He said: "I didn't expect to get this. None of us work alone so I accept this for those that don't get anything."

The Who were formed in 1964 and their breakthrough came with the single I Can't Explain which was followed by a string of hits including I'm A Boy, Happy Jack, Pictures Of Lily, Pinball Wizard and Won't Get Fooled Again.

Defining a generation

Alongside the Beatles and The Rolling Stones, the band helped define a generation and became known for their wild live performances which often resulted in the destruction of part of the set.

Although The Who did not have a number one single in the UK, their strength lay in massive album sales.

Managing to break the elusive American market, the band also performed live at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and Woodstock in 1969.

He and guitarist Pete Townshend are the only surviving member of The Who, which also consisted of drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle.

Daltrey has also been responsible for creating ambitious rock operas Quadrophenia and Tommy, and played a starring role in the film version of Tommy.

He is currently planning a new Who album, called Who2, which will be their first full studio album in 23 years.

BBC NEWS.