Roger Daltrey has responded to fellow Who bandmate Pete Townshend's candid remarks about touring. In a March interview with The New York Times, Townshend confessed, “I don’t get much of a buzz from performing with The Who. If I’m really honest, I’ve been touring for the money.” He even hinted at a final tour before they “crawl off to die.”
Daltrey, speaking to The San Diego Union-Tribune, said: “If Pete doesn’t want to tour, I don’t want to be back with The Who on the road, at 81, with someone who doesn’t want to be there – if that’s what he’s saying. But you know, every dog has its day, and it was a wonderful ride...”
Daltrey emphasized that he wouldn't embark on this musical journey with a halfhearted partner. “The music is too important to me,” Daltrey asserted. “The reason The Who was so powerful is because we meant it. We took your face off when we played; we didn’t swan about on stage.”
However, Townshend later clarified that his initial comments were “sarcastic.” If Townshend genuinely wants to tour, Daltrey is all in. His condition? “I’d be up for it if the reason Pete’s doing it isn’t just to make money,” Daltrey explained. “I’ll do it to make good music and to show people what we were, before we leave the stage forever...”
Daltrey also said, “I have never toured only for the money,” he declared. While acknowledging the practicality of earnings, he emphasized that passion and audience connection are non-negotiable. “If you don’t [connect], you’re failing.”
As for Daltrey's immediate plans—he'll kick off a U.S. tour in June.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]