Sea Me, Feel Me, Hear Me . . . Roger Daltrey gives surprise show on QM2

//Sea Me, Feel Me, Hear Me . . . Roger Daltrey gives surprise show on QM2

RD RCT stage.jpgThere was a special treat yesterday for passengers crossing the Atlantic on board Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 – The Who’s Roger Daltrey gave an impromptu matinee performance in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre.
On board to take part in a song-writing seminar led by Chris Difford, he spent half an hour talking with Entertainments Director Paul O’Loughlin about his early life and how he began his career in music before taking a few questions from the audience.
As Edward Morris reports on the country music website CMT.com, he strapped on a 1963 Gibson guitar – as played by the Everly Brothers – and launched into a couple of Huddie “Lead Belly” Leadbetter, “Midnight Special” and “Goodnight Irene,” saying: “This one’s for my mum because it was my mum’s name.”
Then he brought a seven-piece backing band to accompany him on a succession of songs by his hero, Johnny Cash, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Train of Love” and “Ring of Fire.”
RD with guest on backing.jpgHe concluded the set with his a few Pete Townshend songs, including “2000 Years,” and “Real Good Looking Boy.” “Who Are You” even featured backing vocals from a member of the audience who had asked a question about the song.
Daltrey also put on a show for the ship’s crew – during which one of the workers surprised him by performing a flawless guitar version of Pinball Wizard.
Cunard lists a number of performers taking part in Difford’s seminars, including are guitarist Matt Deighton, drummer Simon Hanson, singer Claire Deighton and pianist Emma-Jane Thommen, but makes no mention of Daltrey’s presence on board.
Passengers are unlikely to be singing The Who’s “I Can See For Miles” however. The ship has been fog-bound on the Grand Banks for the last couple of days on its approach to New York.
roger daltrey 13 May QM2.jpg

By | 2017-06-15T16:00:06+00:00 14 May 2011|Cruise Entertainment|7 Comments

About the Author:

John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.

7 Comments

  1. quadroderelict 14 May 2011 at 4:26 pm - Reply

    The writer is clueless. 2000 years and the others are Pete TOWNSHEND songs…. Lrn2who. Peace.

  2. Quadredundant 15 May 2011 at 9:44 am - Reply

    Is it giro day?

  3. paula 18 May 2011 at 11:19 pm - Reply

    STILL WIDE EYE’D & WONDERING IF WE MET
    IN 1977 !!!

  4. James 19 May 2011 at 3:39 am - Reply

    I was on this crossing (just got home). It was a blast. Roger played again the last night in the Golden Lion pub. His voice is strong and amazing. He played pinball wizard and 2000 years again (cause I asked if he would). He was very approachable hanging out most nights by the bar in either the Golden Lion pub or the Chart Room lounge.

  5. Beverly 25 May 2011 at 8:16 pm - Reply

    I was also on the crossing – the trip was made all the more special by this surprise ‘unplugged’ performance. His voice is still as good as during the sixties and seventies. I saw them in Shropshire in 1960’s.
    The version of Who are You with the extra backing from a member of the audience was memorable. Whenever I watch CSI now I shall always think of that performance.
    Thanks Roger for a great afternoon

  6. Pete Frost 26 May 2011 at 9:12 pm - Reply

    I too was on QM2 for the most memorable afternoon with Roger & Chris and the band. Met them all often during the cruise in bars etc very very social, both Roger & Chris kindly autographed postcard of QM2 to wish my mate Kempy happy birthday. Thanks very much for making the trip even more special to all of us who travelled together

  7. Rob 28 May 2011 at 12:40 am - Reply

    The audience member on stage in the last picture is Nevin Grant, long time Music Man for radio powerhouse 1150 CKOC in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Nevin was one of the first people to play The Who in Canada. He had a hand in bringing a lot of great music to our area, and I’m sure being on stage with Roger was, without a doubt, another awesome memory in a storied life.

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