Photo: Le Studio

Last night, Pete Townshend was honoured with the prestigious Les Paul Award at the 28th annual Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards.  The award was presented by Martin Lewis, co-creator of the Secret Policeman’s Ball, and, representing the Les Paul Foundation, Jeff Salmon. 

Previous winners include Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Lindsey Buckingham, Neil Young and The Band‘s Robbie Robertson.

Two special tributes were made to Pete by two close friends.

Mick Jagger wrote: “I can’t think of anyone better to receive this wonderful award than Pete Townshend. Pete has been an innovative guitarist and songwriter for as long as I can remember, which is indeed, a very, very long time.”

And in a video message, Paul McCartney said, “We all know you deserve it, because man, we go back. I have so many great memoriess of you and the band and the music … to this day, you’re just great.”

To read more and to watch a video of the award ceremony, including Paul McCartney’s video message, go to USA TODAY.