Roger Daltrey's favourite song by The Beatles

The Beatles, drawing inspiration from 1950s rock 'n' roll and adding a distinctive Liverpool touch, burst onto the music scene in 1962, marking a cultural shift that profoundly impacted their contemporaries. The transformative power set in motion by The Beatles' arrival was not fully grasped then, and their influence rippled through society, challenging established norms.
Roger Daltrey, frontman of The Who remains keenly aware of the profound changes initiated by The Beatles. As he reflects on his six-decade-long career with The Who, Daltrey acknowledges the critical and commercial success they achieved in an era vastly different from the contemporary dominance of the internet in music consumption.
Known for his outspoken nature and willingness to delve into controversy, Daltrey embodies the rebellious spirit that defines The Who, echoing the ethos of their iconic anthem, 'My Generation.' The band's foundation lies in this rallying cry for societal change, contributing significantly to its realization. Daltrey, both in speech and song, continues to embody a spirit of defiance that characterizes their enduring legacy.
Recently appearing on BBC Radio 2's Tracks of My Years, Daltrey reflected on his life through ten significant songs. One highlight from his collection was 'Love Me Do,' The Beatles' 1962 debut single. Acknowledging it as his favourite Beatles song, Daltrey recognizes its consequence as the catalyst that ignited the swinging '60s and transformed the entire music industry.
“When we first heard that come out from Radio Luxembourg, not BBC, they wouldn’t play,” Daltrey remarked. “But again, the sound of ‘Love Me Do’ was the key ignition that started the swinging 60s, and the whole business, the whole music industry changed.”
He emphasized the extraordinary sound of The Beatles, particularly the harmonica and the unique harmony that set them apart from everything that preceded them. Daltrey's appreciation for 'Love Me Do' underscores its role as the pivotal moment that marked the beginning of a musical and cultural revolution in the 1960s.