8 Nov 2012
Pete Townshend – Tour Diary 7th November, 2012
Great to be in the USA on election day. I would have been happy for either candidate to win. There are pros and cons. The only longing I have is for the President to work more closely with the UK than he appears to have done before. As unpopular as they ended up with the deep thinkers, George W Bush and Tony Blair were friends, and that – to me – exemplified what I feel is most important about the relationship between the UK and the USA. We are above all else friends. Friendship is not ‘special’ (as in the ‘special relationship’), it is normal, and accepting…
And so the Who tour kicked off in the teeth of a hurricane, and our immediate duty to our millions of fans in the NorthEast is to promise that we will hopefully do more than just offer our prayers. While we’re here we’ll try to do something practical, as I am certain will all of our rock and pop buddies. Watch this space.
The shows so far? I’m doing great. The stage level is very quiet, and that suits me. I want to hang on to my hearing, which is still good enough to mix music like I did for the Quadrophenia Director’s Cut, and to cut my own demos at home. Roger is singing incredibly well. His vision is an interpretation of Quadrophenia rather than a straight narrative, and that seems to suit the period we are in as the two surviving members of the old Who, and our age. It FEELS great to me (I can’t see the screens behind me and I haven’t been able to see the entire set of projections because I was working right up until rehearsals) and that is the best measure for me. Roger and his creative team have clearly done a great job.
The audiences so far have been wonderful, and the shows promise to continue to improve. It’s great to see some old faces, but as always I’m glad to see a few younger people in the crowd, and I hope they haven’t been dragged along to check us out by nagging parents (or grandparents!).
Thanks to all of you who have bought my book.
Pete Townshend November 7th, 2012
For www.thewho.com
Great to hear from you Pete! It was a lifetime dream-come-true to meet you in Philly, and I’m even more excited to see you guys play my favorite album ever LIVE.
Keep up the great work Pete! Your fans really appreciate it…even if we do come off as douchebags every once in a while!
I cant wait to see you guys in my hometown Brooklyn in the house… Ive been a fan for 38years and i always get excited just like my show first time nyc with MR KEITH MOON. ILL SEE U GUYS NEXT WEEK. DALTREY I STILL ADORE U AFTER ALL THERSE YEARS.. U GUYS R RICK & ROLL.
My wife purchased Pete’s book but will not let me have it until Christmas. We will be at the show in Greenville, SC. In 1980, I saw the band in Lexington, KY at age 15. Many of my friends were not allowed by their parents to attend as several fans died in Cincinnati six months earlier. The Who is one of my favorites and I am excited to see the show tomorrow. God bless you all and safe travels.
Nice one Pete, enjoy yourself! I have a friend in tears because of the election result which is something I cant understand, but then again they are in the USA and may not be aware that the rest of the world generally views Obama quite favorably – or perhaps thats what they are upset about 😉 Hope to see you back in NZ some day.
Pete,
It was great seeing you, Roger, and the band again Monday night in Atlanta.
The music, the book, the tour – inspirational.
Hope to catch you again in Nashville next month.
Dan,
Thanks for the update, and just so you know my twelve year old nephew can’t wait until Nov. 29th. See you in Chicago!!
Hey Pete,
See you in Greensboro, NC.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to bring The Who back around.
Your music has always meant a lot to me and now my kids.
My son is seeing you in Minneapolis and I’m bringing my daughter, Sarah, with me to the show in Greensboro (how’s about writing a Who tune about disaffected guys who grow up to be dad’s of beautiful, wonderful daughters that always have boyfriends lurking about – yes, I had to bring the boyfriend too!).
Say hello to Sarah on Friday night if you remember.Thanks,God Bless & love to U & Rog
i agree with your statement on the President Pete and look forward to seeing you in New Jersey
Many thanks Pete for such a great performance in Orlando, Fla. last Saturday (11/03/12) it was my fourth time (and my wife’s first) to see The Who live. My first time being December 8, 1975.
When Roger and Simon were in Orlando opening for Eric Clapton a while back Roger promised to return and to bring you with. So very glad you could make it because “You’re the one”.
