I saw the Who in 1973 in Denver. Half way thru, he ripped a finger nail off doing the windmill thing, blood running down his arm. Didn't miss a beat, finished the concert still bleeding. Best concert I ever saw.
Good lord. I literally FELT when you said he ripped off his finger nail, doing his trademark move. They sure used to build them tough, back in the day! One of my dads older friends was missing a finger, and one day he got drunk enough to tell me the story. He said he was riding his bike home from school, "slapping" the windshields of cars parked on the street, as his finger got caught in between the metal trim. He said it ripped his finger right off, and he kept biking home. then his mom only found out days later after it got infected, but didn't say a word because he "didn't want to get in trouble". Truly The toughest generation yet!
Yeesh. I cringed reading this. Glad you got to see them during the era of what I believe is their best album (Quadrophenia). Despite being born long after their breakup (1991), I saw them in 2019 and they sounded incredible.
I gotta give credit where it's due. This time, Fallon let the guest tell the story without any ridiculous, giggly interruptions. Thank you, it was worth it.
What I saw as I sat through like the first whole minute of it, and it was all Fallon talking about what he did what he was doing, him him him. The whole first minute
"The Who"; my favorite rock band ever, since I was around 14 years old (I'm now 73). I've followed those fantastic musicians all my years. Pete is the most pioneering and creative composer in music ever in my opinion. I saw the Who twice in the 70's and took my son Regan to see Pete and Roger in Raleigh NC several years ago. After seeing the performance, Regan told me that that night, that he was able to cross number one off of his bucket list. Pete could probably be a damn good stand up (maybe now a sit down comedian) these days. Cudos to you for changing your mind about hoping to die before you got old! Way to go Pete, Roger and John and Keith for being a part of so many of our lives with your incredible music and performances for all those years.
NOT TO BE JUDGEMENTAL BUT ARE THERE DIFFERENT RULES FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE....I MEAN, IS THE LAW AND SOCIAL CONSTRUCT JUST DIFFERENT FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE??? ELVIS, JIMMY PAGE, THAT AEROSMITH GUY AND THIS GUY???? INTO THE NIGHT IS STILL A LOVED SONG.. . I MEAN COME ON...
I met Pete at the old Navarro Hotel on Central Park South in NYC back in 1979. The Who were playing five nights at the Garden. I had seen The Who at the Boston Garden in 1976. But this was my chance to meet Pete. My cousin and his two friends got to go up and hang with the band for an hour or so. I stayed downstairs. While I was waiting Bruce Springsteen came out and a few minutes later George Harrison. Bruce signed my travel bag. He was very cool. George would not sign for anyone. I didn't care. I was waiting to meet the man. Finally Pete finally came down with John Entwistle, Kenny Jones and a few other people I did not know. That was my chance. I went up to him nervously as he signed for four or five other fans waiting around their limos. Right before he got in the car I said "Pete do you have time for one more?" He said no. I was crushed. He then smiled and said "sure kid". I was elated. One of the best songwriters ever~ Rob/Boston
Was that the night in March at the Boston Garden when Keith Moon was too shit faced and fell off his drum set and they canceled the show...If so I was there too. They of course came back in April and honored out ticket stubs. Saw the before this show general admission at Providence Civic Center. Wow...Almost Cincinnati. Das 😎 all! 👍
@@RollingStoneZzzzz Yes indeed it was. Keith passed out after a few songs. Daltrey and Pete spoke to the crowd and promised to do another show. Or something along those lines. It was a long time ago. But I did see the makeup show too. It was one of the best shows that I saw at the Garden. They were so good that night~
@@Paneeks1960 General admission! Almost Cincinnati death seine! I remember being squished at the door and having a difficult time breathing! THEN...the doors opened and the Stampeed began. I made it to the FRONT of the stage! Awesome! If I only had a camera! Toots And The Matells were the opening act. They promptly got booed off. THEN the Who! Pete had MANY Gibson Gold Top guitars all numbered..1..2..3..4...5 etc. I believe this is the inspiration for the Who's album🤔Paint By Numbers! 🤔 However...my experience is NOTHING compared to yours! Wow! The Boston Garden show was good too. I got to see them a 3rd time because of Keith being too wasted! What a time to be alive for music! From the Beatles and Stones on the Ed Sullivan show to now! What a ride! Das 😎 all! 👍❤️ Thanks Bro!
As a guitarist, I have always found the intro to Pinball Wizard stands as a testament to Townsend's songwriting genius. Deceptively simple, this progression of chords features cascading decending notes among unusual chord choices of pure genius. Love Reign O'er Me employs a similar trick actually emulating rainfall. Again, genius.
I watched Roger Daltrey on David Letterman on his 51st birthday, in 1995. I was 27 then, and thought he was ancient. Now I'm 56 and he's 80. 56 ain't old! I caught their show in Phoenix about 18 months ago, my 6th time seeing them.
@@tobysbreathisverybad We saw the Stones on their last Hawaii appearance. I knew they'd be good, but they exceeded that by leagues. They were fantastic! Middle of the show, they walked to a small stage at the center of the arena and played without their backing musicians and singer. They were just as great, as they were with their backing artists. With their backing artists, they blew the roof off the place. Will absolutely see them again. Saw the original Who at Winterland in the 60's. Greatest live act, (along with Capt. Beefheart and his Magic Band, Trout Mask Replica lineup), I've ever seen.
Pete Townshend is one of the few Rock Stars that will sit down and have a interview in a serious manner and answer questions in a straightforward way... No Obsfucation, No Stoner memory lapse jokes, No BS... It's So Damn Refreshing to see a Super Star Artist speak and communicate so all of us can get a view into the rarefied air of a Rock Genius!!! Thank you!
I met Pete many years ago. It was at the premiere of Tommy in La Jolla. He could not have been nicer and more gracious. I have his autograph on the program for the show. 🙏💪🌍🌎🌏❤️🇺🇸🖖
me too! met him on the SD stop of his psychoderelict tour in 93 i think. Met him at The Westgate the day after the show. He signed autos and took pics with a few of us. good bloke!
I was at the same show at LaJolla. My girlfriend at the time played Tommy’s mother. Didn’t meet Pete but will always remember Rodger standing off to the side rather awkwardly, like he didn’t know what to make of a bunch of Musical Theatre performers. And he also seemed to be a bit jealous of the guy playing Tommy but I could have been wrong about that.
I remember this case very well, when the police siezed his computers they found no evidence that he had downloaded anything so where are you getting this theory he watched thousands of hours?
@@negan2747did you see him in police custody where he admitted what he had done and how stupid he had been, he used his own credit card to pay for illegal material, Then his very expensive lawyer turned up.
Im 32 years old, and I saw The Who perform at my local stadium for their 50th anniversary with my 50 year old dad a few years ago. Even though it was years ago, I can still remember it like it was yesterday. Brilliant and timeless band!
@@InsideOutJellyBaby Then there is a very good chance you got a glimpse the old man's energy as young buck at certain moments. ' ' I won't try to speak for anyone else, I'll just say that, if a child of mine does not have a certain spirit, I AM NOT going to take them to watch me dance with that spirit at the show by an artist who reaches inside me and moves stuff around, if you take my meaning. Sometimes Dads pay compliments that they know will not be recognized immediately. But that's a good thing, too. Because if he's gone when you realize something sweet he did only for you, after the tears you can feel the kiss.
@@That_Guy_Says_Hi You should show the entire world the real you, especially your own, IMHO. To do otherwise denies you any mark continuing beyond your own life's limits. It denies your family the truth you believe is sacred. It is to live as a lie, I'm afraid. Be honest with you & be brave when you decide to be honest with me & the rest of these worthless, foolish, Maga's, Moe's, & Incels that don't deserve the act you preform, daily. Love love love love love 💯🫀
@@ComradeTrotsky1017Entwistle and Moon are pretty much the best rhythm section in all of rock and roll for my money. They saved Townshend many a times in compositions where he was lacking in dexterity. That’s a fact.
It was once my favourite but I played it too much in my dark teen years, now I’m older I can’t listen to it I’m not dark anymore, that’s how Quadrophenia connects to you though
@@ytzpilot I am just the opposite. When I am down I actually love listening to Quad. The Dirty Jobs, The Rock and Bell Boy for some reason cheer me up.
Pete Townshend is just so interesting and full of endless stories to tell and has a brilliant sense of humor. Yes, I also know he is one of the greatest guitarists and songwriters of all time. 🎸
I had the greatest moment of my life with my father relationship at my house, he was visiting me with 80 plus years old on his shoulders, half deaf, not at all and I played Tommy live concert on my good powerful stereo,a Laser disc with a 40 inches TV. And we get in to it at really loud volume, so he can heard well the music. He did! And at the end he said: wow how good they are!!!!!🎉 He really enjoyed the show, the music the big band, Pete on acoustic guitar. Thanks Pete you gave me the chance to enjoy your music with my father and he finally understand this marvelous music that is called Rock and Roll. In a high art level.❤🎉
@KlausSgroi Eric was nowhere to be found, Pete called him and got no answer? Pete went out to his estate and found him hopelessly strung out on Heroin! Pete wouldn't give up on him and eventually got him on his feet. Even took him on the road for a few benefit gigs Pete did for charity. The audience response to finally seeing Eric again was a wake up call for him. The rest is history, but regardless thank God Pete intervened in Eric's life because who knows what would've happened 🙏?
