Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend is a dynamic and uber-talented counterculture figurehead, best known as lead guitarist and songwriter of The Who, one of the most iconic and successful rock bands of all time. Along with British bandmates Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle and Keith Moon, Townshend formed The Who in 1964 and quickly stormed the world, performing heady and energized concerts, electrifying crowds by destroying their instruments on stage in musical frenzies.

Townshend is credited with writing over 100 of The Who’s chart-topping songs, including “My Generation” (1965), “I Can See for Miles” (1967), “Pinball Wizard” (1969), “Won’t Get Fooled Again” (1971), and “Baba O’Reily” (1971), and won both a Grammy and a Tony in 1993 for his rock opera, “The Who’s Tommy.” Although he’s most famous for his guitar skills – Townshend was named one of the greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone – he also rocks out on the keyboard, banjo, accordion, and drums. His contribution to American culture was celebrated in 2008 when he was recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors.

Townshend’s writing abilities transcend the musical genre; he is considered a successful journalist and author, and has published several articles, reviews, essays, scripts, worked as an acquisitions editor at a professional publishing house and even founded his own publishing company in 1977 – Eel Pie – which focuses on children’s books and musical titles.

Townshend has embarked on positive and negative personal journeys, including a two-year addiction to cocaine and heroin, countered with a dedication to Indian spiritual guru Meher Baba. Although his intense dedication to Baba – which hit its pinnacle in 1968 – has waned, he continues to follow the leader’s teachings and support him with philanthropic efforts. Townshend is also involved with charities devoted to drug rehabilitation, children’s organizations, and Amnesty International. At an age when most people are settling into retirement, Pete Townshend is still finding ways to entertain the next generation.