You are also spot on about Roger’s vocals and his artistry with the video production. Having been a fan since before The Who Sell Out, I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to you and the rest of the band for taking Quadrophenia on tour.
We had floor seats and willingly stood throughout the entire show, all the while singing along in merriment.
As a side topic – I always win bets when I play “Dogs Part 2” (45 rpm) and have people try and name the drummer…a truly classic The Who cut.
Enjoy the rest of your tour dates and when you pass through Florida again please be sure to drop a line if only just to say hello or share a cup of tea. Cheers!
Pete – love your perspective on this. Funny how you worded this. I was at the Orlando Show on Saturday and perhaps one of the most special moments to me was watching you and Si exchanging smiles ; complimenting each other on your performance. Brothers that are friends.. it was so endearing to watch. Of course the band was awesome and I loved it when you smashed the Music stand ( well not smashed) but you get it. Enjoy the tour my friend… peace and love.
Pete,
Welcome back to the USA and the upcoming concert in Greensboro. it’s been 31 long years since you played in the Greensboro and you are missed. My entire family is coming to the show this Friday. 21 year old daughter, 12 year old son, and my wife to ROCK the nite to the WHO!!!!
Will be at the Barclays and Madison Square Garden shows. The band that ever mattered.
By the way, any more book signings on your end?
Pete great to see you from the 4th row at the opening show in Sunrise,Florida.Looks like this will be my only show of the tour (in the past I’ve done 50 since 2000 alone) due to health/family problems so I was disappointed that you had to leave the stage early.At that time no one had any idea what happened til the next morning.Glad you are doing ok.I don’t know quite why but maybe it was the anticlimatic ending (you didn’t play at all on Baba and of course WGFA was not played at all).Since the stage was too loud it would of been cool to see you come out and perform maybe “Mary Ann with the Shaky Hand” and “Tea & Theater” and then give the audience an explanation and a warm bow and good night. Cheers and be lucky for the rest of the tour.
Maybe you can add the Hollywood,Florida Hard Rock at the end of the tour to the schedule.
Can’t comment on the American tour. I hope! in the not too distant future I will be able to comment on a British gig. As for the book, I’m not that far in yet but really enjoying it.
Grahame
I saw the Orlando show on Saturday night and it was spectacular. Roger and Pete were in top form and strong throughout the entire concert. Quadrophenia is truly a musical masterpiece. Hopefully, I’ll have the opportunity to see another show on the tour.
Long Live Rock!
Chris
Can’t wait for Pete and Roger to roll into Toronto in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to seeing and hearing Quadrophenia!!
Fanatastic to meet PT in Philadelphia at his book event in October, a phenominal evening to watch him play up close and to hear him speak about the book and his life!!
Pete,
I was at the Duluth show on Monday night and it was incredible. That’s the second time I’ve seen you guys in that arena and you’ve put on a hell of a show both times!! Please come back soon so I can take my now 4 year old son to see you next tour!!
You reference the stage noise being low … I was looking to see if you had any in-ear monitors and it doesn’t look like you do. So I’m just wondering how, in an arena, you can control the stage noise so well? Are the monitors in front of you cancelling the noise or something? Or are your amps just playing at a modest volume, and then mic’ed through the main sound system?
Hope that’s not too technical, just wondering.
PETE,
HOPE YOU ALWAYS KNOW THAT THERE ARE BRAND NEW FANS AT EVERY SHOW.. I’M BRINGING 5 FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN BOSTON AFTER BRAGGING FOR YEARS AS TO HOW FANTASTIC YOU ARE….ONE FAVOR– turn it up a hair during the encore !! lol
Thanks
It’s great to read such positive
thoughts. Enjoy it for all it is
worth…
Looking forward to the Show tonight in Greenville, SC I have waited a long time for this and I am sure you guys will ROCK
So Ready
Pete couldn’t agree more on the relationship between the UK and the USA. With that being said the show in Atlanta, GA on Nov 5th was amazing. The sound and stage show was spot on. My first Who show and I was not dissapointed. Loved the tributes to John and Keith. Good luck with the rest of the tour and safe travels home. Hope to see you again soon.
