Roger Daltrey: I beg my friends to play at Teenage Cancer Trust gigs

The Who front man tells how top acts come to rescue at the Albert Hall
Phone calls: Teenage Cancer Trust patron Roger Daltrey
Dave Benett
Jennifer Ruby31 March 2017
The Weekender

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Roger Daltrey says he has had to “beg” his friends to play at Teenage Cancer Trust gigs — but they always come through and give great shows.

The Who frontman, pictured, managed to secure performances from Ed Sheeran, Paul Weller, Pet Shop Boys and Olly Murs for concerts at the Royal Albert Hall this week.

Daltrey said: “You get down on your knees and you beg. You make an awful lot of phone calls. Fortunately, someone always comes through for us. It’s fantastic.”

He credits his fellow music heavyweights with being his biggest supporters, ever since he set up the first series of shows at the venue in 2000.

Roger Daltrey

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“The big ones are sometimes the easiest and the most committed. People like Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher have been committed from day one,” he said.

“Robert Smith of the Cure has been amazing. One year they did two shows then four years later they’re back doing another two shows… incredible support. I just call them and say, ‘We need you’.”

Since 2000, more than 225 bands and artists have performed for the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, raising more than £24 million.

The Who marked the 100th show last night with a special performance of their classic rock opera, Tommy.

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