MONDAY POP SPECIAL

ROGER DALTREY . . . star who is never snookered.

UNDERNEATH the spaniel locks is a face that has stayed remarkably young, despite a lifetime of rock ‘n’ roll.

The unmistakable face, and locks, belong to Roger Daltrey — the tiniest powerhouse you are likely to see on a stage.

We met to talk about Daltrey, The Who, rock ‘n’ roll, and staying alive in a business that eats millions for breakfast.

Daltrey and The Who were there in the beginning. THEY were the original punk rockers who put aggro into rock back in the Sixties.

And they are still around today, showing the also-rans of the Seventies the way home.

THEIR music is worshipped all over the world. Wherever they play, thousands pay homage and their money to watch the greats in action.

But throughout The Who’s many triumphs, each member of the band has managed to retain his own individuality and identity.

None more so than Daltrey. He has found time to star in the films “Tommy” and “Lizstomania” and record three solo albums.

The third of these has just been completed and is called “One Of The Boys.”

It will be in the shops within the next few weeks.

“I’m really pleased wif

just one of

the boys

By GORDON BLAIR

it,” the Cockney idol said, “there’s not one song on it that people don’t like.”

At the age of 33, Daltrey has survived with honours. He still struts with an east end style that should belong to a flyweight boxer.

“Two years ago was make or break for The Who,” he said, “The Who By Numbers was our first negative album but it was a winner.

“We knew after its success we would be around for a long time to come. Listen, we’ve gone through as many crises as most bands but we never split up.

“Another thing. We care about the kids — our fans. We care that they spend their money on our records and that they come from all parts of the country to see us live.”

WOULD he ever consider concentrating on a solo career?

“Never,” was the reply, “I have come to terms with the fact that I’ll never be a huge success on my own.

“The Who is, and always has been, a special vehicle and all of us believe it is

important the band survives.

“To be a solo star you have to devote 100 per cent to yourself. I’m not prepared to do that.

“When I made the films, people questioned my loyalty to the band. But there is no question. We are like a four-man football team who always win.”

The Who spend nine months in a year working and three months off.

WHEN at home, he spends most of his time on his 280 acres of farmland in Sussex.

“The other good thing about life,” said Roger, “is that I can now take my family on the road with me.

“The children are two, four and 13.”

He said The Who would be going into a studio “somewhere in Europe” in August to record a new album, and that it all depended on luring Keith Moon back from his home in Los Angeles.

“I’m sure we’ll get him back in one piece,” Roger said, “then I reckon we will go back on the road in Britain. That is where we’re happiest.”

EXIT THE SPANIEL, DANCING . . .

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