Pete,
Thanks for the well written 11/7 entry and for not stating a partisan view of the election. These days this is is refreshing coming from an artist such as yourself. Enjoying your biography. Looking forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh on 11/11 (would love to hear “I Can See for Miles” added to the encore).
Great to hear you in a good mood Pete. The book signing was great in Boston. oops not a signing, a talk and music. I walked in a bit late and was front of the balcony/loge, yup that’s me. Anyway was very happy to see you cracking jokes left and right, really think you have something there as a comedic actor, maybe in a Fish Called Wanda type deal with Rach as well. Still your musical chops are frighteningly all powerful, and from the improv to Acid Queen to the slowed down WGFA, all sounded sick. Be well my friend, and hope you continue to be happy, you deserve it. best to Rach….
PS Book tour went amazingly well from my perspective, and you should be estatic your life is 100% defined. and it’s all good, or as we Vermonters say it’s all Hood :<), and you can feel good about…
Great to hear that you are enjoying the shows and I am so looking forward to the WHO performing live again in the UK especially with the Quadrophenia set as its my absolute all time favourite album.
Pete I’m really enjoying the book (About halfway through)
Hope the UK tour dates are not too far off….
Pete and Roger, My Family and I would like to Thank You from the bottom of our HEARTS! For such a Wonderfull performance and above All, making Dreams come True! Life Long Who Fanatics, WE Love you! and Wish you All The Best on the Rest of the Tour…….Peace and Love to our Brothers Across The Sea…..glenn
Thanks for the post my friend,
I missed your book signings but bought the book. Now, our area is wiped out thanks to Sandy and Athena (I hope the name of the Nor’easter spurs some radio play and gets you some royalties!).Fortunately, my house and family are safe & sound, but many are not so lucky around here.
I will likely miss the Brooklyn show next week as we will still be picking up the pieces, but I’ll get to MSG or Newark (though my easy train ride to both sites has been derailed by Sandy). No storm will stop me though. The Who will be peace and tranquility to region…who’d have thought it?
T
E
D
Thanks for the post my friend,
I missed your book signings but bought the book. Now, our area is wiped out thanks to Sandy and Athena (I hope the name of the Nor’easter spurs some radio play and gets you some royalties!). Fortunately, my house and family are safe & sound, but many are not so lucky around here.
I will likely miss the Brooklyn show next week as we will still be picking up the pieces, but I’ll get to MSG or Newark (though my easy train ride to both sites has been derailed by Sandy). No storm will stop me though. The Who will bring peace and tranquility to region…who’d have thought it?
T
E
D
You would have been happy if Romney won?
What a bummer statement. Either shows a profound lack of understanding of the issues or a callous disregard for a huge swath of the U.S. population – particularly the working poor.
Lighten up, Dave!
“I’m glad to see a few younger people in the crowd, and I hope they haven’t been dragged along to check us out by nagging parents (or grandparents!).”
I’m 32 and I’m the one dragging my 64 year old mom (and on her birthday) all the way from Mexico City for your Nov 14th show at Barclay’s…. 🙂
Roger did do a GREAT job (even tho I really didn’t catch too much; too immersed in watching you, Roger and Simon!); Roger’s singing is exceptional as is your guitar playing; it still astounds me, especially the accoustic at the two books signings! You’re welcome about us buying your book, I bought 7 of them to give out as early Christmas gifts! My friends were so honoured and happy to receive it. I’m an Obama girl twice over and a familiar face to you. Been to about 27 shows now; met you once for 8 hours, one of the best days of my life! ROCK ON’!!!….PS Would absolutely LOVE to meet you again!
Glad tour is going well and please Pete can we see some of it in the UK.I cant comment on your Book yet as i am geting it as a XMAS present.
