The Who’s Roger Daltrey reacts to receiving a Knighthood: “It is a wonderful honour for me”

14 June, 2025

The Who‘s Roger Daltrey has been awarded a Knighthood in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours list.

The frontman has been recognised for his services to charity and music, having co-founded The Who in 1964 and been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust for more than two decades.

Speaking on the award in a statement issued earlier today (June 14), Daltry said: “It is a wonderful honour for me and especially for Teenage Cancer Trust. I accept this award not only for myself but on behalf of all the unsung heroes who have given their energy towards making the Teenage Cancer Trust the success it has become.

“The likes of The Who and their fans, Angie Jenkison, Lindsay Hughes, Des Murphy, Rob Ballantine and the late Chris York are some of many who have done so much to elevate the charity, to the point where it now has 28 specialist units in NHS hospitals across the UK.”

In a separate statement, Daltrey told the Press Association, “It’s kind of weird, but I am deeply honoured to get this, especially for the charity for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and I accept it on their behalf really, because this honour is really for all unsung heroes. It’s a dream come true for me, but it’s especially a dream because the charity means so much.”

Daltrey has curated the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at the Royal Albert Hall since 2000– although took a break in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Since its initiation, it has raised more than £32million in ticket sales and has gone on to support those struggling with cancer.

Last year, the musician confirmed that he would be ending his time as the curator for the Teenage Cancer Trust concert, after running the series for 24 years. He will remain as the charity’s patron. The Cure’s Robert Smith will take over curator duties from 2026 onwards.

This year’s series ran from March 24 to March 30, with headliners including The Who, The Corrs, James Arthur, a comedy night hosted by Micky Flanagan, as well as the Sex Pistols, who performed with Frank Carter.

Other musicians to be honoured in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours list this year include singer Elaine Paige, who receives the Order of the British Empire for services to music and charity, 10cc‘s Graham Gouldman, who receives an MBE, and Steve Winwood, also an MBE.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, said: “This year’s Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country.

“From community champions to cultural icons, each recipient reflects the very best of Britain. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them all.”

In other The Who news, the band are currently gearing up for their US farewell tour.

In the lead-up, there’s been confusion surrounding their live line-up, after drummer Starkey – son of Ringo Starr and part of the band’s line-up since 1996 – publicly confirmed that he had been kicked out of the group last month. Just days later, however, Pete Townshend denied this, confirming that he was “not being asked to step down” and very much still part of the line-up.

Things got even messier on May 18, though, when Townshend then officially announced Starkey’s departure from the band, stating that “the time has come for a change”. He also cited Starkey’s “new projects” as an added reason for him to leave, concluding: “I wish him the best.”

Daltrey would then confirm the news, but explain that it wasn’t a case of Starkey being “fired” from the group, but rather him “retiring”. This, he said, was so he could focus on his work with supergroup Mantra Of The Cosmos, who have a new song coming out soon that was penned by Noel Gallagher.

Later, Starkey then reiterated that he was “fired” from the band, and revealed that he and Daltrey had a conversation that left them both “truly confused” about the situation.

When the news announcing Starkey’s ‘retirement’ was shared, The Who also confirmed that Scott Devours would be taking on the role of drummer for their farewell tour. He has previously worked with Daltrey as part of the singer’s solo band. Following the news of him joining the line-up, he called the weight of being their new sticksman “enormous”, and added that he understood if fans were “gutted” by Starkey’s loss.

The Who’s farewell tour is set to begin in Florida on August 16, and other shows across the month include stops in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New York. Visit here for tickets.

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