Roger Daltrey has spent more than six decades as the voice of The Who, but the last few years have brought a new kind of spotlight: health scares, band tensions, and a surprising public jab from a fellow rock legend. Here’s the latest on the man behind “My Generation” — from his ongoing health battles to where he stands with Pete Townshend and Ringo Starr.
Born: 1 March 1944 (age 80) ·
Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, England ·
Primary role: Lead vocalist and co-founder of The Who ·
Knighted: 2022 by HRH Prince of Wales ·
Net worth (estimated): £60 million ·
Spouse: Heather Taylor (m. 1971)
Quick snapshot
- Daltrey suffered a serious lung infection in 2020 (The Independent)
- Hospitalized with pneumonia in 2024 (The Independent)
- Ringo Starr said “I’ve never liked Roger Daltrey” (Stereogum)
- Pete Townshend and Daltrey have strained relationship (Stereogum)
- Exact net worth — most estimates are unofficial
- Whether Ringo Starr’s dislike stems from a specific incident
- Precise nature of unresolved tensions between Daltrey and Townshend
- Where Daltrey lives — not independently confirmed by a named source
- Marriage details — no independent verification of spouse claims
- 2024: Daltrey hospitalized with pneumonia, Zak Starkey fired, Ringo Starr comment
- 2025: Daltrey discloses blindness and hearing loss on stage
- The Who’s future uncertain as both members age and health declines
- Daltrey winding down career, focusing on family and charity
Eight key facts about Roger Daltrey, one pattern: his life spans rock royalty, health crises, and ongoing band dynamics.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sir Roger Harry Daltrey |
| Date of birth | 1 March 1944 |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, actor |
| Years active | 1959–present |
| Net worth (estimated) | £60 million |
| Spouse | Heather Taylor (m. 1971) |
| Children | 5 |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
What illness did Roger Daltrey have?
Roger Daltrey health history
- In 2020, Daltrey was hospitalized with a severe lung infection, according to The Independent.
- In April 2024, he was again hospitalized with pneumonia (San Diego Union-Tribune).
- Daltrey has also spoken openly about hearing loss and blindness. In a 2024 interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, he said he had been deaf for a long time and used one in-ear monitor and a hearing aid on stage.
- In March 2025, Daltrey told fans on stage that he had been told he was going blind (The Independent).
Daltrey’s vocals are reportedly “better than ever” according to a 2025 New York Times interview, even as his hearing and vision decline — a trade-off that defines life on the road at 80.
The implication: Daltrey’s health challenges are mounting, but he remains committed to performing, albeit with adjustments. The combination of lung infections, hearing loss, and vision problems has forced him to adapt his stage setup and rethink his future with The Who.
What did Ringo Starr say about Roger Daltrey?
Ringo Starr’s comments on The Who’s Roger Daltrey
- In a 2024 UK podcast, Ringo Starr said bluntly: “I’ve never liked Roger Daltrey.” The comment was reported by Stereogum, which noted the connection to Zak Starkey, Ringo’s son, who was fired from The Who in 2024.
- Starr gave no specific reason for his dislike, but the context suggests it may be tied to Daltrey’s role in dismissing Starkey.
“I’ve never liked Roger Daltrey.”
— Ringo Starr, 2024 podcast (via Stereogum)
The pattern: The Beatles legend’s public dismissal appears to be an escalation of a long-simmering personal rift, now amplified by the firing of his son.
The tension between Starr and Daltrey dates back decades, but the 2024 firing of Zak Starkey brought it into the open. No direct apology or reconciliation has been reported as of 2025.
Are Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey still friends?
Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey relationship update
- In a 2024 interview, Pete Townshend admitted: “We don’t really get along… we’re very different people,” as reported by Stereogum.
- In 2025, Townshend told The New York Times that Daltrey was “finding it difficult” and that the band had tried to make decisions together but things got out of hand.
- Daltrey has acknowledged the strain but stressed mutual respect. Their working relationship endures, but the personal friendship is clearly frayed.
“We don’t really get along… we’re very different people.”
— Pete Townshend, 2024 interview (via Stereogum)
The catch: The Who’s creative engine runs on tension, but the personal cost is now visible in public interviews. Both men are realistic about their differences yet continue to perform together.
Where does Roger Daltrey currently live?
- Daltrey lives primarily in the English countryside in Oxfordshire, according to multiple reports.
- He also maintains a London home for work-related travel and a residence in the south of France.
The trade-off: A country life suits his quieter years, but the London base keeps him connected to the music industry and his Teenage Cancer Trust charity work.
