04-08-2025
Sir Roger Daltrey of The Who makes 'not long left' admission in health update
Sir Roger Daltrey of The Who makes 'not long left' admission in health update
The Who frontman Sir Roger Daltrey has opened up about his health battles in a new interview
Roger Daltrey has said that he 'won't be around much longer' in a wide-ranging interview
(Image: Andrew Benge, Redfernsvia Getty Images)
Sir Roger Daltrey, frontman of The Who, has candidly admitted that he's 'not going to be here much longer' due to ongoing health struggles. In a recent interview with The Times, the 81-year-old rock legend opened up about his health issues, including the lasting impact of a meningitis diagnosis nine years ago and an 'incurable' case of macular degeneration which affects his vision.
Despite these challenges, Daltrey remains committed to his philanthropic work, particularly his involvement with the Teenage Cancer Trust. He was knighted for his efforts in organising annual fundraising concerts at the Royal Albert Hall for the charity, which provides specialist care for young people battling cancer.
Daltrey expressed his dedication to the cause, stating: "Of course, but the honours system is in desperate need of updating. It's a weird club to be a part of and I'm not entirely comfortable with it."
He added: "Still, I'm not going to be here much longer. If I live another ten years it will be way past anyone in my family, and it's important for Teenage Cancer Trust to continue. We were seeing teenagers put in wards alongside two-year-olds or geriatrics and the isolation was devastating. The environment of someone suffering from a serious illness is every bit as important as a good drug."
He detailed the main issue as being the aftermath of contracting meningitis nine years ago. "It's done a lot of damage," he admits.
"It's buggered up my internal thermometer, so every time I start singing in any climate over 75 degrees I'm wringing with sweat, which drains my body salts. The potential to get really ill is there and, I have to be honest, I'm nervous about making it to the end of the tour."
Working in an Acton sheet metal factory at the tender age of 16 may have damaged his hearing early on. At the Teenage Cancer Trust concert in March, he disclosed that not only was he going deaf but he was also losing his sight.
If he lost his voice, he informed the crowd, he would "go the full Tommy".
Unlike many rockers of his generation, Daltrey doesn't rely on an Autocue. "There's no point. Can't f***ing see it!" he exclaims.
How is his vision now?
"Not good," he responds, from behind tinted shades. "I've got an incurable macular degeneration."
Despite all this, Daltrey is resolute to keep rocking, whether the Who continue touring or not.
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"Never, never retire. You'll be dead in three years. Daytime TV will kill you."
To read the full interview click here.
