Roger Daltrey, iconic frontman of The Who, is gearing up for a new kind of tour that promises a unique experience for fans. The 79-year-old rock legend is embracing a fresh approach with his upcoming nine-date North American run, kicking off on June 12 in Vienna, Virginia. This tour, distinct from his symphonic endeavors with Pete Townshend, features a mostly acoustic set and offers a mix of Who classics, solo gems, and other surprises. It also includes interactive Q&A sessions with the audience, providing a more intimate concert experience.
“I’m actually looking forward to a tour! I’m out there to have a good time this time,” Daltrey shared enthusiastically via Zoom from London. Unlike his many previous tours with The Who, this venture allows him to explore different instrumentation and dispense with tape loops, granting him more freedom as a singer. “It’s gonna be quite interesting. I’m just determined to enjoy myself and explore the freedom I’ve got to do what I want to do on this tour.”
Daltrey is particularly excited about performing classic tracks like “Won’t Get Fooled Again” with live instrumentation. He cheekily admitted, “I’m not gonna do the scream. I’m gonna get the f–king audience to do the scream. I’ve done that scream for 55 years, and I’ve had enough of it.”
The tour features a versatile band including Simon Townshend (Pete’s brother), violinist Katie Jacoby, and mandolinist Billy Nicholls, among others. Daltrey emphasized the importance of chemistry within the band, noting, “I like to put bands together where we’re a real band and everybody gets the spotlight and there’s camaraderie.”
In addition to the musical performances, fans can look forward to submitting questions for Daltrey to answer during the show, adding an element of spontaneity and fun to the concerts. Reflecting on a similar format he tried in England last year, he said, “It creates a great deal of fun, and you can get some good comedy out of it if you’re lucky.”
While Daltrey is deeply involved in this tour, he is also focused on long-term projects, including a biopic about late Who drummer Keith Moon and the possibility of a new book following his 2018 memoir. As for the future of The Who, Daltrey remains open but noncommittal, saying, “I’ll do it if Pete wants to do it, really wants to do it and do it properly. Equally, there’s a chemistry between Pete and I. I love him dearly.”
Daltrey’s tour promises to be a heartfelt celebration of his career and an exploration of his musical passions. Fans can catch his performances at various venues across North America, with dates spanning from June 10 to June 29.
Roger Daltrey’s North American Tour Dates:
June 10 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre
June 12 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap – Filene Center
June 14 – Niagara Falls, ON – OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
June 16 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
June 18 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
June 20 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion
June 22 – Lenox, MA – Tanglewood – The Koussevitzky Music Shed
June 23 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun
June 25 – Detroit, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
June 28 – Omaha, NE – Memorial Park
June 29 – Highland Park, IL – The Pavilion at Ravinia
For fans eager to see Daltrey live and hear some of his personal stories, this tour promises a unique and memorable experience.
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Photo Credit: Anthony Mooney / Shutterstock.com