😅He did a naive and terrible thing by accessing that stuff and thereby facilitating more and more of it (that's how it works, Pete), and he only got off because of privilege, mostly accrued by his achievements in the arts, granted. He should have been prosecuted. It might have ended his career as we know it, but he was hardly gonna have any issues putting food on the table again so I wouldn't have felt *_too_* sorry for the guy. Instead, we get to listen to him drone on about his overrated rock operas on talk shows. I always preferred him solo and i think The Who would have been far better as a three-piece without Daltrey bellowing over everything. *_'Who Are You'_* the single is better than the whole of Tommy put together imo. Right I'll shut up now ヅ
I was at the Murray th K show that Pete mentioned where they did four shows per day and he only had one guitar. These shows went on for several days and had multiple acts all playing three songs. I couldn't believe it when he started smashing his guitar to pieces, especially since I played guitar and it was precious to me and I didn't understand how he could afford to do this. You were allowed to stay to see as many shows as you wanted, so as people left, my friends and I moved to seats up close and waited to see the next show. You had to sit through a movie between each show. Finally the next show begins and when The Who came on, again they shocked us by smashing their instruments. Until this interview I assumed Pete had multiple guitars. It's hard to believe he could get them into playing condition with just some glue. BTW, Cream was also on the bill. This was the first time for both groups in the US and no one had heard of them before. What memories!
A lot of people commenting here saw The Who before I was born. That’s why they are legendary, timeless and will last forever. Love love love Pete and hope to see him with his solo project, or The Who, again soon.
We old geezers don't last forever so take whatever shot you can at seeing him. He really is all of that, as you so perfectly described. Just know how lucky you are to deeply appreciate the work of someone whose work is very likely the definition of "timeless" in that with a rhythmic sensibility within any era of music, present, past or future, can find at least one of Pete's compositions to fall in love with forever.
I understand the complexity of the highly intelligent and artistic mind, for starters. And what information have you about any actions he was found to have taken IRL?
Pete’s solo albums ‘Empty Glass’ and ‘All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes’ are two of my favorite albums of all time, by any artist or group. The lyrics to ‘Slit Skirts’ off of Chinese Eyes are among the best ever written, by any song writer.
Yeah, me too ..White City is excellent as well ..and although I didn't get on well with Iron Man ., my love of Pete obligated me to go deep into Psychoderilect and I got into that one too
@seanhennessey9869 It was his solo work that really hooked me. At least the trio of Empty Glass, Best Cowboys, and White City. As well as Live At Deep End. I was 15 in '80 and got deeply into The Who after seeing the film TKAA. Before that I knew the hits and what I heard on the radio. But I didn't own a Who album. TKAA was a game changer for me. I liked Face Dances as it was my first new Who album to own after delving into the past stuff. I didn't care much for Its Hard. I think mostly because Pete's solo stuff at the time was so superior. In my mind he was making "Who music" and The Who seemed a side project. His solo stuff taken side by side with Quadrophenia really knocked me for a loop. Stunning work. And Live At Leeds set the bar for most every band I've been a fan of since. To reach for those heights found on Live At Leeds for me is what rock 'n roll is all about. Live At The Isle Of Wright is also amazing.
I've seen the WHO live five times ,at least once a decade since 1969, just about every iteration of the band. The creative passion of Mr. Townsend has always shown through. The power of their music and presence is still yet to be matched by any new bands I've seen over the years.
@@alanserjeant4947 "But not a single image was found on his computer and no charges were ever filed." Just like the people who were guests on Epstein's island.
As an 11 yr. old in 1965, I was more into more 'folkie acoustic music' The Lovin' spoonful were my favourite. In 1969 when the song ' Pinball Wizard' was released it blew my mind! I was not 'all in' with the whole album, but in 1971 they recorded probaly the greatest rock album of all time! I still play (on my radio show) and at home. "who's next' still holds up in 2024
What an AWESOME interview! I saw The Who at Veteran's Stadium in Philadelphia during their Tommy concert tour in the late 80’s. It was a dream come true. THANK YOU for all of the glorious Rock & Roll you've given us. I love the back story about the band and about Tommy.
@@p47paul yes and did the rock n' roll save your soul? did you become justified? some kind of indwelling of the rocknroll spirit brought you salvation or what about it?
Dear Pete, First saw you at Shae Stadium 1983. I still have my shirt. One of the best moments of my life. I've such love for you, and I'm so grateful for The Who in my life, and your solo career. (Did you ever get my letter proposing marriage, back in '81? Guess not, oh well!!) You look amazing! Thank you for a wonderful interview, and Bless you!
Your taste is impeccable, whatever the record may say. I cried when I finally got my own copy of "Quadrophenia" because, story variances aside, Pete and I are exceedingly similar in emotional construction. But I'm a drummer. My yearbook photo will tell you that I want to be "the drummer for the WHO." 1972 ... or was it 1792? So long ago ...
Not being a rock fan, I ended-up almost by accident being interviewed by Pete in his Eel Pie studios in order to run his in-house video studio in the mid-1980s. I ended-up working there for 6 months, and found him to be a fantastic guy - intelligent, articulate, thoughtful, correct, driven - and yes - somewhat intense. I have VERY fond memories of that period in my life. He subsequently used to invite me to special events in the studio for several years, and then I left the UK and lost touch. Must touch base again.. A great bloke!!
If you don't know Pete's music, you are going to have fun discovering it. The Who -- his solo career. I greatly appreciate his music. The lyrics are great. The music is bold and intense.
I like Pete’s Scoop and Another Scoop albums, hearing the origins of some of the famous songs and some fun quirky pieces in there too. These were demos and home recordings.
Growing up as a young guitarist Pete Townsend was one of my idols. Pete was instrumental in changing the landscape of rock recording. A master musician and technician, the doctor with surgical precision on the guitar. With great respect we love you Pete!!
The band was playing somewhere and Moon walked up the them and said, "I'm a better drummer than that bloke you've got playing now." And Pete and Roger said, "OH YEAH?!? Well let's go play (song)." When the song was over, Moon became the WHO's drummer of record. And that was pretty much it. True story. Typical drummer stuff, lol. If, as a young rock drummer, you don't believe you can drive your kit right through that wall, don't come out of the basement and expect to compete. Because us guys who DO know that we can drive our Slingerlands or Gretschs or Peavys or Tamas or Yamahas or Sonors right the Hellanything we need to are out here waiting to . But if you understand the truth that even guitar virtuosos often wish to sit on the drum throne and be the of the party, WELCOME!
I was born in 1970 and always appreciated the Beatles and the Stones from my parents catalog. It took a while but a light went on I finally got the Kinks and the Who and their motivation. What a great time!
I saw the Who perform Tommy in June 1969 at the Plaldium theater in Hollywood. Was at the front of the stage very near Pete and still have hearing loss from that amazing event😂
I saw the original run of Tommy, great musical (mom saw Pete at the Roundhouse in 67, discussed Meher Baba and Isadora Duncan with him and Roger at Berkeley in 70).Saw the Who at MSG and Nola Jazz Fest. Be great to see them one more time!
@@ComradeTrotsky1017 THAT is WHY I watch Colbert or Kimmel 99 99/100% of the time. Never did understand why audience/TV corporate thought this juvenile, phony guy had any talent, especially musical. Ugh
I saw the Who in 1968 at Shawnee Mission East High School - they opened for The Buckinghams. The smashing of guitars shocked everyone in that Kansas City suburb. The Who blew me away! I left when the Buckinghams started playing and the local tv station cameras moved in towards the stage.
Loved hearing about the origins of Tommy. I first heard it using headphones, not common at that time, around 1970. Listened to the entire album straight through. It was a revelation. I still remember that moment.
Tommy on headphones, in 1970, that's the way to go, baby! I did the same exact thing. With that beautiful Decca label spinning 'round and 'round, and that incredible album cover in your lap. Whew. Heaven on Earth. (I also have a vivid memory of doing the same exact thing with the soundtrack album a few years later!)
One thing you got to admire about Jimmy, is his love for rock music, if he was not a tv host he could front any number of Cover bands because he can imitate so many singers so convincingly.
Want a wonderful interview and the best I have seen this year on late night TV- PT was both humble, Funny and gracious- Bravo Jimmy for getting him to appear!
Former resident of Tufts Street and drummer in Boston metro knows (it's in my yearbook) that he wants to be "the drummer for the WHO." Rock on, Brother John!
That was a really great interview, and that story Jimmy tells in the beginning just became a new favorite Pete Townshend story. I'm trying to think of which actor was there that night. Jim Carrey is the only one I can think of. The Who gave the most incredible and intense performance of that particular concert, by far. (And Carrey was at his most movie star hot, so I can kinda see him being that way about a junior member of SNL, at that particular moment, on that night. I'd say The Who and Jim Carrey had the best responses of the entire concert).
