Roger Daltrey

Birthday: 1 March 1944, Hammersmith, London, England, UK

Birth Name: Roger Harry Daltrey

Height: 170 cm

Roger Daltrey is noted as a founder of the legendary rock band The Who. After leaving London's Acton County Grammar School in 1963, he formed a skiffle band called The Detours, then displayed an early genius by putting together unusual elements into a world-class performance. The unusual elements included Daltrey on vocals, John Entwistle on bass and Pete Townshend on lead guitar. In 1965 they added drummer Keith Moon, and the fabulous line-up was complete. The band was remarkable for the synthesis of personalities: Townshend's art-school sensibilities; Daltrey's down-to-earth interpretation; and Entwistle's and Moon's skill as performers. They were first noted for deafening shows and for smashing their instruments in ferocious displays of auto-destructive art, but they went on to considerable chart success through original songs written by Townshend and the more humor-oriented Entwistle. Townshend wrote the first rock mini-opera for their second album, and after their first tour of America, the band presented the full-length rock opus Tommy, which shattered barriers and established The Who as a major artistic force in the world of music. Daltrey released his first solo album in 1973, and followed that with a number of solo chart successes. He also established a stage and (somewhat offbeat) film career after starring in the movie of Tommy (1975). He pursued films more steadily after the death of drummer Moon, and turned to production with the drama McVicar (1980). The band continued to perform sporadically with different drummers and John Bundrick on keyboard, but returned to full force in the 1990s with the addition of Zak Starkey on drums. Though Townshend is noted as the songwriter and lead guitarist of The Who, Daltrey remains the genius who drives their performances. His energy and stage presence established The Who at the monumental Monterey Pop, Woodstock and Isle of Wight music festivals, and his instincts for production carved their path through the era of stadium rock. The filmography of musical performances stand as the best evidence of Daltrey's brilliance as both a musician and a stage performer. Hide

[on Freddie Mercury] When we lost Freddie, we not only lost a great personality, a man with a great Show more [on Freddie Mercury] When we lost Freddie, we not only lost a great personality, a man with a great sense of humor, a true showman, but we lost probably the best, the best virtuoso rock 'n' roll singer of all time. He could sing anything in any style. He could change his style from line to line and, God, that's an art. And he was brilliant at it. Hide

[on The Who's performance at Woodstock] It was the worst gig we ever played. [on The Who's performance at Woodstock] It was the worst gig we ever played.

Rock used to be a right laugh. The trouble is the rock press have made it all so serious. Fifty per Show more Rock used to be a right laugh. The trouble is the rock press have made it all so serious. Fifty per cent of rock is having a good time. Hide

[on recovering from throat surgery] I got depressed after surgery, during what I call the big silenc Show more [on recovering from throat surgery] I got depressed after surgery, during what I call the big silence, that's when I realized what it would be like to not have a voice. I had two weeks of silence. Silence and no drinking. How's that for a good Christmas? So, you know, it was the strangest Christmas I've ever had. Hide

[To the audience at Boston's Beer Garden, USA, on Monday, December 3rd ] About ten hours ago this gi Show more [To the audience at Boston's Beer Garden, USA, on Monday, December 3rd ] About ten hours ago this gig was absolutely fucking impossible. So this one's for the filth - or whatever you like to call 'em - the police in Montréal. We're 'ere and it's good to be 'ere and this one's for them: "Won't Get Fooled Again". [The previous night in Montréal, December 2nd, 1973, they'd been arrested and bailed for the destruction of a hotels facilities] Hide

I don't have any illusions anymore. The illusion that rock 'n' roll could change anything - I don't Show more I don't have any illusions anymore. The illusion that rock 'n' roll could change anything - I don't believe that. I've changed. Who would have ever thought that I'd end up saying that I want to be an all-around entertainer? But that's what I want to be. Hide

You know, I was a school rebel. Whatever they said do, I didn't do. I was totally anti-everything. I Show more You know, I was a school rebel. Whatever they said do, I didn't do. I was totally anti-everything. I was a right bastard, a right hard nut. I just totally closed the doors to ever wanting to know what they had to teach me. Rock & roll was the only thing I wanted to get into. Hide

I'm a rock god?! I'm five foot seven. I had me jaw broken, and so my chin stuck way out. That's how Show more I'm a rock god?! I'm five foot seven. I had me jaw broken, and so my chin stuck way out. That's how I became tough - I learned to pick up anything and fight back ... A rock god! Hide

I don't want to stop and I don't think Pete (Pete Townshend) does. We're at the pinnacle of our decl Show more I don't want to stop and I don't think Pete (Pete Townshend) does. We're at the pinnacle of our decline. Hide

Of course, chicks keep popping up. When you're in a hotel, a pretty young lady makes life bearable. Of course, chicks keep popping up. When you're in a hotel, a pretty young lady makes life bearable.

Roger Daltrey's FILMOGRAPHY - Page 9

as Actor (212)

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