Roger Daltrey knighted: “It’s a dream”

As already anticipated last June, Roger Daltrey he was among the names chosen by King Charles of England to receive a knighthood, together with the footballer David Beckham and the actor Gary Oldman. Daltrey was honored for his services to music and charity.

The Who singer, 81, received the honor from William, Prince of Walesat Windsor Castle. “I was born during the Second World War and grew up on the streets of London. For a boy like me, reaching this milestone is a dream” comments Daltrey.

Daltrey was for many years responsible for launching and curating the annual charity performance week Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The initiative has raised and donated more than £34 million over the past 25 years and the singer described his management of the long concert season as “an incredible journey”.

On receiving the award, Daltrey says: “For me it’s a double honour, because I receive it for my work with Teenage Cancer Trust. So, personally, it’s wonderful. But for Teenage Cancer Trust, I accept it on behalf of all those people who may never receive recognition and without whom we would never have had the success we have had with our charity. It’s important for me to make them understand that they are truly appreciated.”

The task is now in the hands of Robert Smith of the Cure, who has already announced a stellar line-up for the next edition thanks to the presence of Placebo, Garbage, My Bloody Valentine, Wolf Alice and many others. “I’m a little intrigued because they’re all bands I don’t know very well, so it’s eye-opening,” Daltrey says. “I’m from a completely different musical generation. It’ll be interesting.”