First time I saw The Who was on the British invasion tour. The Who, Blues Magoo's and Herman's Hermits. (1965-68(?)). Then again in Germany (1975?) and Utah. My heros! Broke my heart when Keith Moon kicked his 'Pictures of Lilly' drumset off of the stage.ugh.(60's). (Saving my pennies for a set of drums. 😊 ).
The Who had more pure energy, sheer intensity and exuberant life than any band of their time. They made you feel so alive and absolutely wild. They are so underrated. I actually enjoy listening to them more than Zeppelin, Stones, Beatles, Doors, CCR, etc....
@@That_Guy_Says_Hi I admire the Who and I like them but it's not easy because it's not for everyone. It's hard to feel romantic when listening but possible yet not immediate. Everyone does not have patience.
@@ManChan-w5p Other people's taste was never mine. Currently cannot get this little ditty by Ry Cooder off my turntable: ruclips.net/video/HEUIZWyieAk/видео.html Just listen to the tone on the guitar and the sounds coming from the sax.
Here's a funny insight based on Townsend's comment about Daltrey at 1:38 "He was short kid". I saw The Who back in 1982 in Seattle Washington. The opener was the Clash. Goes without saying it was a great concert. What was interesting was at the time was Townsend and Daltrey we're having a little bit of friction. At the end one of the songs it appeared they cut it short so Daltrey commented: "That song was a little short”. Without skipping a beat Townsend then responded "Like you Roger" (not exact quote...but you get the jest). With this comment, there was this look between Townsend & Daltrey that can only be described as two school friends with an inside joke. Having heard this interview I clear the "Daltrey is short" comment has probably been an ongoing jab on Townsend's part towards his school friend Daltrey. Nevertheless, Townsend has probably kept it toned down knowing the Daltrey was a scrapper 🙂
i did a "book" report on the Rock Opera "Tommy" probably grade 10. So i listened to it for hours and hours and then some and came up with my version of what it was about in my 16+- year old mind. i read it to the class and one snooty girl who read every teen book in existence spent about 10 pointless minutes explaining how everything i said was bogus. It was truly a shock and I had to work it through my mind for awhile, but i of course survived (71 yesterday) Then the teacher at the time rebutted everything that she said (I think I could see her wings and halo) by saying that artistic things are in the mind of the beholder. IMO... God spoke through that teacher and it was all a good experience in understanding that the world doesn't always see things as i do. That album is unquestionably one of the pivotal happenings of my life and led me down a path of becoming a dedicated meditator and pursing God in my life. Thanks Pete et al. I learned to play a few of your songs and loved playing them at folk gatherings. I even had fun with my recording studio mimicking the songs on Tommy.
Saw Stones 75', Zeppelin 77' (w/Bonham), The Who (w/Keith Moon) 12/5/75, and many more at Chicago Stadium. I must say all great but The Who were the most powerful sonically and physically-they just pummeled each song-unbelievable.
I saw them live just a few months after John passed away with my dad when I was 13. The Who’s been my favorite band since I was 10, still can’t get enough. So thankful my dad got front row tickets to see them. I’ve seen some great concerts but that’s still the best live show I’ve ever seen.
8:30 Pete's rock journalist friend, Nik Cohn, who gave his rock opera "Tommy" a 5-star rating in his newspaper column, also wrote the 1976 article "Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night" for New York magazine which provided the inspiration for the hit movie "Saturday Night Fever." Cohn is a legendary rock historian. Any fans of the TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" may be surprised to know that the theme song "Who Are You" was written by Pete Townshend.
Am going to be 65 in June. Born and raised in North Philadelphia. I saw the who 5 times. Being a teenager in the 70s living in North Philly. I saw all the great rock bands. Queen in 78 , Black Sabbath with Ozzy, Aerosmith. Their first tour. Bruce Springsteen 4 times. I can go on and on. But the WHO by far is the greatest rock band ever. Pete Townshend is a musical genius. Quadraphenia. Is the greatest album and who's next. It's FUCKING sucks that we have to get old and everything comes to an end.
I have been lucky enough to see the Who in San Francisco (when Keith Moon was alive), Oakland (the loudest concert I've ever been to. I was in the fifth row. My ears rang for over a week - thanks Pete), San Jose for their Quadrophenia tour. Love the guys.
August of 1972 was the year that I experienced The Who in Frankfurt Germany... the only other band I had seen at that point was the Beach Boys. The Who destroyed that night. They were all in great physical shape and they had their sound down. I've probably have gone to see 100 concerts of all different types of music. But the greatest musical thrill I had was that night in Frankfurt.
Austin in 1981, Pete had a cast on his right hand, sounded awesome. Saw them in Barcelona last June 2023 with the orchestra, double the awesomeness! My favorite band!
A good reminder that I really need my daily dose of rock 'n roll to stay away from negativity. I will never thank enough The Who for all the wonderful, infectious and always positive energy they have provided me since the 70's. Glad to see that Pete still has "it", much ❤to Roger and him !
Townshend, with an “h”. Look at the title of the video and on screen graphics. If you have a guitar, smash it as punishment. Send me the demolished guitar and I will cut my hands on it attempting to write a song about your lack of attention to detail.
Saw The WHO at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium in 1982. Kenny Jones on the drums and John Entwistle and Roger of course! Pete really looks good for his age. He’s been taking care of himself.
What a great interview! The Who have given rock music some of its greatest moments, and were truly experts in high energy rock rock and roll, my number one band
Loved hearing Pete mention those Murray the K shows in New York. I was at one of them. Cream was also on the bill but they didn't play the afternoon show my friends and I attended. Always a phenomenal band. I saw the original band two more times; once, when they co-headlined a show at the Singer Bowl with the Doors and again, about a year later, at Georgetown University. "Live at Leeds" remains one of the best live albums in rock.
What you mean is that you saw The Who's final concert of their first eighteen years, Keith Moon- or -Kenny Jones iterations as well as studio album recording era, from 1965's "The Who Sing My Generation" through 1982's "It's Hard"???
I know the feeling. Sat a few feet from them when they performed a warm up gig in a small venue in Liverpool 1971 before embarking on a major tour. They were trying out a lot of new tracks off the yet to be released album ‘ Who’s Next’. Keith Moon threw a bucket of water over us when the crowd started shouting out ,near the end of the concert , for them to play ‘Water’ . Saw a lot of the greats of that era , Doors, Stones, Hendrix etc , but in my humble opinion The Who live ( late 1960s early70s) were on a whole different level ..
I was lucky enough to have great seats to see the original Quadrophenia tour in 1974 in Detroit. I still sometimes listen to either Tommy or Quadrophenia in their entirety on long drives.
Dues all paid up heading for 70 and having completed a 400k word memoir of a life worthy of living (well, the first 23.5 years, anyway) some phrases beg to be swapped into the story, or that one knotty detail known to insiders does not need inclusion in the stage production, etc, yes. But the center pole or linchpin or mounting bracket of the tale is solid from start to finish. And most tales benefit from being stripped down, not more gaudily decorated. THOSE stories require no embellishment, lol.
So happy to say that I saw The Who live at the Charlotte Coliseum in ‘72 or ‘73, can’t remember the actual date, but the show was unforgettable. Thanks, Pete, and the band, for some of the best music & memories of my youth. Rock On!
I saw The Who in the late 60's at the Montreal Forum where they were the finishing act for a star studded rock show with a variety of bands. Canned Heat and Van Morrison and Them to name a few. Pete Townshend smashed his Gretch guitar during My Generation, the final song. A big piece of the neck of the guitar went flying about 7 or 8 rows into the crowd exactly to where I was standing and I grabbed it. I still have it in my possession to this day. They were amazing.
Jimmy, thank you for letting Pete talk. My husband and I saw them last year. They ROCKED!They hired local musicians to back them. I believe they did that in city after city on their tour. Long live rock-n-roll!
Peter Dennis Blanford Townshend a man for all Generations!! 78 years young and still at it. Still going strong. If you asked Peter and Roger Daltrey 55 years ago at Woodstock if they thought they would still be performing at ages 80 for Roger 78 for Pete they probably would have replied “you are balmy mate”. Rest In Peace Keith Moon who died on my 15 th birthday September 7th 1978 and John Alec Entwhistle who died in 2002 after a concert in Las Vegas. If you ever have a chance watch the six minutes of See Ne,Feel Me/ Listening to you from Woodstock. Their tempo and musicianship off the charts!!!