Hi Pete. Amy and I loved the Atlanta show and we are in Greenville for the show tonight. Can’t wait. Your lead guitar parts blew me away! Love, love, love your book. Exceptional writing! Amy and I met on your website in 2004 and have been a loving couple for 8 years now. Would love for you to siqn your book for us. Now how pretentious is that? Todd
looking forward to Madison Square Garden. Enjoyed your civil tone about the election. Stay well. and looking forward to the book
Hopefully a Europe tour next year. In Holland there’s a rumour that The Who will play at Pinkpop in june. Is that correct mister Townshend?
Thanks for the note, Pete. I’m looking forward to the Washington, DC performance. It’s a great building – nicknamed the “phone booth” for its intimacy. Here’s hoping its environs can produce the synergistic magic you envisioned between performers and audience when writing Quad. I’ll certainly give it my best from the cheap seats!
Saw you in Memphis in 1971; only Who show I’ve ever see; looking forward to your new show tomorrow night in Greensboro. Chip and Bilile
Pete,
My wife and I attended the 11/1/12 show in Sunrise, FL. Despite a few technical issues that night during the Quadrophenia portion we really enjoyed the show. The band rocked!! This was my first time seeing Quadrophenia performed live and something I’ve looked forward to for a long time.
What did disappoint us and many others in attendance that night was when you abruptly left the stage mid way through the “and more” portion of the show never to return. I felt bad for Roger and the rest of the band. Considering that your post above was the first since the tour began don’t you think you should have at least apoligized to your fan who paid good money to see that show? It’s the least you could do…..
Sincerely, John W.
I’m flying over from London to see the Madison Square Garden gig. YYESSS!!!!! Can’t wait. Bringing my girlfriend to her first Who gig and in return I have to go shopping. And I don’t even care. Why should I care. Might even get out of my brain on the plane.
Pete, You are my favorite artist of all time. Circumstances dont allow me to catch this tour. My first and only Who show was in 82@ the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. My first concert ever at the age of 14. I finished your book a few weeks ago and enjoyed it, especially the parts that told the story behind your lyrics. I will stop now to avoid sounding like an obsessive fan. I wish you and yours all the best.
Good Evening Who Fans, My wife, Malinda, and I will attend the show tonight at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC. I was born in 1970 and started to enjoy Rock and Roll at an early age. Looking forward to the show!
Cannot wait till Sunday’s 11/11/12 show in Pittsburgh!!! But why have you not played: “MY GENERATION” !?!?!? Oh, how I wish you would!!
Pete,Can’t wait to see you in Boston again next friday night.We saw you at the Berkley Last month for your interview and performance, which was incredible. My 14 year old daughter is a huge fan and you have really inspired her. I will be there with her at the Boston Garden. By the way I just finished your book tonight, an was very impressed. Thanks and goodluck, Jeff
Sad that you can’t be down under here in NZ. Great show a few years ago, maybe one more before you hang up the guitar…
To Pete, Roger & the band & all involved in the show –
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! for the most wonderful show in Atlanta. A fan since high school in the late 70’s, I never managed to see you guys in concert. It came together so serendipitously & was a really special thing for me. I was with my good friend, my older brother, & my sister & her two sons, 17 & nearly 14. The younger one’s a huge fan of 60’s & 70’s British rock. It was his first concert ever, so what a lucky young man he is – bragging rights for life 🙂 He had a BLAST. The older, a death metal devotee, admittedly felt a little “dragged” by his mother, but went with an open mind and came away in awe of the production. Don’t think he’ll abandon his genre any time soon, but he was hugely impressed & said it was amazing. It was such a special night that will always give me happiest memories. You guys couldn’t have sounded better or given more of yourselves. I hope Atlanta returned the love and energy. Take care & and thanks for caring regarding the folks in the Northeast. They could really use some moral support. Much love to you all.
What a great show in Greenville, SC last night! Pete is spectacular and only gets better with age!
