Rock Legend Achieves Lifelong 'Dream' at 81: 'An Incredible Honor'
- - Rock Legend Achieves Lifelong 'Dream' at 81: 'An Incredible Honor'
Jacqueline Burt CoteDecember 12, 2025 at 2:00 AM
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Photo by Michael Putland on Getty Images
After a decades-long career in rock and roll including multiple chart-topping hits, packed world tours and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, one might think Roger Daltrey wouldn't have any goals left to achieve. As it turns out, there was one major accolade left on the legendary frontman's bucket list — and now he can finally cross it off his list.
As The Independent reported, Daltrey, 81, was knighted on Wednesday, Dec. 10, by Prince William at Windsor Castle, following in the footsteps of such fellow music icons as Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Sir Mick Jagger.
The legendary frontman for The Who was recognized for his services to both charity and music. Daltrey launched and curated the Teenage Cancer Trust's Royal Albert Hall Concerts for over 20 years until he stepped down in 2024.
“For me, it’s a double honor because I’m getting it for my work with Teenage Cancer Trust," Daltrey said. "So personally it’s wonderful. But for Teenage Cancer Trust, I’m accepting it on behalf of all those people who may never get an honor and without whom we never would have made the success we have made of our charity.”
“It is an incredible honor, I was born in the Second World War and grew up in the streets in London. For a kid like me, achieving this, it’s a dream," he continued.
As Daltrey explained, he was touring when the letter arrived announcing his impending knighthood, and his wife Heather waited until he got home before she “broke the news."
Daltrey also encouraged his fans to “just love what you are doing."
“Never fall out of love with what you’re doing and deliver it," he added.
Who's curating the Teenage Cancer Trust's Royal Albert Hall Concerts now?
Taking Daltrey's place as curator of the Teenage Cancer Trust's Royal Albert Hall Concerts is Robert Smith, frontman for The Cure — at least for now.
“It needs young blood to survive and now Robert Smith is doing it next year and we’ll get a different curator every year then," Daltrey explained.
“I can’t believe I did it for 24 years because it’s not an easy thing they do," he added. "They manage to get six nights of music, one night of comedy, with people who are able to fill the Albert Hall.”
Daltrey went on to say that he'll still be attending the concerts, of course, and if there's ever a time when a band drops out, he can serve as the "spare band."
Related: The Who's Roger Daltrey Was Temporarily Fired for Punching This Band Member 60 Years Ago Today
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