True Story - I've worked with the NFL for 40 years (in the media as a broadcast sports producer), which has included 38 straight Super Bowls... Super Bowl 44 in Miami... The Who were to perform at halftime of that SB... Every SB Friday the halftime performer(s) meet(s) the media at a big press conference. I decide to attend... Ft Lauderdale Convention Center housed that year's SB Media Center. As I'm walking towards a long (went up two floors) escalator in the convention center to the 3rd floor where the press conference was to be held I see walking towards me a gaggle of people... To my astonishment I see it's The Who with some security and several NFL execs (whom I knew). Roger Daltrey is leading this group and he and I get to the base of this escalator at the exact same time... I, of course, stop to wait for the entire entourage to proceed ahead of me to get onto the escalator. Daltrey looks at me, pivots to step onto the escalator and Pete Townshend is behind him... Townshend looks at me and says "no, please, after you". I rode up this escalator on the step behind Roger Daltrey and in front of Pete Townshend!... I was addicted to Baba O'Riley & Live at Leeds in college and there I am, 40 years later (1970, 2010), standing in between Roger Daltrey & Pete Townshend on an escalator : )... Last note: I am 6'1"... My head and Roger Daltrey's head were at about the same height... It might be polite to say he is 5'6"... Kinda cool... (Actually not "kinda")
So glad to see this. I play The Acid Queen in tributes and when I give political comments, musical mooks do not know Tommy and always try to troll and tell me I had a bad trip! These same trolls will be wearing Tommy teeshirts inna bout a year! (I wish they'd ask Pete about Parvidigar.)
If I had gone out to dinner with a co-worker several years ago (about 1979) when I lived in L.A., I would have gotten to meet both Pete and Roger who were at the same restaurant he went to. I was so pissed I didn't go. I will never forget that missed opportunity. Was absolutely jazzed when I heard they were the halftime act for the Super Bowl in 90's? Video of it is on here. That was the best half time show EVER!!!
in my early teenage years, I bought the Elpee " Live @ Leeds" a legendary piece of The Who, I was at the time 15 years old, in 1969, in 2013 in could see The Who live in Germany in the city of Bonn, with my 2 year younger brother, we saw The Who at last live almost 50 years later live, my younger Brother died some years later of Longcancer. The Who had a lot of impact in my life, keep going Pete, Roger pls stay healthy!🎸🎸🎸
I attended the 1979 concert here in Cincinnati. They finally played Cincinnati just about a year ago but not at that arena. Behind the scenes, Daltry worked for many years with the high school where a few of the 11 who died were students. At the show a year ago, an alumni band from that school opened for The Who.
I've walked past his house in Richmond many times and drank in his local pub, but never seen an interview where I've heard him talk like this before. I could imagine he'd be a really cool guy to have a drink with. What a great interview! I feel like I need to book a flight to New York to go see Tommy after that.
And watch the fabulous movie, with Roger Daltrey as Tommy, Keith Moon as Uncle Ernie, Elton John as Tommy's competiton, with a keyboard on his pinball machine, Tina Turner sizzling as the Acid Queen, and Hollywood sexpot Ann-Margaret as Tommy's mother.
Agreed. There is no album that sounds like it, not even another Who album. They got a real interesting, beautiful sound on that album. The next album they changed sounds yet again, and that's where that 70s Who sound got solidified. And that's classic too. But "Tommy" sounds like the album cover looks, if that makes sense. You really feel like you're in inner space, like the inside of an acoustic guitar hole, or the inside of a grand piano. The vibrations of a cymbal and a gong, or a tom-tom drenched in echo. Very special groundbreaking album that is now highly underrated.
@@wholeshebang1 .....and I love the movie too! More than I love The Wall, which is the movie that gets all the cult status, I'd rather see Tommy any day!
And if you like it, go for "Quadrophenia." Some of Pete's guitar licks from that album are the same ones that float around aimlessly in the memory, coming in at odd moments to improve the mood a bit with some raw attack on bent strings so cool that even the power of the mighty (crazy) Keith Moon's playing recedes into the background. WWKMD?
![[DRAGON BALL LEGENDS REVEALS ＆ STUFF] LEGENDS FESTIVAL 2024 Special Edition Part 1](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mV5bGIswTtQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I saw the Who in 1973 in Denver. Half way thru, he ripped a finger nail off doing the windmill thing, blood running down his arm. Didn't miss a beat, finished the concert still bleeding. Best concert I ever saw.
That means you're very very old. What is is with you old people commenting on youtube? Go out. Enjoy life. You have very limited time left.
You.
I like you.
Carry on.
I was there as well and the next night Pete came on with a small amp to kid Roger about his having filled in......Great shows.
Good lord. I literally FELT when you said he ripped off his finger nail, doing his trademark move. They sure used to build them tough, back in the day! One of my dads older friends was missing a finger, and one day he got drunk enough to tell me the story. He said he was riding his bike home from school, "slapping" the windshields of cars parked on the street, as his finger got caught in between the metal trim. He said it ripped his finger right off, and he kept biking home. then his mom only found out days later after it got infected, but didn't say a word because he "didn't want to get in trouble". Truly The toughest generation yet!
Yeesh. I cringed reading this. Glad you got to see them during the era of what I believe is their best album (Quadrophenia).
Despite being born long after their breakup (1991), I saw them in 2019 and they sounded incredible.
I gotta give credit where it's due. This time, Fallon let the guest tell the story without any ridiculous, giggly interruptions. Thank you, it was worth it.
His reactions are still ridiculous. "YEH, Come on! I like that!" "YEH, thats the greatest. Come on!"
@@ruok3351he's just a fan, he already knew the story fs
Carson is rolling in his grave nightly.
What I saw as I sat through like the first whole minute of it, and it was all Fallon talking about what he did what he was doing, him him him. The whole first minute
@@olihhayes
Olivia...Yah...But...Pete is the 🌟 🤩 ⭐️ 🌠 💫 Star! Das 😎 all! 👍
"The Who"; my favorite rock band ever, since I was around 14 years old (I'm now 73). I've followed those fantastic musicians all my years. Pete is the most pioneering and creative composer in music ever in my opinion. I saw the Who twice in the 70's and took my son Regan to see Pete and Roger in Raleigh NC several years ago. After seeing the performance, Regan told me that that night, that he was able to cross number one off of his bucket list. Pete could probably be a damn good stand up (maybe now a sit down comedian) these days. Cudos to you for changing your mind about hoping to die before you got old! Way to go Pete, Roger and John and Keith for being a part of so many of our lives with your incredible music and performances for all those years.
I am 65 and have gone to concerts for 50 years! WHO's NEXT is a masterpiece!!!
@@tweetybird59MY FAVORITE TOO!
For sure!!!
NOT TO BE JUDGEMENTAL BUT ARE THERE DIFFERENT RULES FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE....I MEAN, IS THE LAW AND SOCIAL CONSTRUCT JUST DIFFERENT FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE???
ELVIS, JIMMY PAGE, THAT AEROSMITH GUY AND THIS GUY????
INTO THE NIGHT IS STILL A LOVED SONG.. .
I MEAN COME ON...
Pete townsend is a pedophile.
I met Pete at the old Navarro Hotel on Central Park South in NYC back in 1979. The Who were playing five nights at the Garden. I had seen The Who at the Boston Garden in 1976. But this was my chance to meet Pete. My cousin and his two friends got to go up and hang with the band for an hour or so. I stayed downstairs. While I was waiting Bruce Springsteen came out and a few minutes later George Harrison. Bruce signed my travel bag. He was very cool. George would not sign for anyone. I didn't care. I was waiting to meet the man. Finally Pete finally came down with John Entwistle, Kenny Jones and a few other people I did not know. That was my chance. I went up to him nervously as he signed for four or five other fans waiting around their limos. Right before he got in the car I said "Pete do you have time for one more?" He said no. I was crushed. He then smiled and said "sure kid". I was elated. One of the best songwriters ever~
Rob/Boston
Sure kid.. that's cause you were a kid.. nudge nudge wink wink.. don't tell me.. you met savile as well?? Heehaw
Was that the night in March at the Boston Garden when Keith Moon was too shit faced and fell off his drum set and they canceled the show...If so I was there too. They of course came back in April and honored out ticket stubs. Saw the before this show general admission at Providence Civic Center. Wow...Almost Cincinnati. Das 😎 all! 👍
@@RollingStoneZzzzz Yes indeed it was. Keith passed out after a few songs. Daltrey and Pete spoke to the crowd and promised to do another show. Or something along those lines. It was a long time ago. But I did see the makeup show too. It was one of the best shows that I saw at the Garden. They were so good that night~
@@RollingStoneZzzzz How was the show in Providence? I had a ticket to see them there in 1979. It was cancelled~
@@Paneeks1960
General admission! Almost Cincinnati death seine! I remember being squished at the door and having a difficult time breathing! THEN...the doors opened and the Stampeed began. I made it to the FRONT of the stage! Awesome! If I only had a camera! Toots And The Matells were the opening act. They promptly got booed off. THEN the Who! Pete had MANY Gibson Gold Top guitars all numbered..1..2..3..4...5 etc. I believe this is the inspiration for the Who's album🤔Paint By Numbers! 🤔 However...my experience is NOTHING compared to yours! Wow! The Boston Garden show was good too. I got to see them a 3rd time because of Keith being too wasted!