It was fantastic to finally meet you at the NYC Barnes & Noble and thanks for the explanation about “Sooner or Later”. We all thoroughly enjoyed listening to you discuss your childhood, the essence of your writing and hope one day to learn some of your secrets! As anxious as I’ve been to dig into the book, I am flying to Shanghai next Saturday and cannot think of a better way to spend almost 15 hours. I return the day before the Prudential Center show and very much look forward to hearing your new rendition of what I consider your best work,
As you mentioned in your diary entry, this area has been devastated by Sandy and although our power came on only 2 days ago, there are so many that may not have power before Thanksgiving. Many others are homeless. Everyone is pointing fingers, yet progress continues at a snail’s pace.
You guys were here right after 9/11 and although these 2 events cannot be compared, you will be here shortly after this mess too. Just in time to make the worst seem far away, at least for a few hours.
Looking forward to the Brooklyn show; great new arena, sound and sight lines are great. Come show the hipsters in Brooklyn how it’s done.
The pen is mightier than the sword!
Well said and so sweet. i am tracking The Who in anticipation of seeing them in Anaheim, CA in January. Also looking forward to reading Pete’s book over Thanksgiving weekend. I have loved them most of my life-since my teens and just turned 55 in Sept. God Himself could’nt have made a better rock band.
To Pete
Although I have been a fan for 40 years, I don’t need to nag and drag my very young son Alex. He is 11-year-old and already a new generation of cirtified Who obsessive. He can sing almost all The Who songs off by heart. We went to Truman brewery for your book signing party, Alex pretended to be ill and absent from his school for this special day, because We live in Exeter and had to go by train, you signed my book! 🙂 Alex carried his 3/4 size acustic gituar, whishing you could sign it. He has already had an autograph of your brother Simon Townshend with words “keep your faith”, that was given at his gig in a small venue in Exeter, last March. Alex desperately hoped you could sign on the gituar and it was the first ever oppotunity for him to see you. However, 3 members of staff were coming and said “No! No! No gituar!” and his dream was broken. We caught a late train back to Exeter so that Alex can attend school normally the next morning. We arrived at Exeter 1.00AM in the morning. Alex was quietly weeping most the way from Truman Brewery to our home. I could not find any words to comfort him, yet when he saw my worried face, he said “Don’t worry mum, that’s life. I might have another chance in the future, I WILL” I just want you to know, there is such a keen fan in the new generation. We strongly hope, you are considering a Quadrophenia UK tour. We will come whatever happens, anyway,anyhow,anywhere!!!
Mr. Townshend,
Once again, we are missing a fantastic, milestone concert.
My first boyfriend and his best friend saw you in ’75 & ’80, (I wasn’t invited) were truly devoted fans and it caught on with me, and my brother. We are both unable to attend tonight’s concert – duty calls us elsewhere.
We wanted to say that you, and a few other bands, gave us courage and an outlet recently when we decided to move our Mother’s home, built in the 1820s & ’30s, out of the way of the expanding county jail here in downtown Greensboro. Greensboro has a long history of tearing down most of its better and more meaningful architecture, so saving our home became a mission fueled by a natural rebellion against authority(ies) born when they took our uncle’s property 50 years ago for the governmental center; we were trying awfully hard for history NOT to repeat itself here.
We ended up moving three houses, the City giving us help with the one we gave away and moved to a neighborhood close by, the County giving us nothing but grief, every step of the way.
We took thousands of photographs and put them to music, mostly yours, just for therapy. (video is more boring BTW) It was so difficult to watch them directly destroy the foundation of our home, and haul it “off the hole” but it was easier to photograph it and go back to the photos later after the move was completed. The lens acted as a barrier between what was happening and the feelings we couldn’t afford to give into. So compiling all this was one positive way we could channel all our anger and resentment into telling the story, Through your music it became a positive story, especially when we got the narrow Queen Anne moved to a nearby neighborhood. “Join Together” expressed that beautifully.
There were so many times we were up against a wall: a deadline, no money, no developers, too many lawyers, but every time I felt sorry for myself I would watch the slides and listen to the music and look at how far we had come – with so very little – but with a fair number of good people helping us along the way and keeping these buildings out of the landfill.