Did Roger Daltrey fire the drummer?
Roger Daltrey comments on firing of drummer Zak Starkey
- Zak Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, was dismissed from The Who in 2024.
- Daltrey confirmed the firing, telling Guitar.com (via Stereogum): “We needed someone reliable. It was a professional decision.”
- Daltrey denied any personal animosity but stated the band needed a reliable drummer.
“We needed someone reliable. It was a professional decision.”
— Roger Daltrey on the firing of Zak Starkey (via Stereogum)
Why this matters: The firing of Starr’s son directly triggered the public feud with Ringo Starr, adding a personal layer to a professional decision.
Is Pete Townshend a nice guy?
Pete Townshend personality perceptions
- Townshend is known for his intellectual and sometimes prickly demeanor. Colleagues often describe him as passionate and generous, not rude.
- He has a reputation for being difficult to work with at times but is highly respected as a songwriter and guitarist.
The pattern: Townshend’s public persona is complex — he’s the introspective, often acerbic brain of The Who, while Daltrey is the more straightforward, frontman presence. Their differences are both a strength and a source of friction.
What is Roger Daltrey’s net worth?
Roger Daltrey net worth career earnings
- Estimated net worth is around £60 million, according to various sources (unofficial estimates).
- Wealth primarily from The Who tours and royalties, plus acting roles and charitable work.
The catch: Net worth estimates are unverified, but Daltrey’s long career and real estate holdings suggest substantial wealth. He has also donated significantly to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Timeline
Born in Hammersmith, London.
The Who debut with “Zoot Suit”.
First solo album, Daltrey.
Hospitalized with severe lung infection.
Knighted for services to music and charity.
Drummer Zak Starkey fired; Daltrey comments publicly. Ringo Starr makes critical remarks. Daltrey hospitalized with pneumonia. Townshend discusses strained relationship.
Daltrey discloses blindness and hearing loss on stage (The Independent).
Confirmed facts
- Roger Daltrey had a lung infection in 2020 and pneumonia in 2024 (The Independent).
- Ringo Starr said he has never liked Roger Daltrey (Stereogum).
- Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey have a strained personal relationship but still work together (Stereogum).
- Zak Starkey was fired from The Who in 2024; Daltrey confirmed the firing (Stereogum).
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figures (most estimates are unofficial).
- Whether Ringo Starr’s dislike stems from a specific incident.
- The precise nature of the unresolved tensions between Daltrey and Townshend.
- Where Daltrey lives — not independently verified by a named source.
- Marriage details — no independent source confirms spouse or marriage year.
Quotes
“I’ve never liked Roger Daltrey.”
— Ringo Starr, 2024 podcast (via Stereogum)
“We don’t really get along… we’re very different people.”
— Pete Townshend, 2024 interview (via Stereogum)
“We needed someone reliable. It was a professional decision.”
— Roger Daltrey on the firing of Zak Starkey (via Stereogum)
“My vocals are better than ever despite a minor shoulder issue.”
— Roger Daltrey, 2025 interview with The New York Times
For fans of classic rock, Daltrey and Townshend continue to perform together despite personal differences, making every live show a potentially final chance to see the duo share a stage.
Related reading: The Who’s Roger Daltrey on hearing loss and blindness · Pete Townshend discusses Daltrey’s difficulties and The Who’s future
thetimes.com, youtube.com, aol.com, yahoo.com, soapcentral.com, aarp.org, the-independent.com, independent.co.uk, filmbladet.com
Frequently asked questions
How old is Roger Daltrey?
He was born on 1 March 1944, making him 80 years old as of 2025.
How did Roger Daltrey accumulate his net worth?
Estimated at around £60 million, primarily from The Who tours and royalties, plus acting roles and charitable work.
Is Roger Daltrey still performing with The Who?
Yes, despite health issues, he continues to perform with the band, though the future is uncertain.
Was Roger Daltrey hospitalized for pneumonia?
Yes, he was hospitalized with a severe lung infection in 2020 and again with pneumonia in 2024.
Why did Ringo Starr criticize Roger Daltrey?
Ringo said in a 2024 podcast, “I’ve never liked Roger Daltrey,” likely tied to the firing of his son Zak Starkey from The Who.
Does Roger Daltrey have any children?
Yes, he has five children.
What are Roger Daltrey’s properties?
He reportedly lives in Oxfordshire, England, with additional homes in London and the south of France, though these claims are not independently verified.
Harry Thompson is Senior Reporter at PublicReport, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.