Roger Daltrey threatened to end The Who’s concert at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island on Wednesday due to fans smoking pot near the stage.
Newsday reports Daltrey has a well-known allergy to marijuana smoke that affects his throat and singing voice, a condition the band emphasized during the informational slides it projected before its set.
The smoke's impact was almost immediate on his voice, which went from crystal clear and potent for the opening "I Can't Explain" to something rougher and more limited as the concert progressed.
After the show’s fourth song, “The Kids Are Alright”, Daltrey repeated the urgency of the issue, saying “Either stop it or the show will be over. So, it’s your choice. I can’t do anything about it, I’m doing my best.”
Townshend then joined in the crowd’s chant of “Eat it!” before adding, “Shove it up your *ss. It’s the quickest way. I think it’s quicker than eating it.”
“..and by far the most pleasurable,” joked Daltrey in an attempt to lighten the moment.
Two songs later and the singer had had enough.
"My voice is shutting down," said Daltrey. “I can do nothing about this. I’m close to walking because whoever is doing it…it’s coming my way.
“It’s medicinal,” joked Townshend as the band launched into “My Generation.”
A few songs later, though, Daltrey had seemingly recovered. He hit the towering notes of "Love Reign O'er Me" with no problem and his voice got stronger from there.
Daltrey and Townshend are currently playing shows across North America on their farewell tour, “The Who Hits 50!”
See also:
The Who: Pete Townshend previews new solo collection Truancy
The Who to release 1982 Shea Stadium show on DVD
VIDEO: The Who preview classical version of Quadrophenia
Pete Townshend and Eddie Vedder to host cancer benefit concert
Search The Who at hennemusic