The music was chosen for the messages within, mostly, with percussion quality a close second. I wonder if Keith, and Bonzo, know what an inspiration they were to kick start me out of some pretty glum moods – probably they’re laughing their asses off at my air drumming. Please don’t kill us over copyright infringement. Lord knows we haven’t made a dime off of any of this and its audience appeal is certainly limited.
While we’re guessing historic preservation wasn’t what you had in mind when you created all your wonderful music, we are so grateful to you for the beauty of your music and the inspiration and insight found in your lyrics.
Can’t wait to get and read your book. Maybe I’ll get finish and publish mine!
Bless you and safe travels
Hey Pete just finished your book great job read a lot of rock and roll books yours far outpaces the rest very insightful personnel hope you and family are great hot to see you guys at chicago show still trying to get tickets good ones are gone keep on rockin in the free world
Great book Pete! I’m coming to see you guys in December @ The Prudential Center…I can’t wait as I’ve never seen you before in concert.
thanx for everything
Pete,
first of all thanks for writing the book! A very good read. Been listening to your music accompanying. And, hopefully we will see both of you over here in Germany next year.
I am seventeen and even if it’s my father who made me discover you, I swear I became a Who fan by myself!!! Hope to see you soon in France, and waiting for your book here too…!
Pete! Just saw you guys last night in Greensboro, NC. What a fantastic show! You guys rock as always. Thank you for coming and playing! Wishing all of you a fantastic tour!
We just saw y’all last night in Greensboro. I can easily say that was the absolute BEST concert I have ever been to. My husband and I may be in the younger demographic of fans, but we know good, true music and artistry when we see it. What you, Roger, and the band put in front of us was simply amazing. I wish some of the newer artists would take a cue from you and some of the other classic, amazing rock. The lyrics and music tug at you, and I was mesmerized. Thank you for coming to North Carolina. I am forever grateful I was able to come and enjoy this show. And now that I have seen and heard Baba O’Reilly live, I am a happy girl!
Mr Townshend – your book changed my life. Thank you so much for writing it and thank you for the music that continues to make the world a better place. Never stop…please!!
Just finished your book , great read, I can’t believe how open and honest you are thank you for getting all of us through to a better place even if just for a few hours,days,years….. P.s love the page # the book ends on……,,
Whenever you decide to tour Europe, hope to see you in Ukraine.
I took my husband to the concert in Greenville, SC for our tenth wedding anniversary. He is a big fan and I really was not until after the concert. It was refreshing to go to a concert where the music sounds and feels like art-not just loud noise. Thank you for an incredible evening and best of luck on the remainder of your tour.
I am sixteen. The piece of art you’ve created by yourself is Universal.(It was such a long reflextion but all we can say is that Art is Universal.)
My wife and I attended the Greenville, SC concert, and I can truly say it was the best concert I have ever been to. Not sure if it made me feel old or young, but definitely made me feel good. Absolutely incredible! Thank you for the wonderful evening!!
I am very excited to be taking my 16 year old son to see the Who tonight! I last saw them in the 70’s and the shows left a lasting impression. I am hoping he will recall tonight 40 years from now as favorably as I have done. Chris is a guitarist and has idolized Pete for the 10 years he has been taking lessons. Long live Rock!
The Atlanta show was much more than a surprise… It was a stellar musical performance and a delightful trip into our collective musical past! The audience response was a testament to that.
Thank you guys…
You exemplify great music and a gentlemanly style so missing in today’s self absorbed rock stars.
Thanks Pete for the diary entry. May I speak for us all when I say, “it’s great to hear from you.” I’m sitting here watching some youtube footage of 5:15 from november 1st, 2012. Have to admit, I missed Entwhistle’s solo because I lit up a joint and was focused on my paranoia of being arrested instead of the show. But I must say it’s funny to listen to some who fan on the 5:15 youtube clip going off about how incredible he thinks it was that The Who weaved Entwhistle into the song-that’s worth a viewing all by itself.
