In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Roger Daltrey has made the claim that THE WHO was 'the first heavy metal band', having laid the groundwork for the genre more than six decades ago.

The 82-year-old rock legend credits THE WHO's guitarist Pete Townshend for inventing the iconic 4×12 speaker cabinet and making it famous through his guitar smashing, which in turn influenced Jimi Hendrix and other bands like Led Zeppelin.

Daltrey also mentions that THE WHO elevated rock music to new heights with their first live album 'Live At Leeds', which 'sort of invented heavy metal'.

However, Townshend has previously stated that the band was copied by many other groups, including Led Zeppelin.

The discussion highlights the significance of THE WHO's legacy in shaping the sound and style of heavy metal music.

In related news, Daltrey will embark on a US solo tour dubbed 'A Great Night Out' to celebrate his return after two years.

The tour will kick off August 23 at the Mesa Arts Center in Arizona and run through September, featuring rare performances by Daltrey in New York City and other cities.

The tour announcement follows Daltrey's widely praised semi-acoustic summer outing and THE WHO's farewell tour last year.

Daltrey has been honored with a knighthood for his contributions to charity and music, and he continues to be active in the music industry through his solo work and various initiatives.