What a time to be alive for music! From the Beatles and Stones on the Ed Sullivan show to now! What a ride! Das 😎 all! 👍❤️ Thanks Bro!
As a guitarist, I have always found the intro to Pinball Wizard stands as a testament to Townsend's songwriting genius. Deceptively simple, this progression of chords features cascading decending notes among unusual chord choices of pure genius. Love Reign O'er Me employs a similar trick actually emulating rainfall. Again, genius.
I watched Roger Daltrey on David Letterman on his 51st birthday, in 1995. I was 27 then, and thought he was ancient. Now I'm 56 and he's 80. 56 ain't old! I caught their show in Phoenix about 18 months ago, my 6th time seeing them.
Skipped seeing the Stones in 82 because I thought they were too old.
@@tobysbreathisverybad We saw the Stones on their last Hawaii appearance. I knew they'd be good, but they exceeded that by leagues. They were fantastic! Middle of the show, they walked to a small stage at the center of the arena and played without their backing musicians and singer. They were just as great, as they were with their backing artists. With their backing artists, they blew the roof off the place. Will absolutely see them again. Saw the original Who at Winterland in the 60's. Greatest live act, (along with Capt. Beefheart and his Magic Band, Trout Mask Replica lineup), I've ever seen.
Life begins at 50...Das 😎 all! 👍👏
@@LeeEisenstein
Captian Beefheart...closest thing to Zappa. Love Frank! Das 😎 all! 👍❤️
@@RollingStoneZzzzzYep. We in the Beefheart community love our Zappa. Ain't no doubt about it. :)
Pete Townshend is one of the few Rock Stars that will sit down and have a interview in a serious manner and answer questions in a straightforward way... No Obsfucation, No Stoner memory lapse jokes, No BS... It's So Damn Refreshing to see a Super Star Artist speak and communicate so all of us can get a view into the rarefied air of a Rock Genius!!! Thank you!
Perfectly said!
Obfuscation.
Did Jimmy ask him about his 2003 ,5 year stint on the sex offenders register ?
@@johnb5352would have made that a conditional non question in interview terms. Townsend is dodgy.
I met Pete many years ago. It was at the premiere of Tommy in La Jolla. He could not have been nicer and more gracious. I have his autograph on the program for the show. 🙏💪🌍🌎🌏❤️🇺🇸🖖
me too! met him on the SD stop of his psychoderelict tour in 93 i think. Met him at The Westgate the day after the show. He signed autos and took pics with a few of us. good bloke!
I was at the same show at LaJolla. My girlfriend at the time played Tommy’s mother. Didn’t meet Pete but will always remember Rodger standing off to the side rather awkwardly, like he didn’t know what to make of a bunch of Musical Theatre performers. And he also seemed to be a bit jealous of the guy playing Tommy but I could have been wrong about that.
I remember this case very well, when the police siezed his computers they found no evidence that he had downloaded anything so where are you getting this theory he watched thousands of hours?
@@negan2747did you see him in police custody where he admitted what he had done and how stupid he had been, he used his own credit card to pay for illegal material, Then his very expensive lawyer turned up.
Im 32 years old, and I saw The Who perform at my local stadium for their 50th anniversary with my 50 year old dad a few years ago. Even though it was years ago, I can still remember it like it was yesterday. Brilliant and timeless band!
Your Dad loved you a bunch to bring you to a WHO concert, where dreams are made and also remembered.
@@That_Guy_Says_Hi He's the one that got me into their music!! :D
@@InsideOutJellyBaby Then there is a very good chance you got a glimpse the old man's energy as young buck at certain moments. '
'
I won't try to speak for anyone else, I'll just say that, if a child of mine does not have a certain spirit, I AM NOT going to take them to watch me dance with that spirit at the show by an artist who reaches inside me and moves stuff around, if you take my meaning.
Sometimes Dads pay compliments that they know will not be recognized immediately. But that's a good thing, too. Because if he's gone when you realize something sweet he did only for you, after the tears you can feel the kiss.
@@That_Guy_Says_Hi You should show the entire world the real you, especially your own, IMHO. To do otherwise denies you any mark continuing beyond your own life's limits. It denies your family the truth you believe is sacred. It is to live as a lie, I'm afraid. Be honest with you & be brave when you decide to be honest with me & the rest of these worthless, foolish, Maga's, Moe's, & Incels that don't deserve the act you preform, daily. Love love love love love 💯🫀
No one cares about your boring life. But thanks.
John Entwistle "became a very adept bass player"? The guy revolutionized bass playing. But Pete knows that. :)
Pete has always been a prick when it comes to acknowledging Keith and John.
"I was the one that had to keep time" was always Pete's favorite line.
@@ComradeTrotsky1017 while Keith Moon plays drums like there are chords coming off them
@@ComradeTrotsky1017Entwistle and Moon are pretty much the best rhythm section in all of rock and roll for my money. They saved Townshend many a times in compositions where he was lacking in dexterity. That’s a fact.
Yep Pete never had good words for John
John Entwhateverthefuck didn't revolutionize shit. The whole band as a whole is boring as hell.
Their album "Quadrophenia" was my all time favorite. 😁
Mine too.
It's a masterpiece. It really is.
It was once my favourite but I played it too much in my dark teen years, now I’m older I can’t listen to it I’m not dark anymore, that’s how Quadrophenia connects to you though
@@ytzpilot I am just the opposite. When I am down I actually love listening to Quad. The Dirty Jobs, The Rock and Bell Boy for some reason cheer me up.
You.
I like you.
Pete Townshend is just so interesting and full of endless stories to tell and has a brilliant sense of humor.
Yes, I also know he is one of the greatest guitarists and songwriters of all time. 🎸
Is he a Pedophile? Why the song rough boys? The computer ful of child porn? Hmm
He needs his hard drive checked.
I dunno about that but he was arrested for CHILD PORN.
@@poopy_pants_joe1194 But not charged with any crime.
@@alanserjeant4947 "But not charged with any crime."
Just like the people who visited Epstein's island...
I had the greatest moment of my life with my father relationship at my house, he was visiting me with 80 plus years old on his shoulders, half deaf, not at all and I played Tommy live concert on my good powerful stereo,a Laser disc with a 40 inches TV. And we get in to it at really loud volume, so he can heard well the music. He did! And at the end he said: wow how good they are!!!!!🎉 He really enjoyed the show, the music the big band, Pete on acoustic guitar. Thanks Pete you gave me the chance to enjoy your music with my father and he finally understand this marvelous music that is called Rock and Roll. In a high art level.❤🎉
Yup! Das 😎 cool! Das 😎 all! 👍👏
Pete’s kindness toward Eric Clapton during Eric’s darkest days cemented Pete as a genuine friend and a good person.
And he really likes children.
What happened? I'm unaware of that.
@KlausSgroi Eric was nowhere to be found, Pete called him and got no answer? Pete went out to his estate and found him hopelessly strung out on Heroin! Pete wouldn't give up on him and eventually got him on his feet. Even took him on the road for a few benefit gigs Pete did for charity. The audience response to finally seeing Eric again was a wake up call for him. The rest is history, but regardless thank God Pete intervened in Eric's life because who knows what would've happened 🙏?
A dirty nonce who needs doing in.
😅He did a naive and terrible thing by accessing that stuff and thereby facilitating more and more of it (that's how it works, Pete), and he only got off because of privilege, mostly accrued by his achievements in the arts, granted. He should have been prosecuted. It might have ended his career as we know it, but he was hardly gonna have any issues putting food on the table again so I wouldn't have felt *_too_* sorry for the guy.
Instead, we get to listen to him drone on about his overrated rock operas on talk shows. I always preferred him solo and i think The Who would have been far better as a three-piece without Daltrey bellowing over everything. *_'Who Are You'_* the single is better than the whole of Tommy put together imo. Right I'll shut up now ヅ
I was at the Murray th K show that Pete mentioned where they did four shows per day and he only had one guitar. These shows went on for several days and had multiple acts all playing three songs. I couldn't believe it when he started smashing his guitar to pieces, especially since I played guitar and it was precious to me and I didn't understand how he could afford to do this. You were allowed to stay to see as many shows as you wanted, so as people left, my friends and I moved to seats up close and waited to see the next show. You had to sit through a movie between each show. Finally the next show begins and when The Who came on, again they shocked us by smashing their instruments. Until this interview I assumed Pete had multiple guitars. It's hard to believe he could get them into playing condition with just some glue. BTW, Cream was also on the bill. This was the first time for both groups in the US and no one had heard of them before. What memories!
Quadrophenia changed my life when I was a teen. A true Rock God. Genius. All The Who B-sides are so brilliant. Love you Pete!
A lot of people commenting here saw The Who before I was born.
That’s why they are legendary, timeless and will last forever.
Love love love Pete and hope to see him with his solo project, or The Who, again soon.
We old geezers don't last forever so take whatever shot you can at seeing him. He really is all of that, as you so perfectly described. Just know how lucky you are to deeply appreciate the work of someone whose work is very likely the definition of "timeless" in that with a rhythmic sensibility within any era of music, present, past or future, can find at least one of Pete's compositions to fall in love with forever.
