Weston (harmonica), Geraint Watkins (keyboards/accordion), and Scott Devours (drums). According to a press release, the shows will include “a mostly acoustic set of Who gems, rarities, solo nuggets and other surprises with an intimate rock-based band and setting, as well as answering questions from the audience.”
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