The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” isn’t just a song – it’s a battle cry. The pummeling drums, the searing guitar, and the sheer defiance in Roger Daltrey’s voice have made it a timeless anthem of rebellion. But for fans gearing up for Daltrey’s upcoming tour, the familiar battlefield might look a little different.
In a recent interview with Billboard, The Who frontman unveiled a surprising twist on his approach to the iconic track, one that could leave some concertgoers wondering if they’ll truly get the “Won’t Get Fooled Again” experience they crave.
Daltrey isn’t ditching the song entirely, but it seems a significant change is brewing, one that might force both singer and audience to adapt to a new kind of revolution. “It just takes it off the rails and gives me more room as a singer. I’m not gonna do the scream. I’m gonna get the f*cking audience to do the scream.”
Roger Daltrey Prioritizes Vocals on “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
Time takes its toll, even on rock legends. Daltrey is approaching his performances with a renewed focus on singing. In the interview, he revealed plans to shift the burden of the iconic scream in “Won’t Get Fooled Again” from himself to the audience.
“I’ve done that scream for 55 years,” Daltrey explained, “and I’ve had enough of it. It’s brutal on the vocal cords.” This change in approach reflects a natural shift in priorities. At 80 years old, Daltrey prioritizes vocal health over pushing his limits.
“They can do the scream,” he says of the audience, “and I’ll do everything else. I’m more into singing these days. At the age of 80, I think I deserve to be.” This new approach promises a different kind of energy for the live performance, one that emphasizes Daltrey’s powerful vocals while still encouraging audience participation.
Stepping Back, But Not Giving Up
Roger Daltrey’s recent decisions hint at a changing focus. Earlier this year, he stepped down from organizing the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts, a role he held for over two decades. This move, while surprising to some, reflects a realistic assessment of his current situation.
In an interview with The Times, Daltrey acknowledged, “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.”
This decision isn’t a sign of slowing down entirely. Instead, it seems Daltrey is prioritizing areas where he feels he can still make a significant impact. By relinquishing the organizational reins of the concerts, he frees himself to focus more on his own artistic pursuits, such as his upcoming tour. It’s a strategic move that ensures the Teenage Cancer Trust continues its vital work while allowing Daltrey to dedicate his remaining energy to the music he loves.
Hitting the Road with New Realities
Despite his legendary status, even Daltrey experiences pre-show jitters. In The Times interview, he revealed anxieties surrounding his upcoming tour, particularly after a long break from performing. “We haven’t done anything for seven months,” he explained, “and this winter’s been brutal. I’ve been in hibernation. For the whole of January, I lost my voice completely.”
This period of inactivity has led to a newfound wariness about returning to the stage. “I live like a monk,” Daltrey says, “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’.”
Despite these anxieties, Daltrey isn’t backing down. His upcoming nine-date North American tour kicks off on June 12th in Vienna, Virginia and wraps up on June 29th in Highland Park, Illinois. Fans can expect a unique setlist, featuring mostly acoustic renditions of Who classics, alongside rare tracks, solo material, and other surprises. The tour also promises a more intimate experience, with Q&A sessions planned between Daltrey and the audience.
In the meantime, relive Daltrey belting out that scream in “Won’t Get Fooled Again” below.