Induction for outstanding contribution to music
As legendary frontman of The Who, Roger Daltrey CBE, visits Portsmouth Guildhall with his Who Was I? tour tonight, his visit was made even more memorable earlier today as he was inducted to the Guildhall Wall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to music.
As the founder and lead singer of one of the most influential rock bands of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide, Daltrey influenced a generation establishing the role of the lead singer in a band as the focal point for live performances.
The Who performed at the city’s The Birdcage Club a number of times in their early years before their first performance at Portsmouth Guildhall on their 1974 Tour supporting their Quadrophenia album. They returned to the iconic venue in 2002 for two warm-up dates ahead of their ‘The Who & Special Guests: Live at the Royal Albert Hall’ charity concerts which raised over £1.2million for The Teenage Cancer Trust and which have continued over the last two decades.
Daltrey received a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of ‘Tommy’ in Ken Russell’s 1975 movie adaptation of The Who’s rock opera album by the same name, a role which was to be the beginning of a successful acting career for Daltrey whilst continuing to sing with The Who. Much of the film was filmed on location in Portsmouth including the South Parade Pier which was badly damaged by fire during the filming.
As well as a successful acting and film production career, Roger cultivated a successful solo career with 10 solo studio albums to his name and he has raised millions for a multitude of charities throughout his career. For the last 21 years he has been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust and he has launched his own Teen Cancer America charity.
A member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame, Roger Daltrey was honoured in 2005 with a CBE for his services to music and good causes and has also been awarded a Steiger Award, the James Joyce Award from the University College of Dublin, a stone on the new Camden Music Walk of Fame and in 2009 received America’s most prestigious cultural award, the Kennedy Center Honors.
Portsmouth Guildhall’s Wall of Fame was introduced in 2014 to honour artists who have achieved great success and whose work has brought immense joy and entertainment to millions. Roger Daltrey will sit in the company of The Osmonds, Genesis’ Steve Hackett, Mark King of Level 42, Foreigners’ Mick Jones, Musical Director & keyboard player for Queen, Spike Edney and many more.
CEO of The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays said “We are delighted to honour Roger Daltrey’s lifelong dedication to music and his connection to Portsmouth and the Guildhall through our Wall of Fame. It is a privilege to welcome an artist of Roger’s calibre in our first induction post-Covid and we enjoyed celebrating his many successes and achievements while reminiscing on his memories of the venue and city”.
Last remaining tickets for Roger Daltrey’s show at Portsmouth Guildhall tonight are available here or on the door (subject to availability)
A show for real music fans, Roger promises a musical journey through his career comprising a unique mix of music and conversation encompassing every music style imaginable from his incredible back catalogue.
Sound bites of an exclusive interview with Roger Daltrey by Soft Rock Show hosts, Geoff Dorsett and Adrian Collis are available to hear on Express FM and The Wall of Fame is available to view at all Portsmouth Guildhall events.