The RD Crusaders

The RD Crusaders is a super group band created by The Who's Roger Daltrey and newspaper publisher Richard Desmond in 2003. The group has raised several million in funds for charities including The Teenage Cancer Trust and Norwood (charity).

Their lineup varies but originally consisted of vocalists Roger Daltrey and Lulu, guitarists Russ Ballard (of Argent) and Rick Wills (of Foreigner and Bad Company), drummer Steve Smith, organist Zoot Money, and Richard Desmond.

The super group made their 2003 debut at a charity gig to benefit Teenage Cancer Trust at Ronnie Scott’s club in London. Band members and guests at that show included: Roger Daltrey, Gary Moore, Greg Lake, Gary Brooker, Simon Townshend, Nick Newall, Sam Brown, Zoot Money and Richard Desmond. In 2010 the group was in talks to play a charity show in Hollywood, CA.

In 2006 the group held a concert and auction in Old Billingsgate Market which raised funds for the Evelina Children's Hospital Appeal. The line up featured Richard Desmond, Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant, Elkie Brooks, Lulu, Greg Lake, Russ Ballard, Zoot Money, Simon Townshend, Steve Smith, Nick Newall, Nikki Lamborn (lead singer of Never The Bride), Steve Balsamo and Margot Buchanan. Another concert at the same venue in 2008 raised funds for the Marie Curie Cancer Care, and included a champagne reception. It was attended by royalty (Sarah, Duchess of York, Princess Beatrice) and a number of well-known celebrities, including Elizabeth Hurley, Peter Andre, and Katie Price.