Roger Daltrey, the iconic frontman of The Who, has expressed his frustration with the internet, claiming it has significantly diminished the magic of live concerts. In a recent interview, Daltrey shared his thoughts on how the digital age has altered the concert experience, and he didn’t hold back.
As he prepares for his upcoming nine-date North American tour, Daltrey made it clear that he won’t be revealing the setlist in advance. “I’m not gonna talk about songs,” he stated. “Too many people reveal songs. There’s no surprises left with concerts these days, ’cause everybody wants to see the setlist. I’m f***ing sick of it.”
Daltrey’s main gripe is that the internet has taken away the element of surprise from live shows. “The Internet’s ruined the live shows for me,” he lamented. “Who wants to know what’s coming next? People forget about surprises. I can’t stand it.”
When it was suggested that fans might want to know the setlist to plan their bathroom breaks, Daltrey had a cheeky response. “Why not just start to listen to the bloody show in the toilet, then?” he quipped, laughing.
Over the past year, there has been ongoing debate about concertgoer behavior. Some artists have even started collecting cell phones at entrances to prevent fans from recording the shows. Daltrey’s frustration is part of a broader conversation about how technology is changing the live music experience.
The Who, formed in London in 1964, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Despite their long history, Daltrey feels that the internet has fundamentally changed how audiences engage with live performances.
During the interview, Daltrey also mentioned that he would be performing The Who’s classic anthem “Won’t Get Fooled Again” on his tour. However, he won’t be delivering the song’s iconic scream. “I’m gonna get the f***ing audience to do the scream. I’ve done that scream for 55 years, and I’ve had enough of it,” he said. “I don’t even want to try it now; it’s brutal on the vocal cords. They can do the scream, and I’ll do everything else. I’m more into singing these days. At the age of 80, I think I deserve to be.”
Daltrey’s comments highlight a growing trend among artists who are pushing back against the internet’s impact on live shows. Musicians like Jack White, Mitski, and Placebo have all implemented no-phone policies at their concerts to preserve the live experience.
Despite his frustrations, Daltrey is excited about his upcoming tour. He plans to deliver a mostly acoustic set featuring Who gems, rarities, solo nuggets, and other surprises. “I’m just determined to enjoy myself and explore the freedom I’ve got to do what I want to do on this tour,” he said. “Let’s see where it ends up.”
While Daltrey’s age has changed his approach to performing, it hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for touring. He remains committed to delivering memorable live experiences, even if it means pushing back against the internet’s influence.
In a world where setlists are often leaked online and fans are more focused on capturing the moment than experiencing it, Daltrey’s stance is a reminder of the importance of preserving the spontaneity and magic of live music.
As he embarks on his North American tour, Daltrey hopes to reconnect with audiences in a way that feels authentic and surprising. “I’ve done all those years with The Who, and I’ve done my solo stuff and charity gigs and all that. I just want to branch out and do something different,” he said. “I’m more into singing these days. At the age of 80, I think I deserve to be.”
Roger Daltrey’s candid remarks about the internet’s impact on live shows serve as a poignant reminder of how technology can change the way we experience music. As he continues to tour and perform, Daltrey remains committed to delivering the kind of live experiences that made The Who legendary.
