Legacy singer Roger Daltrey, known for his powerful vocals with The Who, has a bone to pick with some modern musical practices.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Daltrey took aim at a specific trend he’s noticed amongst many popular artists today, and it’s not their choice of clothing or outrageous stage antics. It seems the legendary frontman has an issue with something far less rock and roll: the act of revealing set lists beforehand.
This might seem like a minor detail to some fans, but for Daltrey, it represents a shift in the concert experience. He argues that keeping the set list under wraps builds anticipation and allows for a more spontaneous and electrifying performance.
The Downside of Pre-Revealed Set Lists
“There’s no surprises left with concerts these days, ’cause everybody wants to see the set list,” The Who’s iconic frontman lamented in the interview. He pinpointed the culprit: “Too many people reveal songs,” he declared, referring to the easy accessibility of set lists online.
Daltrey argues that this pre-show knowledge fundamentally alters the concert experience. Imagine going to a show already knowing every song that will be played. The excitement of anticipation, the joy of unexpected deep cuts, and the thrill of discovery all disappear.
Instead, fans walk in with “preconceived expectations on what they’ll hear”, as Daltrey puts it. This predictability removes the magic from the live performance, a sentiment many music lovers can likely relate to.
“I Can’t Stand It”
And the legendary vocalist isn’t afraid to voice his opinion on the impact of the internet on live music. He expressed his frustration with the ease of finding out setlists online beforehand. Daltrey argues that this pre-knowledge robs concerts of the element of surprise, something he feels is crucial to a great live experience.
“I’m f*cking sick of it,” Daltrey reiterated. “The Internet’s ruined the live shows for me. Who wants to know what’s coming next? People forget about surprises. I can’t stand it.”
When it was mentioned that some fans might use setlists to plan bathroom breaks, Daltrey responded with a sarcastic quip. He suggested that these fans might as well just listen to the entire concert from the restroom. This sharp comment highlights Daltrey’s strong feelings about the importance of experiencing a concert live and in the moment.
Daltrey Embarks on Unique Acoustic Tour
Daltrey is set to launch a special U.S. tour kicking off on June 10th in Glenside, Pennsylvania. This tour will be a departure from the band’s usual high-energy rock shows, offering a more intimate and acoustic experience for fans.
The iconic frontman promises a fresh take on both classic Who tracks and his own solo material. He’s excited to explore “different instrumentation” and move away from relying on pre-recorded elements. He explained, “I just want to branch out and do something different, where I’ve got different instrumentation and I can stop using tape loops,” the rocker explained. “It just creates a whole new sound and allows me the freedom as a singer to put some other people’s songs in I’ve been fond of over the years.”
Daltrey’s main focus for the tour is pure enjoyment and exploration. He’s eager to experiment with the freedom this format affords him, letting the tour unfold organically. With a spirit of discovery and a desire to connect with audiences on a deeper level, this promises to be a truly special experience for both Daltrey and his fans.