The Who musician Roger Daltrey has reflected on his generation after reaching a milestone age, stating: “I’m on my way out.”
Daltrey, who has been the frontman of the “Pinball Wizard” rock band since 1964, stepped down as the curator of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) gigs, which took place at Royal Albert Hall this month, after turning 80 on on 1 March.
Over the last 24 years, as the leader of TCT, Daltrey, a vociferous supporter of Brexit, has helped to raise £32m for specialised NHS units to care for young cancer sufferers.
He has now reflected on his decision to end his time as the event’s curator, suggesting it stemmed from a desire to “be realistic” about his future.
Writing in a “backstage diary” for The Times, Daltrey said: “I have to be realistic. I’m on my way out. The average life expectancy is 83 and with a bit of luck I’ll make that, but we need someone else to drive things.
“I’m not leaving TCT – I’ve been a patron since I first met the charity’s founders, Dr Adrian and Myrna Whiteson, more than 30 years ago – and that will continue, but I’ll be working in the back room, talking to the government, rattling cages.”
Daltrey said he had concern “about how many words” he had to remember ahead of recent shows he performed, and admitted to feeling nervous beforehand.
“On at 8.40pm and I’ve got to say I really feel it tonight,” he wrote, adding: “We haven’t done anything for seven months and this winter’s been brutal. I’ve been in hibernation. For the whole of January, I lost my voice completely.
“I live like a monk and if I went on tour for a week I’d be fit as a butcher’s dog again, but tonight, for the first time in my career, I think, ‘Blimey, this is hard.’”
Daltrey paid tribute to the “unsung heroes” who have aided the events over the years during The Who’s swansong performance.
The Teenage Cancer Trust has said it plans on working with a series of guest curators next year, after Daltrey steps down. While the rock legend said he isn’t going away from the TCT, and will continue to serve the charity as an honorary patron, he has “completed the job” he “set out to do”.
Prince Harry’s latest move has been branded “embarrassing” after he attended a glamorous event in Hollywood to accept the Pat Tillman Award for service from ESPN. This accolade is bestowed upon exceptional individuals in sports who’ve made major contributions to benefit others’ lives.
Now, a GB News TV host has since called labelled the acceptance as “embarrassing” for the Prince. Nana Akua wrote: “How can they not see how jarring this must be for Pat’s mother and family? It beggars belief.”
In her disapproval, she added: “They don’t want him to pick up the award even if he believes he is picking it up on behalf of others, he should respect that. Any last shred of credibility is well and truly gone. How embarrassing.”
Caught amidst a hail of criticism while accepting the award was the Duke of Sussex himself, including harsh words from Mary Tillman – Pat’s mum. Appalled by the choice, she told the Mail on Sunday: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”
Venting her disappointment further, she pointed out: “There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community who are doing tremendous things to assist veterans”, reports the Express.
In an ironic twist, she highlighted the stark class difference between Prince Harry and the deserving yet underprivileged achievers stating, “These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”
The award was named posthumously after former American footballer Pat Tillman, who bravely swapped his flourishing career for military service following the 9/11 tragedy. He met a tragic end in Afghanistan in 2004.
Honoured for his dedication to Invictus Games, which recognises the sports achievements of wounded, unwell or injured servicemen and women, Prince Harry, 39, received the award. The Duke himself held an impressive 10 years stint in the Army, during which he rose up the ranks to Captain and completed two tours in Afghanistan.
The announcement about his nomination led to backlash in the form of a change.org petition, demanding ESPN to re-evaluate its decision to give the prestigious honour to the Duke.
