Roger Daltrey, the legendary frontman of The Who, shocked fans at London’s Royal Albert Hall by revealing that he is “going blind.” The candid admission came during a performance for the Teenage Cancer Trust, an organization Daltrey has championed for decades. Despite his health challenges, the 81-year-old rock icon reassured the audience that his voice remains strong, allowing him to continue performing.
Addressing a crowd of 5,000 attendees, Daltrey explained that his signature purple-tinted glasses are not just a fashion statement but a necessity due to his deteriorating vision. “The joys of getting old mean you go deaf. I also now have got the joy of going blind,” Roger Daltrey said.
Daltrey’s bandmate Pete Townshend, 79, also shared his own health struggles during the event, revealing he had undergone a complete knee replacement just weeks earlier. Despite these challenges, both musicians delivered a powerful set featuring classic hits like “My Generation,” “Substitute,” and “I Can’t Explain.”
The concert marked Daltrey’s final year as curator of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s annual Royal Albert Hall shows. Since launching the series in 2000, these concerts have raised £32 million to fund specialized NHS units and provide support for young cancer patients. Daltrey will remain an honorary patron of the charity while passing curatorial duties to The Cure’s Robert Smith starting next year.
The announcement coincides with speculation about The Who‘s future as a touring band. Both Daltrey and Townshend have hinted at potential retirement after nearly six decades of performing together. However, Townshend recently teased plans for live shows in 2025, stating, “We love each other… we will definitely do something next year.”
As fans process Daltrey’s health news and reflect on The Who’s enduring legacy, the concert served as a poignant reminder of the band’s resilience and commitment to their craft. The Who definitely deserve to be on the list of the top 30 biggest concerts.
