Roger Daltrey, the singer of The Who, has revealed that he never reads reviews of his work. He stated that he purposefully avoids both positive and negative reviews on the basis that they can all upset him. In a recent backstage diary he wrote for The Times, he reflected on his final concert series for Teenage Cancer Trust and admitted that he never reads the reviews. He also said that he avoids social media as well, stating that likes and comments are “just ego food.”
Daltrey confirmed that he was stepping down as the curator for the Teenage Cancer Trust’s concert series in January after 24 years. On March 24, he rounded off the series himself with a show called ‘Ovation.’ It was billed as “a celebration of 24 years of gigs” for the charity, and saw live performances from Paul Weller, Kelly Jones, Robert Plant with Saving Grace, and Eddie Vedder.
In his diary, Daltrey also wrote about turning 80, stating that he has to be realistic on the subject that “I’m on my way out.” He added that the average life expectancy is 83 and with a bit of luck he’ll get there, but someone else needs to drive things going forward. Daltrey also recently announced a new “semi-acoustic” solo tour of North America which will take place across nine dates in June.
Daltrey made it clear that he is not leaving the Teenage Cancer Trust as he has been their patron for over 30 years and has been actively involved since he first met the charity’s founders. However, he states that he will be “working in the back room, talking to the government, rattling cages.” In an interview earlier this year, Daltrey talked about the future of The Who, stating that he was “happy” that “that part of my life is over,” but he also made it clear that any decision of calling it a day would have to be made together with Pete Townshend.
Overall, Daltrey has been a huge contributor to both the music industry and the Teenage Cancer Trust. Though he may not read his reviews, the positive impact he has made on those around him is clear
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