Roger Daltrey and 5 Other Iconic Screams of Classic Rock

Roger Daltrey celebrates his birthday on March 1. There are so many things that make the legendary Who frontman incredible. However, if we had to pick just one thing, it would have to be his iconic scream.

Daltrey is undoubtedly one of the best voices in rock. He certainly set the standard for screams for decades to come. In honor of his birthday, we look back at some of our other favorite “screams” in classic rock.

What’s Next for The Who?

On the topic of Daltrey, we can’t help but, obviously, think of The Who and the future of the band. Perhaps, the optimal question is whether there actually is a future at all.

In January 2024, Daltrey gave an interview to The Times. In the interview, the legendary singer was asked about the future of The Who. He said he couldn’t give a definitive answer because he’s not the one who writes the songs. (As we all know, Pete Townshend does that.) However, he did say, “[Pete and I] need to sit down and have a meeting, but at the moment, I’m happy saying that part of my life is over.”

In December 2023, Townshend made similar remarks to Record Collector. He said, “I think it’s time for Roger and I to go to lunch and have a chat about what happens next.”

Townshend then added, “Because [the final summer tour stop] shouldn’t feel like the end of anything, but it feels like the end of an era.”

As far as performing and touring goes, Townshend stressed that it all depends on a few factors. Among them is whether an idea would be doable and profitable. Perhaps the most important factor is whether an idea would even be fun to do. Believe it or not, Townshend said he’s had a lot of fun on the road lately, even though he’s said in the past he’s not super fond of touring.

• The Who - 'Won't Get Fooled Again'

  Sure, it’s difficult not to think of CSI: Miami when thinking about this particular Daltrey scream, but it’s still amazing. This was created in a pre-ProTools world when you actually really needed to hit your notes. Sure, there were still recording tricks available, but it was nothing like it is today. Daltrey’s scream still give us goosebumps today.

• Led Zeppelin - 'Whole Lotta Love'

  There are so many different scream/wail pockets in “Whole Lotta Love,” that it’s difficult to pick which one was Robert Plant’s best. Take your pick! Any of them are iconic. While Plant’s voice has changed over the years, it’s still incredibly powerful and has aged incredibly well when comparing it to his peers.

• Aerosmith - 'Dream On'

  Alright, who hasn’t harmonized with Steven Tyler on the climax of “Dream On”? If you say you haven’t, clearly you’re a liar. Anyone who’s seen Aerosmith live knows how awesome this moment is just from Tyler. Once you add thousands of fans singing along, it just takes things to another level.

• Janis Joplin - 'Cry Baby'

  Similar to Plant on “Whole Lotta Love,” there are so many incredible screams and wails from Joplin on “Cry Baby,” it’s hard to pick just one. This track is a prime example of Joplin’s one-of-a-kind voice. We can’t help but wonder what she would’ve done had she lived longer. Fortunately, we will always have her small, yet mighty, catalog forever.

• The Doors - 'Back Door Man'

  Easily the most primal scream on this list, Jim Morrison on The Doors’ “Back Door Man” never fails to send chills up your spine and make your brain all tingly. Like Joplin, we can’t help but wonder what Morrison could have done had he lived longer. It would’ve been fascinating to see how he would have evolved in the ’70s. Perhaps, his evolution would’ve continued into the ’80s, which would be especially interesting considering a new generation from the Sunset Strip took over rock and roll.

• The Beatles - 'Revolution'

  Just in case that opening riff didn’t grab your attention enough, John Lennon’s scream in the intro was there to grab you metaphorically by the collar. The riff/scream combination is just so perfect. It’s truly one of the best song intros ever. (And the song, itself, isn’t half bad either.)