The Who, probably one of the most influential rock bands of all time, are looking forward to rocking the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, according to Roger Daltrey.
The singer and founder of the seminal rock band will be joined by fellow surviving member, the guitarist Pete Townshend, when they perform the race day concert at the du Arena on November 23.
Daltrey said the group are excited to open their 50th anniversary world tour – and possibly their last – in the capital as part of the Abu Dhabi Formula One festivities.
“This is what we like,” he said.
“We have been doing this for a long time and to play in a totally new place and to a new audience is absolutely wonderful.”
Daltrey stated it was Townshend’s new-found desire to tour that was responsible for the group visiting new territories as part of their latest jaunt.
“We do have a certain amount of regrets and we do feel like we should have visited a few places a long time ago,” he explained.
“It is just that Pete was never keen on touring. But now that the sands of time are ticking down, he seems to be more keen than ever, and here we are going to Abu Dhabi and we are really looking forward to it.”
Despite the UAE being the first stop of one the rock world’s most anticipated tours, Daltrey said he shouldn’t experience any opening show nerves when hitting the du Arena stage.
The band are presently in the UK rehearsing and fine tuning many of their classics such as “My Generation”and “I Can’t Explain”.
“Going on tour for me is like going on a trip to the dentist,” Daltrey said. “It’s a chance for me to go out and enjoy the gas.”
Although their Abu Dhabi stay is limited, Daltrey said he does plan to reunite with some old friends residing in the emirate.
“I do have a lot of Arab and expat friends living there,” he said. “I am looking forward to just being there and spending some time with them. And I am also looking forward to driving some of your fast cars.”
Daltrey said he is excited about sampling the big race, which is set to go down to the wire between England’s Lewis Hamilton and Germany’s Nico Rosberg.
He cited the fierce competition between the two Mercedes racers as reigniting his passion for the sport.
“It has now got more interesting for me and generally it has been more competitive in the last few years,” he stated.
“The race between Hamilton and Rosberg is just something else.”
When it comes to his support, Daltrey is staunchly behind his fellow Englishman.
“Obviously, it’s Lewis Hamilton,” he said. “But it’s all one big race to the end.”
The Who perform at du Arena on November 23 and the show is exclusive to Formula One ticket holders for that day.
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* Check out Arts and Life soon for the full interview with Roger Daltrey
sasaeed@thenational.ae
