“After the Fire” was written by Daltrey’s bandmate Pete Townshend, and was originally intended for the Who; Townshend intended for the song to have its live debut at 1985’s Live Aid, but insufficient rehearsal time caused the idea to fall through.

An all-star cast of musicians backs Daltrey, including three-quarters of the band Big Country (drummer Mark Brzezicki, bassist Tony Butler, and guitarist Bruce Watson); Bryan Adams (guitar); and Robbie McIntosh (The Pretenders, Paul McCartney; guitar).