Roger Daltrey, 81, Reveals Health Struggles During Charity Concert
Roger Daltrey, the legendary frontman of The Who, stunned fans at a recent Teenage Cancer Trust charity concert in London by revealing his ongoing battle with hearing and vision loss. At 81, Daltrey candidly shared his health challenges with the 5,000-strong audience at the Royal Albert Hall, stating, “The joys of getting old mean you go deaf, I also now have got the joy of going blind.” citeturn0news16
Despite these challenges, Daltrey maintained his sense of humor, joking about aging and referencing the band’s iconic rock opera *Tommy*, in which the titular character is deaf, blind, and mute. He also noted that while his voice had briefly cracked during the performance, he still had his singing voice intact. citeturn0news16
This concert marked a significant moment in Daltrey’s long-standing involvement with the Teenage Cancer Trust. Having organized and performed at the annual fundraising events since 2000, he announced that this would be his final year as curator. Over the years, the concerts have raised more than £32 million, funding 28 specialized units within the NHS and providing support for young cancer patients. citeturn0search1
The final concert, titled “Ovation,” featured performances from Daltrey, his bandmate Pete Townshend, and other music icons such as Robert Plant, Paul Weller, Eddie Vedder, and Kelly Jones. Daltrey expressed his gratitude to the artists and supporters who have contributed to the success of the charity events over the years. citeturn0search0
Although stepping down as curator, Daltrey will continue to support the Teenage Cancer Trust as an honorary patron. The charity plans to appoint a series of guest curators for future events, ensuring the continuation of the fundraising efforts. citeturn0search1
Daltrey’s openness about his health struggles has resonated with fans and fellow musicians alike, highlighting the challenges of aging while continuing to contribute to meaningful causes.
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