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The Who's Future Is Uncertain Says Roger Daltrey
- Posted on Apr 29th 2010 11:00AM by Andrew Kerr
Roger Daltrey has spoken of his fear that health issues may soon force the Who to call time on their illustrious 46-year career.Only recently recovered from vocal problems himself, and with no end in sight for partner-in-crime Pete Townshend's long-running battle with tinnitus, the singer feels it may be time to listen to their bodies.
Speaking to Uncut magazine, he said, "If carrying on is going to mean Pete going deaf, let's stop now." There is still some hope for fans though that the band's show at London's Royal Albert Hall on March 30 wasn't the last, as Townshend is currently testing in-ear monitors designed to ease his condition. But, as Daltrey pointed out, "Entering old age in a silent world -- nothing is worth that."
In a further bid to extend the band's life and help alleviate his suffering, the guitarist has cut back on studio and stage time. A pragmatic Daltrey concluded, "Our bodies are beginning to give up on us. I've had voice problems in the past year that I've managed to sort out and I'm really enjoying singing again but you have to be realistic -- I am 66 years old."
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Nancy
I loved them at the Super Bowl!! Boo-hiss on all of you. We're all getting older and reality has to set in some time. The pin ball wizard has gone on to greener pastures.
April 30 2010 at 11:30 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Hattie Crabtree
I think Pete's deafness is pretty bad now.I think I had read years ago that he had only like 40% of his hearing left.Maybe he would be a good candiate for the cochlear ear implant.I also have ringing in my ears,its from TMJ.
April 30 2010 at 8:15 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Izzy Stradlin
Who gives a SH*$^%@*&^$@%#T.
April 30 2010 at 6:10 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Sally G
I was in high school when the Who was in its heyday, and I have changed, too—just about a decade behind Daltry agewise. I didn’t live as hard as they, and I can’t do what I used to. They’ve had a great run, left some amazing recordings, and it is certainly bittersweet, at best, to contemplate retiring from something that has been so much part of one’s life. Kudos to those voices of reason and compassion in the earlier comments that understand that and empathize with what Townsend and Daltry are experiencing—the Who was great, and it takes courage to go out at the top and move on to a new phase—it’s often hard to see a new way, but health trumps everything.
Best of everything to the Who, who gave us so much. . .
ratbatblu
Ya know, at first I was kind of bummed that Robert Plant refused to do a full-on reunion tour with Led Zep. While I got the chance to see Page & Plant in the 90's, I could kind of see where Robert was coming from after hearing his explanation.
After hearing Roger's explanation, I can understand it as well. I don't know exactly to which degree Pete's tinnitus is, but I have it too and all I can say is it's horrible to live with. While it would be sad to see them stop, I can certainly understand the need to.
Steve
In 1982 The WHO announced they were going on their "farewell tour". Within 2 years, after seeing how much money other bands were making who were coming out of retirement, The WHO resurfaced and have never left. Half of the original band is dead, no new material, just keep playing the same songs over and over again. What`s the point? Go already.
April 30 2010 at 4:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Daniel
A shame - they never made a bad record. I've honestly loved everything up to-and-including Endless Wire. I'd love for the Who to go on forever, but not at the risk of their own health... :(
April 30 2010 at 4:47 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Dave
he should have used ear plugs while performing. I use to filipino stick drills
in a garage/dojo. i couldn't stand the noise
of all the people doing them at the same time. i got ear plugs at a music store.
Vic
1 reply to Vic's comment
The question of should they keep going or call it quits would be a very hard decision for Pete and Roger. It is not about the money. It is about being relative, having people listen to something new. I am sure that Pete still loves to perform for his fans. From a former lead guitarist myself in a band in the sixties, there is nothing like playing in front of a great crowd. Our band had to break up only because we lost or bassist and lead singer to a terrible desease. It still haunts me and that was over 40yrs ago. I would kill to be able to do one more gig.
April 30 2010 at 4:03 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Sally G
Very true, I am sure. I know that moving on in life has often been hard for me; I think I can imagine what giving up live concerts would mean to you and them, as I was in the theatre for a decade or so (backstage). I hope they find a way, as you had to, to find something new to—not replace the old—but to satisfy them in a different way. My best to them both, and to you.
April 30 2010 at 8:35 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Susan Mintzer
No matter what you guys decide to do, just want to say
thank you. What a Band! Do you even know how many memories you gave us with your words/lyrics? Amazing.
86 Comments