Roger Daltrey and Robert Plant are two of the most celebrated rock legends of all time. Daltrey is the front man for The Who while Plant is the front man for Led Zepplin.
There are probably plenty of wild rock stories out there about these two bands in their heyday, but now, with both rockers in their 60s, they seem to have given up rock pleasures such as groupies and alcohol for more philanthropic pleasures.
Last Friday, Daltrey and Plant announced the formation of the UCLA Daltrey/Townshend Teen & Youth Adult Cancer Program. In case you don’t know, that “Townshend” part of the title is The Who’s legendary guitarist Pete Townshend. Townshend couldn’t attend the press event because of an expired visa.
The program aims to reach those with cancer that don’t really quality as children and yet aren’t quite adults. Daltrey said, “Adolescent care up until now has been a teenage wasteland.” Why create this program? He said, “Every generation of rock musician will understand that we wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of teenagers buying the records. Just put yourself back on the line. It’s very easy — just be there when they ask for you.”
Actually, this isn’t Daltrey’s first altruistic act. The Who as well as other musicians have been involved in England’s Teenage Cancer Trust, which founded 19 cancer units for teens in the UK.
Plant has been supportive of The Who’s efforts for cancer patients for years. Daltrey said Plant has participated in benefit concerts and when other musicians see him doing it, they decide to do it too.
Joining Daltry at the event was Sarah Sterner, a 17 year-old drummer who suffered a brain tumor but has been cancer-free for 18 months. Daltrey called her “a complete success story.” Although Townshend couldn’t be at the event, he sent a video in which he said, “Let’s hope in the USA it can catch fire the way it did here, because it does save lives.”
The center will be built with teens in mind. There will be games, computers, a coffee counter, a pool table, couches, and posters of other rockers including The Ramones and Jimi Hendrix. It will also feature a blue Stratocaster signed by Daltrey and Plant.