Guitarist believes that producing material for his own band is the easiest thing in the world
Holder of strong opinions, Pete Townshend He doesn’t even spare his own work. When discussing the The Who and the uncertain future that the band has at the moment, the guitarist made a typically controversial comment.
Townshend addressed the subject in an interview with Daily Beastinitially when remembering his departure from the group, in 1982. The breakup led to a hiatus, as his colleagues did not continue without him.
Today the musician classifies this decision as a mistake. For him, the hiatus affected the band’s history, especially after the loss of their drummer Keith Moon and a not-so-great creative moment.
Pete he said:
I think I made a mistake in 1982 by blaming the rock industry for my difficulties. Having lost Keith Moon (died in 1978) and some other friends, such as Brian Jones (guitarist of Rolling Stonesdied in 1969) and others, I thought, ‘this thing kills people, and I’m not going to be one of their number.’ So I left The Who. I ignored the fact that I had my own problems. I went to therapy for three years, but all it did was remind me that I had problems.”
Then, when explaining why he considers his departure a mistake, the artist said that it is not difficult to work with the band. Hence the unusual declaration of Townshendregarding the ability to compose music for the The Who — role assumed by himself.
The guitarist stated:
Exit The Who It was something I shouldn’t have let happen, because he was still alive and kicking. We had only made one album that wasn’t good (It’s Hard1982). We were going to make some more records that weren’t as good. And another album in the plans that could have been great. I think writing songs for The Who isn’t difficult. Not if you want to do what we did before. I dare say that any asshole can do that. And a lot of assholes do that.”
The future of The Who
From the record Who (2019) and the last shows, held in 2023, the situation of The Who is somewhat undefined. And not exactly because of the advanced age of its members, who are in their 80s.
In a 2019 interview, Pete Townshend I already blamed the vocalist Roger Daltreywho was reportedly more interested in touring his solo career. At the time, the guitarist answered a question about a possible next album — which so far has not been released:
I don’t think there will be. If there is a need or a place for a The Whocould I write the songs in six weeks? Of course, I could, it would be very easy. The problem is that I don’t think Roger want to do it again. For me it would be a joy, because I love composing songs, I love composing with a deadline, I love having a set time and I love the audience’s reaction.”
Townshend He even considered releasing new songs as a solo career. His most recent work without the band is Psychoderelict1993.
He concluded:
I was so pleased that the critical response to The Who’s latest album was so positive. I wasn’t expecting this and I feel grateful and inspired. So at the moment I’m thinking, ‘Well, I could write songs and say to Roger, ‘Whether you sing or not, I can release it as a solo album’ and the fans of The Who They’ll love me for it.”
The band’s first work in 13 years, Who it reached the top 10 of the charts in the United States, Scotland, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland. The group’s most recent full show took place on August 28, 2023, in Sandringham, England, concluding the tour with orchestra Hits Back!.
+++READ MORE: Listen to David Bowie’s newly discovered version of The Who’s ‘I Can’t Explain’
Collaborated: André Luiz Fernandes.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
