Shut The Hell Up, Pete Townshend
Thursday, July 10th, 2008
Like most rock fans, I love the Who. “Quadrophenia” is one of my favourite albums of all time, and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” never loses its luster. As for their most recent album, 2006’s “Endless Wire”, I daresay that no band of their era has put out as strong an album as that one in the past 25 years (my friend Timmy B originally suggested that and I scoffed, but he’s right - it’s even better than the Stones’ stellar “A Bigger Bang). And while some would say that the Who is really down to The Two without John Entwhistle or Keith Moon there on stage, Townshend and Daltrey have continued to perform strong concerts, honouring their past and their bandmates.
But sometimes I just wish Pete Townshend would shut the hell up.
Here’s some choice comments Pete posted on a fan site about the current status of the Who:
“I am no longer a member of a band called the Who,” he wrote. “I am Pete Townshend. I used to be in a band called the Who. It does not exist today except in your dreams. I am a songwriter and guitarist who — if I create the right setting — can walk onto a stage with my old buddy Roger Daltrey and evoke the old magic of the Who in the dreams of the audience. … There are many Who fans who have just as good a time watching one of the many fantastic Who tribute bands as watching Roger and Pete (and their supporting musicians) pretend to be who we used to be.”
Why does Pete have to have such existential angst about being in a freakin’ rock band. It’s always seemed like being a part of one of the greatest bands in history is always such a burden. At this point in his life, I wish things could be clearer for Pete. He’s either in the Who or he isn’t. “Yes, I think we’ll do a new album” or “No, I doubt it”. How hard are those decisions? And even if nothing transpires, why does he need to over-analyze everything when it comes to the band. You’re not pretending to be in the Who, Pete. You and Roger are the The Who.
The last Who tour and album were both artistic and commercial triumphs. Should they choose to record another album, I’m confident it would be a solid endeavour. If Roger and Pete choose to never record again, they’ve left on a high note. Whatever they choose, I just wish Pete would shut the hell up and make up his mind.
Long live rock! Now use WHO as today’s bonus code.