On December 10th, rock fans celebrated a major moment in music history as Roger Daltrey, the iconic singer of The Who, was honoured at Windsor Castle. He received a knighthood from The Prince of Wales, recognising not only his legendary career but also his incredible charity work.
A Legacy of Giving Back
From 2000 to 2025, Daltrey dedicated himself to supporting young people with cancer. Every year, he organised special concerts for the Teenage Cancer Trust at London’s famous Royal Albert Hall. These shows weren’t small events — they raised an amazing £32 million and helped the NHS set up 28 specialised cancer units across the UK.
When the knighthood was announced, Daltrey shared a heartfelt message. He said the honour was not just for him, but also for the many people who helped make the Teenage Cancer Trust such a success. He thanked The Who’s fans and several key supporters who stood by him over the years.
The End of an Era for The Who
The knighthood came not long after another emotional moment. In September, after more than 60 years as a band, The Who ended their touring career. Their final show took place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. During the last moments of the concert, guitarist Pete Townshend addressed the crowd, saying a heartfelt goodbye to this chapter of The Who’s story.
He assured fans that even though the big tours were over, he and Daltrey would still find ways to make music together — though perhaps in smaller, more relaxed ways.
Passing the Torch
With Daltrey stepping back from organising the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts, the responsibility has been passed on to Robert Smith, lead singer of The Cure. He has already announced the line-up for the 2026 shows, which will feature major acts like:
Garbage
Placebo
My Bloody Valentine
Wolf Alice
Chvrches
Elbow
Manic Street Preachers
These artists will continue the powerful tradition Daltrey built over 25 inspiring years.
A Celebration of a Life Well-Lived
Roger Daltrey’s knighthood is more than just a title. It is a celebration of a man who used his fame not only to make unforgettable music, but also to make a real difference in the lives of young people facing the toughest battles.
His journey shows that true legends don’t just perform on stage — they lift others up, give back, and leave behind a legacy that will last for generations.