Eric Clapton and Roger Daltrey honoured with Royal Albert Hall Stars
Eric Clapton and Roger Daltrey have both been honoured with specially-engraved stones outside London's Royal Albert Hall.
The world-famous London venue has paid tribute to 11 people and institutions from the worlds of entertainment, politics and sport who have been ‘key figures’ in the building’s history since it opened its doors in 1871.
Each person or institution is honoured with Royal Albert Hall Star; an engraved paving stone decorated with a brass star laid outside the South Kensington building.
Craig Hassall, chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall, said: “This new walk of fame recognises the unparalleled diversity of the Hall’s history and many of the unforgettable characters and events who have helped to shape this British institution.
“From political activists to groundbreaking artists, Churchill to charity shows, Ali to Adele, this project recognises the unparalleled diversity of the Hall’s history, and many of the unforgettable characters and events who have helped to shape this British institution.”
Both Eric Clapton and Roger Daltrey both attended the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall this morning (4th September) where they were immortalised in stone and brass.
Having first performed at the Royal Albert Hall with The Yardbirds in 1964, Eric Clapton has played at the venue more than 200 times including farewell and reunion gigs with Cream and numerous residencies.
Despite The Who being banned from the Royal Albert Hall in 1972 as part of its temporary rock and pop clampdown, Roger Daltrey also has an extremely close affiliation with the venue both as a performer and through the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts he curates.
The Hall’s rock and pop ban was enforced after a troublesome 1971 in which only one of the 23 rock and pop shows at the venue passed without disorder.
Roger Daltrey said: “The Who and I have come a long way since being banned from the Hall back in 1972! This star symbolises how much we have achieved for young people with cancer over the years and I would like to thank all the artists who have been there for me and the charity since we started. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and am honoured to receive a star in recognition of this work.”