The Who's Roger Daltrey responds to anti-pot smoking outburst at MSG
The Who brought their hits-filled, orchestral “Moving On” Tour to NYC’s Madison Square Garden earlier this week, and while we had a great time, there was part of the show that Roger Daltrey didn’t enjoy so much. Addressing the crowd between songs, he said, “all the ones smoking grass down in the front there, I’m totally allergic to it… I’m not kidding. Whoever it is down there, you fucked my night. I’m allergic to that shit and my voice just goes…so fuck you.” Watch video of the incident below.
British tabloid The Daily Mail posted about Daltrey’s outburst, referring to him as a “geriatric rocker.” In response, Daltrey made a statement to Billboard. “I’d just like to make it clear that it is quite well known amongst real Who fans that I have an extreme allergic reaction to pot and cigarette smoke,” he said. “I have a sensitive issue on my vocal cords and the smoke has the effect of shutting down my voice making singing really hard work. I really don’t want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment, all I ask for is a little respect for someone doing their best to deliver a good night out for everyone. If you have to smoke it, get off your ass and go to the bog (bathroom) or eat it, please refrain from blowing clouds of it at me. I probably end up smoking more of your pot than you do and it becomes a singer’s nightmare. You are putting the whole show in jeopardy by your selfish behavior, give it some thought.”
Daltrey has made similar comments at previous shows, and mentions in his 2018 memoir Thanks a Lot Mr. Kibblewhite that he’s long avoided drugs for his voice’s sake.
Meanwhile, The Who appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform “Won’t Get Fooled Again” from 1971’s Who’s Next. They were joined by Fallon and members of The Roots as they played the song, hilariously, on a selection of toy instruments. Daltrey announces that he’s leaving the band at the end of the song, while Pete Townshend smashes his tiny guitar. Watch that below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl5rb8L9pXI
