An open letter from Roger Daltrey to The Who, fans, and the entire Who community.
Dear friends,
As I sit down to write this, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and astonishment for the wonderful adventure we have had together. From our first days in Shepherd’s Bush to the global stages that have connected us to millions, your constant love, support, and belief in me have made all the difference. Today, I’d like to thank The Who, our fans, and the entire Who community for the wonderful role you’ve played in my life.
Thank you to my brothers in The Who—Pete, John, and Keith—for creating a legacy of which I am proud. Pete, your songwriting has been the heart and soul of our music, conveying emotions, hardships, and victories throughout generations. John, your masterful bass playing and quiet brilliance laid the groundwork for so much of what we’ve accomplished. Keith, even though you’ve been gone for years, your spirit continues to inspire every drummer. Together, we developed a sound, a movement, and a tale that has touched people all over the world.
Our fans are the heartbeat of all we do, and you are the reason our music continues to thrive. Your enthusiasm at our gigs, commitment to our records, and stories about how our music has impacted your lives have always been our greatest reward. Throughout the ups and downs, your loyalty has been unwavering. Whether you’ve been with us since “My Generation” or joined us along the road, you’re family.
To our fans, who are the beating heart of all we do, thank you for keeping our music alive. Your enthusiasm during our gigs, your commitment to our albums, and your stories about how our music has changed your lives have always been our greatest reward. Your loyalty has been unwavering despite the ups and downs. You are family, whether you have been with us since “My Generation” or came along later.
Thank you to the entire Who community—the road crews, producers, promoters, and numerous others who work diligently behind the scenes—for providing an environment in which we could take risks, push limits, and achieve important results. Your enthusiasm and professionalism have been the wind beneath our wings.
I feel genuinely humbled as I reflect on decades of music, camaraderie, and shared dreams. The Who has been more than just a band; they have represented a way of life, a call to question standards, and a celebration of individualism. This fantastic trip with all of you at my side has contributed to my personal and artistic development.
Here’s to the music, memories, and magic we made together. Thank you for making my life richer than I could have imagined.
With all of my love and gratitude.
Roger Daltrey