Roger Daltrey Doesn't Care About the 50th Anniversary of "Who's Next"

This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Who’s classic Who’s Next album, and while fans may be excited to celebrate the milestone, there’s at least one person who seems generally underwhelmed by the prospect: frontman Roger Daltrey.

Daltrey spoke to Rolling Stone recently to discuss, among other things, his work with the Teen Cancer Trust and his new podcast featuring teen cancer patients telling their stories. But the topic shifted to the Who’s Next anniversary, and the publication asked him if the band might consider playing the album in its entirety on their next tour.

“No, I don’t see the point,” Daltrey responded. “Who’s Next is a great album, but it’s best left as a great album. Just playing albums live doesn’t do anything for me, personally. The show we’ve got with the orchestra is fantastic, and the Who’s catalog has so much varied stuff that makes it better than just listening to Who’s Next. Why do that? Go and play the record and get stoned or whatever you wish and have a good time! That’s a way to celebrate. You don’t need us to do that.”

Daltrey also shrugged at the idea of a potential 50th anniversary Who’s Next box set or reissue. “I don’t really know,” he said. “That’s record company business. They own the catalog. I feel like a painter who’s finished a painting. I never want to see the bloody thing again! I’m sorry, but you’ve got to let this stuff go.”

So there you have it! Who’s Next is a great record, but we don’t need to go crazy with the nostalgia. Roger Daltrey would prefer it if we didn’t.