Hey, all you people about to see Quadrophenia and More tonight, let me just say I am envious. I was at a BBQ tonight and all of a sudden a bottle of Remy appeared in front of me. Well, I just read Pete’s book, and of course he didn’t intend to promote drinking Remy, but I thought, “ah, let me try it….I never had it before.” Well, now I’m buzzed and I can tell you about how much I love the Quadrophenia album, Pete, the Who, etc… I am very aware that Quad is being played in about 50 minutes…it is tonight, isn’t it? lol. But seriously, people, enjoy this show. And I want to see some more replies on this comment board b/c I gots to talk me some who after the show… I saw it in Orlando and now I’m dreaming about when and where I will see it again. And I decided that I want to buy my childhood friend a real good ticket for his/our birthday because we need to see The Who together again- especially Quadrophenia, but this time up close instead of the front row of the upper deck at Shea Stadium in 82′ for our first concert of any kind at age 13. We need to make it happen to see it way up close and personal. Enjoy the show, keep dreaming from the waist…oh no, I’m a fan cliche’ again. I want to write though; I have to communicate this time because this could be the last time…shit I hope I’m not pushing ticket prices higher with this praise….I don’t even care…I will see you again soon Quadrophenia….btw, I like how you dip back into the South coming to Kentucky and Tennessee for those of us crazy enough to consider just driving up from Florida for the weekend to see the show. Probably wasn’t intentional but it’s a nice touch for the out of the brain fan down here in Florida. Peace, love, all that hippie shit, and long live Quadrophenia and The Two!
Always enjoy Pete’s guitar work. Roger and he have a unique chemistry. The show tonight in the Burg was outstanding. Zak is the bomb. Nothing against Kenny Jones but Mr. Starkey is channeling Mr.Moon!
I finally had the great pleasure to see yall in concert on Nov 11, 2012. I have grown up listening to your music, and to finally get to see you in concert was amazing.(it was my birthday present (55th) from my friend ). I will forever remember that day!!!
exciting to read about tour…can we expect uk and europe dates at all
Pete
It has been a long bumpy road since the Murray the K shows in New York when you blew me out
I saw a few of those shows and 60 more
Looking forward to see you in Long Island in Feburary
Safe travels
Jack
PS: 3/4 done with book. I don’t want it to end thanks for writing it “finally”
I thank The Lord for what Zak has done to the band
He is Keith reincarnate
Best
Jack
Can’t wait to see you guys in Atlantic City! What a great venue for Quadrophenia.
Love the book, Pete.
Looking forward to tonight’s show in DC. Can you see the real me? Can you? Can you? I bloody well hope so.
Going to the DC show tonight, and yes I am dragging my teenaged kids with me, but they’re very excited to go, having been trained in The Who since birth. Friends took their kids to the Pittsburgh show and all loved it. Also, love the mutual gratitude society: we’re grateful you’re still doing it, and so glad to know that great musicians appreciate the audiences as well.
The Greensboro concert on Friday, Nov. 9th was amazing! Thank you Pete and Roger for making this happen! The show is an amazing testament to your talents and perseverance. We took my teenage son and his friend, they are both wearing the “Just teenage waste land” T-shirts to school today!
“Live well, and be happy, but most of all be happy!”
Mr. Townsend,
Just letting you know, there are some young fans out there. I’m 23 and me and some of my friends are looking forward to the concert tonight in DC. I assure you, we are not be forced against our will! Good music stands the test of time.
Sincerely,
a fan
HEY PETE… WHAT ARE YOU WAITING TO COME TO CHILE????
Pete,
My 13-year-old daughter, a fan of our President, awoke after the election and asked me, “Who won?”
I replied, “Meet the new boss . . . ”
Somehow the child suffered a momentary lapse of Who reason, despite years of sonic conditioning, and began to sob.
But soon a knowing smile spread across her face as she exclaimed, “Same as the old boss!?”
See you in Nashville!
Cheers,
Neil
Great Pete – Can’t wait to see you tomorrow and 12/5 at MSG – Nothing beats Quadrophenia
I had seen Roger on tour with John ~ 1991 ish. Never thoght I’d get to see you play. I am a physician and was in school, on call or some such rot whenever a tour was ongoing.
