Advertisement

Roger Daltrey sparks debate over coronavirus response during Good Morning Britain appearance

ITV
ITV

Roger Daltrey made a controversial appearance on Good Morning Britain today, stirring debate on how the government is responding to Covid-19.

The 76-year-old rocker, best known as the lead singer of The Who, suggested that people should no longer be required to socially distance in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Speaking to Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid, Daltrey said: “Life’s a terminal illness and we can’t spend the time we have living in a box.”

Watch: How Roger Daltrey and his charity helps teens with cancer

The star’s comments come after the government's recently-introduced 10pm curfew, which means all bars and restaurants close at the same time. The move has proved controversial, with some seeing it as a death knell for the hospitality industry.

While some viewers agreed with Daltrey, others believed that his words were irresponsible and pointed out that there are other ways to curb the crisis.

“Roger Daltrey speaks absolute sense regarding Covid,” said one viewer. “Simple and clear.”

A second viewer claimed people are afraid of catching Covid due to the flawed track and trace system.

Another added: “He’s not a doctor or a scientist or immunologist. Why are third rates and has-beens all given a platform to talk about a scientific issue?”

The legendary rocker was appearing on the programme to discuss the Teenage Cancer Trust shows, announcing that the charity will be streaming never-before-seen concert footage of iconic singers – with Ed Sheeran being first to perform.

The videos will all be available to watch on YouTube for free, but Daltrey, who’s thought to be worth over £64 million, urged viewers to donate money in order to support the charity, which has been struggling since the pandemic hit.

“There’s one problem with YouTube, and it’s that that kind of generation expects everything for free. Everything has to be for free," he said.

“This needs to be to raise money. All we’re asking for if people could give one pound, the price of a cup of coffee, a fiver, we can keep these vital charities going so there will be there at the end of this crisis.”

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV

Read more

Unseen footage of The Who and more to stream for Teenage Cancer Trust

The Who postpone 2020 tour dates due to coronavirus fears

The Who become first rock legends on Camden's Music Walk of Fame