Roger Daltrey’s solo tour crash-landed at House of Blues last night. For almost an hour and 45 minutes the Who frontman struggled through his set, obviously fighting a cold or laryngitis that ultimately led to the night’s demise.
It was a shame too, because Daltrey looked much younger than his 65 years and was in good spirits. He took shots at himself, explaining that this was his “Use It or Lose It” tour and that his vocal chords need to be kept in shape due to his old age. Unfortunately, his voice was so hoarse and rough that he staggered through the last half of the show, stopping a couple of songs a few notes in and then faltering through replacement tunes.
I’d like to believe that this was just an off-night for Daltrey. A roadie continually brought him mugs of what one could only assume was hot tea. But they failed to jump-start Daltrey’s voice. For the most part, the sold-out audience didn’t notice or just didn’t care. They cheered “Who Are You”’s opening and were generally enthusiastic throughout the night (although sometimes too loud, given Daltrey’s vocal struggles).
The set of Who favorites and obscurities limped along. “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Squeezebox” passed as serviceable, but “Young Man Blues” and “Baba O’Riley” were like nails on a chalkboard. Daltrey even aborted his nightly Johnny Cash medley, apologizing that his voice was just not there.
But at least he was energetic. He jammed on guitar and harmonica with his five-piece band but looked visibly frustrated with the state of his voice. Regrettably, the Cleveland audience was the recipient of the off-night. I, for one, was disappointed that we didn’t get the legend at his best. —Aaron Mendelsohn
This article appears in Oct 28 – Nov 3, 2009.
The five of us who went to this show last night LOVED IT. Nails on a chalkboard? Hardly. Even not at his best, it was a fabulous show and we got what we came for and more.
I was there, too, and thought the show was great!!! Yes, his voice failed him after a while, but he still is a fabulous entertainer and was obviously having fun. I (and my 3 companions) loved the show and loved Roger. I should be so energetic and doing what he is doing when I am 65!!!!!
I went to the show and up thru Baba O’Reilly it was awesome! But whatever energy Roger had in the first 3/4 of the show, was taken out of him after the Harmonica solo ending. He looked totally spent, and after that was totally incoherent. Followed by aborted Johnny Cash, aborted Ukelele solo, followed by Born on the Bayou (suggested by Simon to save the show) Bayou was not bad, as Roger’s gravely voice sounded kinda like Fogerty. But then a half hearted intro of the band and then goodbye. No encore, not that he could have done one anyway. I’m also not sure if Roger wasn’t drunk during the show, or, had the Flu as the top review stated. He was rambling a lot and many in the audience seemed confused by it. All in all I enjoyed myself (as I’m sure almost everyone did), but it could have been fantastic!
VelocityKip;
“I am also not sure if he wasn’t drunk during the show, or, had the Flud as the top review stated”. What bullshit. If you knew anything about the man or the odd 45 years he’s been performing for ingrates such as yourself, you would know how ridiculous of a statement that is. If you knew him as real person you would realize how much things like this truly vex him. He’s a perfectionist, and like all of us, is not too thrilled when things don’t go as well as they should. Shit happens. He’s a legend ; not Britney Spears. Give the guy a break.
I attended this show with my wife. I have seen Daltrey many times over the years and can attest to his awesome vocal prowess. The man is in his 60’s now and was obviously suffering from a cold/flu.Cut him some slack. The first 3 quarters of the show were great and the opener, “Who Are You?” was enough to send shivers down your spine. The band was tight and sounded great, especially the drummer, who was far above average. Simon Townshend also did a great job on lead vocals on “Gettin’ In Tune”, sounded like his big brother Pete. Rock on Roger.
Just like someone like Ozzy Osbourne.
Was wondering if they had a recent concert somewhere.
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