THE Who's versatile and globally respected vocalist is on a much-awaited UK solo tour under the title An evening with Roger Daltrey or Who was I?
It's a well-structured, highly-enjoyable varied showcase which could also be called a 'Who-dunnit', with some clues into what makes up this always affable upbeat character - and now one of rock's elder statesmen.
I have interviewed him many times and what you see is what you get, an affable down-to-earth superstar.
At 78 - he still has the charisma and popular persona.
The voice is in super shape and sporting shades, loose white shirt and jeans he also looks the part. He even 'lassoos' the microphone - one of his stage trademarks.
Roger Daltrey
This show was initially designed to help musicians through the endless lockdowns. His way of saying "we're all in this together." And so he's finally made it on tour - and it's been worth the wait.
It's a chance to get to know the man behind the distinctive voice which can soar on rockers and tingle on the sensitive numbers. He has contributed to the soundtracks of so many of our lives lives.
Musician, movie star, author and film producer - that's an impressive CV for this self-effacing Londoner who says that all he ever wanted to be was "the singer with The Who."
He's always been a determined geezer from Hammersmith, taking risks and sometimes hurting people along the way.
Add to that mix a marvellous sense of humour which clearly helped him through his roller-coaster career with Who members Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and the legendary Keith Moon.
Roger Daltrey
So how can you cram the best of Roger in two hours? He does and certainly relishes this type of musical storytelling.
Following the support act - accomplsihed singer-songwriter New Yorker Leslie Mendelson - Roger bounced on stage and danced, played guitar and told many anecdotes.
He relished the stories behind the songs from the classics Who numbers to his collaboration with Leo Sayer on the sublime Giving it all Away to the acclaimed movie score for McVicar.
It was his decision to pick smaller non-stadia and the Empire with 2,300 seats can still be an intimate venue.
Roger has assembled a formidable nine-piece touring band featuring Simon Townshend (very versatile brother of Pete), Simon's son Ben on drums and violinst Katie Jacoby.
The wide-aged group audience welcomed his cheery opener Let My Love Open the Door.
The acoustic friendly Who songs were consistently lapped up fom Squeeze Box to The Kids Are Alright, Baba O'Riley and Who Are You?
In between songs he talked about his life and spoke animatedly about his forthcoming co-scripted Keith Moon film - 32 years in the making.
Roger spoke fondly of one time collaborator and cancer survivor Wilko Johnson playing three harmonica-throbbing songs from the rythm and blues catalogue.
He ended with a treat - Young Man Blues from the classic 1970 Live At Leeds album.
Roger, thumbs aloft, left the stage grinning and joking proving yet again that he still loves every single minute of the day.
Globe verdict: 5 Stars. Rocking raconteur
rogerdaltrey.com
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