Love Pete and his creativity and intellect. Don’t understand the interest he or the Stones have with light weight Jimmy Fallon ?!
@@curtislawrence7096 Pete is a kiddie porn weirdo.
Gross...
I understand the complexity of the highly intelligent and artistic mind, for starters. And what information have you about any actions he was found to have taken IRL?
Pete’s solo albums ‘Empty Glass’ and ‘All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes’ are two of my favorite albums of all time, by any artist or group. The lyrics to ‘Slit Skirts’ off of Chinese Eyes are among the best ever written, by any song writer.
Yeah, me too ..White City is excellent as well ..and although I didn't get on well with Iron Man ., my love of Pete obligated me to go deep into Psychoderilect and I got into that one too
@seanhennessey9869 It was his solo work that really hooked me. At least the trio of Empty Glass, Best Cowboys, and White City. As well as Live At Deep End. I was 15 in '80 and got deeply into The Who after seeing the film TKAA. Before that I knew the hits and what I heard on the radio. But I didn't own a Who album. TKAA was a game changer for me. I liked Face Dances as it was my first new Who album to own after delving into the past stuff. I didn't care much for Its Hard. I think mostly because Pete's solo stuff at the time was so superior. In my mind he was making "Who music" and The Who seemed a side project. His solo stuff taken side by side with Quadrophenia really knocked me for a loop. Stunning work. And Live At Leeds set the bar for most every band I've been a fan of since. To reach for those heights found on Live At Leeds for me is what rock 'n roll is all about. Live At The Isle Of Wright is also amazing.
I love Slit Skirts too. Great LP.
Bought Chinese Eyes on release. Was a little disappointed.
His early 80’s output was a creative peak
I've seen the WHO live five times ,at least once a decade since 1969, just about every iteration of the band. The creative passion of Mr. Townsend has always shown through. The power of their music and presence is still yet to be matched by any new bands I've seen over the years.
Pete is one of the greatest songwriter of all time absolutely legend ,and a pioneer of rock.
He was also arrested for CHILD PORN...
and a pae.do
But not a single image was found on his computer and no charges were ever filed.
@@alanserjeant4947
"But not a single image was found on his computer and no charges were ever filed."
Just like the people who were guests on Epstein's island.
Was he charged?
As an 11 yr. old in 1965, I was more into more 'folkie acoustic music' The Lovin' spoonful were my favourite. In 1969 when the song ' Pinball Wizard' was released it blew my mind! I was not 'all in' with the whole album, but in 1971 they recorded probaly the greatest rock album of all time! I still play (on my radio show) and at home. "who's next' still holds up in 2024
A TIMELESS LITERAL MASTERPIECE
What an AWESOME interview! I saw The Who at Veteran's Stadium in Philadelphia during their Tommy concert tour in the late 80’s. It was a dream come true. THANK YOU for all of the glorious Rock & Roll you've given us. I love the back story about the band and about Tommy.
Is that going to bring you salvation tho?
July 10th and July 11th, back to backs at Veteran's Stadium in 1989. I was there too, for both night. Never forget!
@@p47paul never will. :)
@@p47paul never will. :)
@@p47paul yes and did the rock n' roll save your soul? did you become justified? some kind of indwelling of the rocknroll spirit brought you salvation or what about it?
I saw The Who in Oct. 1982 at the Seattle Kingdome. Their opening act was The Clash. Absolutely great concert.
I was at that show as well,it changed my life,cheers
Me too.
I didn't see it but I still have the street poster advertising a flight from Edmonton to Seattle with tickets to see the show.
I saw that tour when they came to Philadelphia.
The Clash
Santana
The Hooters
It was an all-day event.
I first saw them in ‘82 too and then bought everything they’d recorded and saw them whenever I could. Outstanding group.
24 year old here and The Who are my favourite. I’ve seen them maybe 5/6 times now. Thank you Pete and Roger.
Dear Pete, First saw you at Shae Stadium 1983. I still have my shirt. One of the best moments of my life. I've such love for you, and I'm so grateful for The Who in my life, and your solo career. (Did you ever get my letter proposing marriage, back in '81? Guess not, oh well!!) You look amazing! Thank you for a wonderful interview, and Bless you!
All that and The Clash opening...Great show.
Your taste is impeccable, whatever the record may say. I cried when I finally got my own copy of "Quadrophenia" because, story variances aside, Pete and I are exceedingly similar in emotional construction. But I'm a drummer. My yearbook photo will tell you that I want to be "the drummer for the WHO." 1972 ... or was it 1792? So long ago ...
You just started a new profile to comment this😂😂 troll account
Saw them at Oakland Coliseum around the same time and I have to say Pete was not nice in our relationship as he stole some of my hearing
I will pass this on to him.
I fell in love with The Who when I was 7 years old. I’m almost 27 now. And to this day they are my all time favorite band. Love you Pete!
Onya young man
If the Who is your favorite band a 27 year-old kid in 2024, you are the best of the best of your generation. Kudos to you, Charles.
Same exact story as me, except I'm 47...my parents had good taste in music
Not being a rock fan, I ended-up almost by accident being interviewed by Pete in his Eel Pie studios in order to run his in-house video studio in the mid-1980s. I ended-up working there for 6 months, and found him to be a fantastic guy - intelligent, articulate, thoughtful, correct, driven - and yes - somewhat intense. I have VERY fond memories of that period in my life. He subsequently used to invite me to special events in the studio for several years, and then I left the UK and lost touch. Must touch base again.. A great bloke!!
So glad to hear it! I’ve admired Pete apart from the band for years. Clearly he’s got a lot going on!
You can't know how much I admire this man and The Who. 65 and grew up with them. Still listening to their music and sending love. Thank you...
If you don't know Pete's music, you are going to have fun discovering it. The Who -- his solo career. I greatly appreciate his music. The lyrics are great. The music is bold and intense.
I like Pete’s Scoop and Another Scoop albums, hearing the origins of some of the famous songs and some fun quirky pieces in there too. These were demos and home recordings.
Growing up as a young guitarist Pete Townsend was one of my idols. Pete was instrumental in changing the landscape of rock recording. A master musician and technician, the doctor with surgical precision on the guitar. With great respect we love you Pete!!
Such a great interview! I've never heard the story of Roger inviting him to play. I wish he'd told about meeting Keith.
The band was playing somewhere and Moon walked up the them and said, "I'm a better drummer than that bloke you've got playing now."
And Pete and Roger said, "OH YEAH?!? Well let's go play (song)." When the song was over, Moon became the WHO's drummer of record. And that was pretty much it. True story.
Typical drummer stuff, lol. If, as a young rock drummer, you don't believe you can drive your kit right through that wall, don't come out of the basement and expect to compete. Because us guys who DO know that we can drive our Slingerlands or Gretschs or Peavys or Tamas or Yamahas or Sonors right the Hellanything we need to are out here waiting to . But if you understand the truth that even guitar virtuosos often wish to sit on the drum throne and be the of the party, WELCOME!
I was born in 1970 and always appreciated the Beatles and the Stones from my parents catalog. It took a while but a light went on I finally got the Kinks and the Who and their motivation. What a great time!
I saw the Kinks WAY too many times to count! Loved being part of the British Rock Invasion! Das 😎 all! 👏👍❤️
I saw the Who perform Tommy in June 1969 at the Plaldium theater in Hollywood. Was at the front of the stage very near Pete and still have hearing loss from that amazing event😂
The Who were the most ferocious band bar none in that time.
I saw the original run of Tommy, great musical (mom saw Pete at the Roundhouse in 67, discussed Meher Baba and Isadora Duncan with him and Roger at Berkeley in 70).Saw the Who at MSG and Nola Jazz Fest. Be great to see them one more time!
Thank you jimmmy! What a delightful interview pete utterly entertaining love when he open up.
One of the few interviews where he actually had enough respect to stfu.
One of the greatest Rock guitarits and songwriters to ever live
Shame Fallon was too busy talking about himself rather than letting Pete speak.....
@@tracymears8230 Welcome to the Jimmy Fallon show. He's unbearable.
@@ComradeTrotsky1017 THAT is WHY I watch Colbert or Kimmel 99 99/100% of the time. Never did understand why audience/TV corporate thought this juvenile, phony guy had any talent, especially musical. Ugh
That certainly is debatable 🤔! However what he does and did is pure Genius! Das 😎 all! 👏👍❤️
@@RollingStoneZzzzz What's debatable?
I saw The Who in Sheffield the year before John Entwistle died, they all were amazing, Starkey was on the drums and he was like a young Keith Moon👌
Enthwistle along with John Paul Jones a couple of the best bass players EVA! Das 😎 all! 👍❤️
I saw the Who in 1968 at Shawnee Mission East High School - they opened for The Buckinghams. The smashing of guitars shocked everyone in that Kansas City suburb. The Who blew me away! I left when the Buckinghams started playing and the local tv station cameras moved in towards the stage.
