During a recent solo performance, The Who frontman Roger Daltrey expressed his perspective on the unfolding drama surrounding the band, labeling it as fake news and distancing himself from any claims of involvement. This incident arose from a dispute regarding the future of drummer Zak Starkey, who has been with the band for 29 years. Reports circulated earlier this month, suggesting that Starkey had been let go due to accusations of overplaying during a concert in London.
Starkey conveyed his feelings of being ‘surprised and saddened’ upon learning of his supposed dismissal. However, the situation took a turn when guitarist Pete Townshend clarified that Starkey remained an integral part of the band and took responsibility for some of the miscommunication that had occurred.
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In a YouTube video shared on April 22, following the initial two shows of his current solo tour titled Alive and Kicking and Having Fun!, Daltrey took a moment to address the audience, stating: “The last few weeks in my life, I’ve felt like I’ve been starring in an episode of The Twilight Zone. I’ve been reading about me in the press, doing things I don’t remember ever doing.”
He humorously suggested that perhaps an impostor was acting on his behalf, further stating: “According to an inside source, there was a war of words in a dressing room. It wasn’t my fucking dressing room, that’s for sure!”
Roger Daltrey Critiques Social Media’s Role in The Who Controversy
Daltrey further hinted at the turbulence he has endured recently, quipping, “I could have done with this song last week” before performing the track “Waiting For a Friend.” In addressing the dubious attributions made to “an inside source,” he added: “It makes you wonder – ‘How far inside?’”
In a more serious tone, Daltrey proclaimed: “All I want to say is, it’s fake news. I am not guilty. I have not got a press spokesman. I speak for myself.”
While seemingly pointing fingers at the source of the drama, he declared: “And fuck social media. I’ve never done it; I’ve never wanted to do it – it’s taken civilization to the pits.”
Watch Roger Daltrey Discuss The Who Controversy
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Gallery Credit: Michael Gallucci
