Posted 05 March 2009
Legendary rock star and The Who front man, Roger Daltrey honoured at UCD
One of rock music’s most iconic lead singers, Roger Daltrey of The Who has received the James Joyce Award from the UCD Literary and Historical Society.
Roger Daltrey first assembled the group that would become the Who in 1961 at the age of 16 while still attending Acton County School. In was his energy and ambition that drove the group during their formative years and sustained them during periods of uncertainty.
Roger Daltrey receiving his award at UCD
By the time of the rock opus Tommy in 1969, which shattered barriers and established The Who as a major artistic force in the world of music, Daltrey had become one of rock music’s most iconic sex symbols with his golden curls and fringed suede coats.
Roger Daltrey (background) signing autographs for UCD students at the event
The Who were first noted for deafening shows and for smashing their instruments in ferocious displays of auto-destructive art. Roger Daltrey’s energy and stage presence established The Who at the monumental Monterey Pop, Woodstock and Isle of Wight music festivals, and his instincts for production carved their path through the era of stadium rock.
"Roger Daltrey has had a truly incredible impact on the world of music. As the charismatic front man of the Who, he helped produce some of the greatest and most influential rock music in history,” says Ian Hastings, Auditor of the UCD Literary and Historical Society.
Roger Daltrey with Ian Hastings, Auditor of the UCD Literary and Historical Society
“It is for this outstanding contribution to music history that we present Roger Daltrey with the James Joyce Award from the L&H society."
Previous recipients of the UCD Literary and Historical Society James Joyce Award include: Sir George Martin - Producer of The Beatles; Noam Chomsky - Academic and theorist; Will Ferrell – US Comedian and actor; Sir Salman Rushdie - Writer and Booker Prize winner; Hans Blix - Former Chief UN Weapons inspector; and JK Rowling, Harry Potter author.
In 2003, Roger Daltrey was awarded a Time magazine Humanitarian Award for his patronage of the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that builds specialised wards for teenagers with cancer in the UK. In 2000 he set up the first performance at the Royal Albert Hall by ‘The Who & Friends’, with ticket sales and revenue from a DVD and CD raising over £1.2 million for the charity.
In 2005, Roger was awarded a CBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and good causes.
Roger Daltrey has appeared on stage apart from The Who on many occasions, and his 1994 solo concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall, with The Juillard Orchestra, was the fastest selling event in the history of the venue.