Wow...History! Das 😎 all! 🤔👍❤️
Loved hearing about the origins of Tommy. I first heard it using headphones, not common at that time, around 1970. Listened to the entire album straight through. It was a revelation. I still remember that moment.
Tommy on headphones, in 1970, that's the way to go, baby! I did the same exact thing. With that beautiful Decca label spinning 'round and 'round, and that incredible album cover in your lap. Whew. Heaven on Earth. (I also have a vivid memory of doing the same exact thing with the soundtrack album a few years later!)
The underture is one of my absolute favorite pieces of music that I’ve ever heard.
@@drbkap3 Me too!!!!!!!!!!!
Pete looks pretty good. Saw them in Philly years ago. Amazing!
Saw The Who's Farewell tour in '89, have seen them 5 times since!! hahaha
1982 was their first farewell tour...lol
One thing you got to admire about Jimmy, is his love for rock music, if he was not a tv host
he could front any number of Cover bands because he can imitate so many singers so
convincingly.
Want a wonderful interview and the best I have seen this year on late night TV- PT was both humble, Funny and gracious- Bravo Jimmy for getting him to appear!
Charlestown , Ma. loves The Who !
Pete is my absolute number one musician.
Does any one agree ?
Former resident of Tufts Street and drummer in Boston metro knows (it's in my yearbook) that he wants to be "the drummer for the WHO."
Rock on, Brother John!
Framingham Massachusetts loves Pete too! He is up there for sure! Das 😎 all! 🤔👍❤️
That was a really great interview, and that story Jimmy tells in the beginning just became a new favorite Pete Townshend story. I'm trying to think of which actor was there that night. Jim Carrey is the only one I can think of. The Who gave the most incredible and intense performance of that particular concert, by far. (And Carrey was at his most movie star hot, so I can kinda see him being that way about a junior member of SNL, at that particular moment, on that night. I'd say The Who and Jim Carrey had the best responses of the entire concert).
First time I saw The Who was on the British invasion tour. The Who, Blues Magoo's and Herman's Hermits. (1965-68(?)). Then again in Germany (1975?) and Utah. My heros! Broke my heart when Keith Moon kicked his 'Pictures of Lilly' drumset off of the stage.ugh.(60's). (Saving my pennies for a set of drums. 😊 ).
Ahhh...Herman's Hermits!
Mrs Brown you got a lovely daughter! Memory Lane! Das 😎 all! 😎👏👍❤️
get a hold of his Scoop albums from the 80s, great way to revisit The Who and Pete combined
Hey, that’s what I said!!!
The Who had more pure energy, sheer intensity and exuberant life than any band of their time. They made you feel so alive and absolutely wild. They are so underrated. I actually enjoy listening to them more than Zeppelin, Stones, Beatles, Doors, CCR, etc....
The Who #1 Rolling Stones #2, Led Zep #3
Roger Daltrey said it best. He said the Who is not for everyone. It's fighting music.
@@ManChan-w5p If I had read that quote, I had forgotten it. Thank you!
@@That_Guy_Says_Hi I admire the Who and I like them but it's not easy because it's not for everyone. It's hard to feel romantic when listening but possible yet not immediate. Everyone does not have patience.
@@ManChan-w5p Other people's taste was never mine. Currently cannot get this little ditty by Ry Cooder off my turntable:
ruclips.net/video/HEUIZWyieAk/видео.html
Just listen to the tone on the guitar and the sounds coming from the sax.
Here's a funny insight based on Townsend's comment about Daltrey at 1:38 "He was short kid". I saw The Who back in 1982 in Seattle Washington. The opener was the Clash. Goes without saying it was a great concert. What was interesting was at the time was Townsend and Daltrey we're having a little bit of friction. At the end one of the songs it appeared they cut it short so Daltrey commented: "That song was a little short”. Without skipping a beat Townsend then responded "Like you Roger" (not exact quote...but you get the jest). With this comment, there was this look between Townsend & Daltrey that can only be described as two school friends with an inside joke. Having heard this interview I clear the "Daltrey is short" comment has probably been an ongoing jab on Townsend's part towards his school friend Daltrey. Nevertheless, Townsend has probably kept it toned down knowing the Daltrey was a scrapper 🙂
i did a "book" report on the Rock Opera "Tommy" probably grade 10. So i listened to it for hours and hours and then some and came up with my version of what it was about in my 16+- year old mind. i read it to the class and one snooty girl who read every teen book in existence spent about 10 pointless minutes explaining how everything i said was bogus. It was truly a shock and I had to work it through my mind for awhile, but i of course survived (71 yesterday)
Then the teacher at the time rebutted everything that she said (I think I could see her wings and halo) by saying that artistic things are in the mind of the beholder. IMO... God spoke through that teacher and it was all a good experience in understanding that the world doesn't always see things as i do.
That album is unquestionably one of the pivotal happenings of my life and led me down a path of becoming a dedicated meditator and pursing God in my life. Thanks Pete et al. I learned to play a few of your songs and loved playing them at folk gatherings. I even had fun with my recording studio mimicking the songs on Tommy.
Saw Stones 75', Zeppelin 77' (w/Bonham), The Who (w/Keith Moon) 12/5/75, and many more at Chicago Stadium. I must say all great but The Who were the most powerful sonically and physically-they just pummeled each song-unbelievable.
I saw them live just a few months after John passed away with my dad when I was 13. The Who’s been my favorite band since I was 10, still can’t get enough. So thankful my dad got front row tickets to see them. I’ve seen some great concerts but that’s still the best live show I’ve ever seen.
8:30 Pete's rock journalist friend, Nik Cohn, who gave his rock opera "Tommy" a 5-star rating in his newspaper column, also wrote the 1976 article "Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night" for New York magazine which provided the inspiration for the hit movie "Saturday Night Fever." Cohn is a legendary rock historian. Any fans of the TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" may be surprised to know that the theme song "Who Are You" was written by Pete Townshend.
Am going to be 65 in June. Born and raised in North Philadelphia. I saw the who 5 times. Being a teenager in the 70s living in North Philly. I saw all the great rock bands. Queen in 78 , Black Sabbath with Ozzy, Aerosmith. Their first tour. Bruce Springsteen 4 times. I can go on and on. But the WHO by far is the greatest rock band ever. Pete Townshend is a musical genius. Quadraphenia. Is the greatest album and who's next. It's FUCKING sucks that we have to get old and everything comes to an end.
Fallon does the best rock musician interviews on his show. Pete's hilarious when he's relaxed. Great fun.
Loved hearing the backstory of smashing the guitars. Hadn’t heard that before.
One of the best!
I've been listening to the Who since the 60's. Fantastic band and when they wasn't drunk great to see live. My favourite album is Who's Next.
I have been lucky enough to see the Who in San Francisco (when Keith Moon was alive), Oakland (the loudest concert I've ever been to. I was in the fifth row. My ears rang for over a week - thanks Pete), San Jose for their Quadrophenia tour. Love the guys.
August of 1972 was the year that I experienced The Who in Frankfurt Germany... the only other band I had seen at that point was the Beach Boys. The Who destroyed that night. They were all in great physical shape and they had their sound down.
I've probably have gone to see 100 concerts of all different types of music. But the greatest musical thrill I had was that night in Frankfurt.
Austin in 1981, Pete had a cast on his right hand, sounded awesome. Saw them in Barcelona last June 2023 with the orchestra, double the awesomeness! My favorite band!
Hes mellowed nicely
He needed Roger at times, early on.
A good reminder that I really need my daily dose of rock 'n roll to stay away from negativity. I will never thank enough The Who for all the wonderful, infectious and always positive energy they have provided me since the 70's.
Glad to see that Pete still has "it", much ❤to Roger and him !
Pete Townsend is an absolute genius. The Who Sell Out is a pop art masterpiece. Way ahead of its time
Townshend, with an “h”. Look at the title of the video and on screen graphics. If you have a guitar, smash it as punishment. Send me the demolished guitar and I will cut my hands on it attempting to write a song about your lack of attention to detail.
So many MASTERPIECES using open chords...Yes Genius! Das 😎 all! 👏👍❤️
Love Pete. The greatest interview in rock. The charitable work he and Roger still do is unsurpassed.
Saw The WHO at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium in 1982. Kenny Jones on the drums and John Entwistle and Roger of course!
Pete really looks good for his age. He’s been taking care of himself.
What a great interview! The Who have given rock music some of its greatest moments, and were truly experts in high energy rock rock and roll, my number one band
Listening to Rock Legends "Tell Stories" is Pure Heaven!
Same here,I enjoy listening to there stories especially PETE TOWNSHEND's wild stories about KEITH MOON.
An ozie and comfy seat, I listen for days and days and days...
Loved hearing Pete mention those Murray the K shows in New York. I was at one of them. Cream was also on the bill but they didn't play the afternoon show my friends and I attended. Always a phenomenal band. I saw the original band two more times; once, when they co-headlined a show at the Singer Bowl with the Doors and again, about a year later, at Georgetown University. "Live at Leeds" remains one of the best live albums in rock.
