Roger Daltrey joked that his knees were sore after 24 years of begging bands to play his cancer charity shows free of charge.
For 22 editions, Daltrey has persuaded some of the greatest artists on the planet to perform unique, one-night-only gigs to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.
“Gosh, it was tough at the start because I was determined bands should want to do this for free, and it’s not easy getting big names to actually block out their time. My knees are now so sore from 24 years of begging!
“When I see someone famous, I go straight over and ask them to play a gig – and I’m sure they’ll see me now and run away! But not one of the bands has ever come off the stage without saying, ‘What a fantastic experience.’”
Pete Townshend to Miss Show Honoring Who Bandmate Roger Daltrey At Teen Age Cancer Trust Because of ‘Tommy’ Musical Revival’s Opening, announced March 24 show saluting The Who’s Roger Daltrey. Unfortunately, the singer’s Who bandmate Pete Townshend has revealed that he no longer will be taking part in the star-studded event. “I am sorry to say that I will not be performing with Roger at his OVATION event on Sunday 24th March.” “I love you Rog, knock ’em dead. See you soon for rehearsals.
Daltrey eventually launched a side career as a solo artist in the 1970s, although The Who has always remained his main creative outlet. That being said, the singer’s solo work has featured a plethora of highlights. Here are five standout songs from Daltrey’s solo career, according to Americansongwriter.
Daltrey kicked off his solo career in 1973 with the Daltrey album. Almost the entire album was co-written by singer/songwriter Leo Sayer and songwriter/producer David Courtney, including the lead single, “Giving It All Away.”
In 1980, Daltrey starred in McVicar, a biographical film about John McVicar, a convicted British bank robber who later became an author and a journalist. Daltrey also recorded a soundtrack for the movie, and the album featured the chart hits “Free Me” and “Without Your Love.”
The title track of Daltrey’s 1985 solo album, “Under a Raging Moon” was a dramatic and dynamic tribute to late Who drummer Keith Moon. The song was co-written by British rocker John Parr, with songwriter/producer Julia Downes.
“Going Back Home” – Roger Daltrey with Wilko Johnson (2014)
In 2014, Daltrey teamed up with former Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson for the collaborative album Going Back Home. The album was made up mainly of new versions of songs Johnson had written or co-written for Dr. Feelgood. Daltrey had promised to do the project after the guitarist was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.
