The Who's Roger Daltrey abandons concert over voice fears

12 songs into his set in Florida

Roger Daltrey on stage in 2022
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 14th Feb 2023

The Who’s Roger Daltrey was forced to abandon his concert in Florida on Saturday night (11th February) over apparent fears he might damage his voice.

Daltrey’s show at the 2,180-capacity Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater served as a warm-up for his headline slot at the Rock Legends Cruise this week.

Daltrey complained of indigestion and not being able to hear his band mates during the set, and the performance came to a halt 12 songs in during The Who’s ‘Naked Eye’.

Guitarist Simon Townshend, son of Pete Townshend, had earlier taken over lead vocal duties on The Who’s ‘Going Mobile’ and his own track ‘The Way It Is.’

78-year-old Daltrey told the audience: "I’m going to do myself some serious damage here and I’m not going to do it because I’ll never sing again!

"I’m sorry! You’ll have to ask for refunds. I’ll try and make it up to you. I’m really, really sorry. I am not a robot! I am definitely not a robot! I’m not doing this to myself anymore. Thank you so much for coming."

Roger Daltrey abandons concert in Florida:

Daltrey hasn’t released an official statement, however many fans have taken to social media to share what happened.

One attendee wrote: “He sounded excellent, especially at the beginning of the show (he opened with I ‘Can See For Miles’). Just so weird how it all went down. He stopped 4 or 5 songs right in the middle and made a few different excuses why (the sound, his hearing, and then being sick). I was astonished. Hope he’s OK.”

Another supportive fan said: “Thank you for giving it a go. Things started great and I know you tried your hardest to keep going. Take care of yourself and feel better!”

A fellow gig goer wrote: “Feel better soon. I have to admit we were disappointed last night. But you need to take care of your health.”

The Rock Legends Cruise set sail from Florida yesterday (13th February) and Daltrey appears on a bill that features Deep Purple, George Thorogood, Randy Bachman, Lou Gramm, The Marshall Tucker Band, Roger Trout and many more.

Last month, The Who announced the Hits Back! UK tour for July 2023 visiting outdoor venues and one arena.

The band will be flanked by a full orchestra each night on the nine-date tour that visits Hull, Edinburgh, London, Derby, Bristol, Durham, St Helens and Brighton.

Tickets are on sale from Absolute Radio Tickets now.

The Who’s Hits Back UK tour dates:

JULY 2023

Hull Sewell Group Craven Park – Thu 6th

Edinburgh Castle – Sat 8th

Edinburgh Castle – Sun 9th

London The O2 – Wed 12th

Derby The Incora County Ground – Fri 14th

Bristol Badminton Estate – Sun 16th

Durham Seat Unique Riverside – Wed 19th

St Helens Totally Wicked Stadium– Fri 21st

Brighton The 1st Central County Ground – Sun 23rd

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