Saw The Who's final concert at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto in 1982
What you mean is that you saw The Who's final concert of their first eighteen years, Keith Moon- or -Kenny Jones iterations as well as studio album recording era, from 1965's "The Who Sing My Generation" through 1982's "It's Hard"???
@@gregpaspatis9425 There have been many "final tours", the 82 show was the first.
Me too
Saw the Who last week in London, just before this interview was recorded, and they were phenomenal.
Saw The Who at Winterland in San Francisco. My ears are still ringing.
Wow. That is definitely a venue I'd love to have seen The Who in. Was that '72? Jeez. I'm sure you saw LOTS of great shows at Winterland! :D
I know the feeling. Sat a few feet from them when they performed a warm up gig in a small venue in Liverpool 1971 before embarking on a major tour. They were trying out a lot of new tracks off the yet to be released album ‘ Who’s Next’. Keith Moon threw a bucket of water over us when the crowd started shouting out ,near the end of the concert , for them to play ‘Water’ . Saw a lot of the greats of that era , Doors, Stones, Hendrix etc , but in my humble opinion The Who live ( late 1960s early70s) were on a whole different level ..
@@lthompson7625 That sounds like KEITH .......lol
@@walterevans2118 Walter, hope it was water😂
@@lthompson7625 😳🤢😖😖
I was lucky enough to have great seats to see the original Quadrophenia tour in 1974 in Detroit. I still sometimes listen to either Tommy or Quadrophenia in their entirety on long drives.
Like all great writers, Pete is a great storyteller. And like all great storytellers, he values artistry and expression over accurate recollection 😉😛
Dues all paid up heading for 70 and having completed a 400k word memoir of a life worthy of living (well, the first 23.5 years, anyway) some phrases beg to be swapped into the story, or that one knotty detail known to insiders does not need inclusion in the stage production, etc, yes.
But the center pole or linchpin or mounting bracket of the tale is solid from start to finish. And most tales benefit from being stripped down, not more gaudily decorated. THOSE stories require no embellishment, lol.
A devoted follower of Meher Baba, I felt proud to hear Pete speak so candidly about his life in The Who.
The chord progression on the chorus in "Can't Explain" is genius.
It is a classic
I love the song but the progression is just a very common doo wop bit - I vi IV V
It was emulating The Kinks’ guitar riff to You Really Got Me.
So happy to say that I saw The Who live at the Charlotte Coliseum in ‘72 or ‘73, can’t remember the actual date, but the show was unforgettable.
Thanks, Pete, and the band, for some of the best music & memories of my youth.
Rock On!
Townshend. The legend. The Who.
The Nonce
Townshend is a legend in the CHILD PORN community.
the pedophile
I saw The Who in the late 60's at the Montreal Forum where they were the finishing act for a star studded rock show with a variety of bands. Canned Heat and Van Morrison and Them to name a few. Pete Townshend smashed his Gretch guitar during My Generation, the final song. A big piece of the neck of the guitar went flying about 7 or 8 rows into the crowd exactly to where I was standing and I grabbed it. I still have it in my possession to this day. They were amazing.
Saw Pete Sept 10, 1995 The Paramount NYC
I have always enjoyed listening to and watching The Who. I never realized that Pete Townsend had such a wry sense of humor!!
I watch this because Pete Townshend is my godhead. Will NBC please send Fallon to interviewing school ASAP????????
Hey, give him a little slack....he shut his mouth long enough and let Pete talk.
practically a who historian, but there were two stories from one interview that I've never heard before. Delightful!
Baba O’Reily and behind blue eyes. Both my favorite Who songs
Jimmy, thank you for letting Pete talk. My husband and I saw them last year. They ROCKED!They hired local musicians to back them. I believe they did that in city after city on their tour. Long live rock-n-roll!
Peter Dennis Blanford Townshend a man for all Generations!! 78 years young and still at it. Still going strong. If you asked Peter and Roger Daltrey 55 years ago at Woodstock if they thought they would still be performing at ages 80 for Roger 78 for Pete they probably would have replied “you are balmy mate”. Rest In Peace Keith Moon who died on my 15 th birthday September 7th 1978 and John Alec Entwhistle who died in 2002 after a concert in Las Vegas. If you ever have a chance watch the six minutes of See Ne,Feel Me/ Listening to you from Woodstock. Their tempo and musicianship off the charts!!!
True Story - I've worked with the NFL for 40 years (in the media as a broadcast sports producer), which has included 38 straight Super Bowls... Super Bowl 44 in Miami... The Who were to perform at halftime of that SB... Every SB Friday the halftime performer(s) meet(s) the media at a big press conference. I decide to attend... Ft Lauderdale Convention Center housed that year's SB Media Center. As I'm walking towards a long (went up two floors) escalator in the convention center to the 3rd floor where the press conference was to be held I see walking towards me a gaggle of people... To my astonishment I see it's The Who with some security and several NFL execs (whom I knew). Roger Daltrey is leading this group and he and I get to the base of this escalator at the exact same time... I, of course, stop to wait for the entire entourage to proceed ahead of me to get onto the escalator. Daltrey looks at me, pivots to step onto the escalator and Pete Townshend is behind him... Townshend looks at me and says "no, please, after you". I rode up this escalator on the step behind Roger Daltrey and in front of Pete Townshend!... I was addicted to Baba O'Riley & Live at Leeds in college and there I am, 40 years later (1970, 2010), standing in between Roger Daltrey & Pete Townshend on an escalator : )... Last note: I am 6'1"... My head and Roger Daltrey's head were at about the same height... It might be polite to say he is 5'6"... Kinda cool... (Actually not "kinda")
So glad to see this. I play The Acid Queen in tributes and when I give political comments, musical mooks do not know Tommy and always try to troll and tell me I had a bad trip! These same trolls will be wearing Tommy teeshirts inna bout a year! (I wish they'd ask Pete about Parvidigar.)
Gotta love pete❤
If I had gone out to dinner with a co-worker several years ago (about 1979) when I lived in L.A., I would have gotten to meet both Pete and Roger who were at the same restaurant he went to. I was so pissed I didn't go. I will never forget that missed opportunity. Was absolutely jazzed when I heard they were the halftime act for the Super Bowl in 90's? Video of it is on here. That was the best half time show EVER!!!
Pete came into my restaurant in Gatwick Airport around 1999 and I comped him the meal he offered to pay but I would never charge my hero.
in my early teenage years, I bought the Elpee " Live @ Leeds" a legendary piece of The Who, I was at the time 15 years old, in 1969, in 2013 in could see The Who live in Germany in the city of Bonn, with my 2 year younger brother, we saw The Who at last live almost 50 years later live, my younger Brother died some years later of Longcancer. The Who had a lot of impact in my life, keep going Pete, Roger pls stay healthy!🎸🎸🎸
I love him so much. I wish he were showing his beautiful blue eyes.
I attended the 1979 concert here in Cincinnati. They finally played Cincinnati just about a year ago but not at that arena. Behind the scenes, Daltry worked for many years with the high school where a few of the 11 who died were students. At the show a year ago, an alumni band from that school opened for The Who.
Pete Townshend. The coolest guy.
I've walked past his house in Richmond many times and drank in his local pub, but never seen an interview where I've heard him talk like this before. I could imagine he'd be a really cool guy to have a drink with. What a great interview! I feel like I need to book a flight to New York to go see Tommy after that.
Right back to you... I pray you have a blessed life & live with a child-like innocence that causes people to trust and love you.❤
The origin of the Pinball Wizard is worth watching this most excellent interview with Mr. Townshend. Good one, Jimmy.
Tommy is an album you must listen to before you die
And watch the fabulous movie, with Roger Daltrey as Tommy, Keith Moon as Uncle Ernie, Elton John as Tommy's competiton, with a keyboard on his pinball machine, Tina Turner sizzling as the Acid Queen, and Hollywood sexpot Ann-Margaret as Tommy's mother.
Agreed. There is no album that sounds like it, not even another Who album. They got a real interesting, beautiful sound on that album. The next album they changed sounds yet again, and that's where that 70s Who sound got solidified. And that's classic too. But "Tommy" sounds like the album cover looks, if that makes sense. You really feel like you're in inner space, like the inside of an acoustic guitar hole, or the inside of a grand piano. The vibrations of a cymbal and a gong, or a tom-tom drenched in echo. Very special groundbreaking album that is now highly underrated.
@@wholeshebang1 .....and I love the movie too! More than I love The Wall, which is the movie that gets all the cult status, I'd rather see Tommy any day!
And if you like it, go for "Quadrophenia." Some of Pete's guitar licks from that album are the same ones that float around aimlessly in the memory, coming in at odd moments to improve the mood a bit with some raw attack on bent strings so cool that even the power of the mighty (crazy) Keith Moon's playing recedes into the background.
WWKMD?
Saw The Who in Boston, last show of their 1976 tour and one of Moon's last shows. They tore it up. Sublime. Greatest live band of that era.
Incredible talent ❤
But would you let him babysit your kids?