“I’m nervous about making it to the end of the tour”: Roger Daltrey opens up about health fears ahead of ‘grueling’ The Who tour

At 81, Roger Daltrey isn’t mincing words about what it feels like to go on tour anymore. The legendary frontman of The Who is gearing up for what he says could very well be the final time fans will see them perform live in a full-fledged tour and he’s opening up about the toll it’s taking.

Speaking to The Times, Roger Daltrey got honest about the physical strain of touring at his age and how past health scares are catching up with him. While his voice, miraculously, remains strong, there’s a deep sense of worry underneath.

“I’m nervous about making it to the end of the tour,”

he said words that carry more weight when you realise just how much he’s still pushing himself for the sake of music and fans.

Roger Daltrey health concerns ahead of the tour

The conversation around Roger Daltrey’s health began gaining attention after his interview dropped. The quote that made the most noise? Him flat-out saying:

“This is certainly the last time you will see us on tour. It’s grueling.”

That line alone sparked a wave of reactions from fans, many of whom have followed The Who’s journey for decades.

Roger Daltrey revealed that he’s still feeling the impact of a battle with viral meningitis from back in 2015. It’s something that has left lasting effects on his body most notably, how it messed with his internal temperature regulation. Now, if he sings in heat above 75°F, he ends up drenched in sweat, which can drain his energy and put him at risk of becoming seriously ill mid-performance. Add that to the already demanding pace of a tour schedule, and you can see why he’s anxious.

Despite all that, he’s still going. He’s still singing the same songs, in the same keys, at the same volume. It’s a bit surreal. But even as he powers through, he’s being realistic about his limits and what the future might look like. Whether or not The Who continues with one-off shows after this run is still up in the air. For now, though, Roger Daltrey sounds like a man trying to find peace with whatever comes next.

It’s also worth noting that he’s kept his sense of humour. During a show earlier this year, he joked about the joys of ageing mentioning his hearing and eyesight both fading before cheekily adding that luckily, he still had his voice. And if that goes, he quipped, he’d finally become a “full Tommy,” referencing the deaf, mute, and blind character from The Who’s rock opera.

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As for what’s next, Daltrey is set to headline Dreamland in Margate on Aug. 8, before The Who continues their final leg across major cities in the U.S., wrapping up in Las Vegas on Sept. 28.

Roger Daltrey might be dealing with age, illness, and uncertainty, but he’s still stepping on stage and doing it with honesty. Fans know this could be the last time, and that makes each show mean a little more. Whatever happens after this tour, one thing’s clear: he’s earned every cheer.

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