Greenville, SC show was incredible! I have a tattoo of the cover of Quad on my thigh for years now as the music speaks to me like no other. Loved your book as well. Thanx Pete for the thousands of hours of pleasure I have received from you and The Who. Thank you for spending so much of your life for us!!!!!!
Hey Pete — Wonderful meeting you in Philly at the book signing tour. For days, while I was reading the book, you were sort of in my head (and that resulted in at least 2 fun dreams). And then of course, when I finished, life went back to normal. So looking forward to the December 8 concert in Philly, my best Who friend Becks by my side. Safe travels!
Fantastic to see the worlds greatest rock outfit doing so well in the States.I knew The Who would be sheer class as always.Only wish I could be there.Hope a UK tour follows.Well done Roger and Pete(and of course the band).Long Live The Who,there is no “Substitute!” …
I’m always having to drag along my Mom to concerts with me..
I’m really excited to hear that Zak is playing with you guys, I wasn’t sure if he would or not. 19 more days until the December 2nd show!!! I’M SO EXCITED!!
Hey Pete! Glad you’re performing again! Just read the book (Who Am I) and as I’m from the Chicago area I did see that show a few yrs back when Roger had the problem… but you pulled it off! And, btw, LOVED the book! And I just saw Roger last March at the Teenage Cancer Trust Show, Albert Hall. What a treat, it was my first time to the UK and hearing him sing your songs was SO special!
I saw the original Quadrophenia Tour in ’73 at Madison Square Garden. I will be back at the Garden again on 12/5…REALLY looking forward to a great show. Keep on rockin’ Pete and Roger!
Pete,
Thank you!!! You guys are the best and I enjoyed every second of your stop in Orlando.
Keep it going!!
Chuck Amstone
As always I am thrilled to see the Who touring again! I can’t wait to see your performance in Chicago on the 30th of November!
Some UK dates would be excellent.
Did a meet and greet with Roger during his UK Tommy tour, told him my 12 year old Who fan son just played his first gig on drums and the first song they played was I Can’t Explain! His dream is to see The Who perform.
Roger assured me that The Who ain’t finished yet, so fingers crossed!!
Keep it up fellas…
Pete, let me first thank you for your wonderfully written book. For a 56 year-old fan who’s been a devoted Who fan since your arrival in the U.S., it was a special feeling for me to get to know the feelings and emotions of Pete Townshend the person, as opposed to the rock icon image I’ve carried with me throughout my life. Your candor and humor while telling the amazing story of The Who was truly refreshing and stimulating.
To see a Who show at this stage in your career is something that transcends just a mere rock concert but is a celeration of rock history by veterans who still know how to deliver the goods and do so with stellar muscianship. I’m so grateful to have seen shows with both Keith and John and am thankful that you and Roger have maintained your special bond and chemistry and have soldiered on with Zak and Pino, who are both exceptionally qualified to join you in carrying the banner of our generation forward and keeping the art alive! Thank you thank you thank you!
Hi Pete,
Got to know John Entwistle (love and miss him) through his former PR guy, and got to hang with your daughter for a brief visit on the set of Black Hawk Down many “moons” ago, and your brothers Paul and Simon one drunken NYC evening. But that was then, this is now – coming to your show in Boston this week, with a picture of you young Who people circa 73-74 Quadro tour.. And will be in front row, so need you to sign that old faded picture…haha. Fat chance. Looking forward. Rock your socks old duffer.
Young Fan (57)
PS – enjoying you reading your life story
I like the political comment – I’m an Aussie living in the States – and emphasizing the importance of the international personal relationships is something I missed in all of the fuss and bother leading up to the election.
And it lets me forgive the “less than deep” thinking of past leaders too.
So I’ve stolen your words/sentiment and rewritten them from an Aussies perspective.
Good luck with making the show better and better…
I have been a huge Who fan since the late 1960s. In my opinion it’s the greatest rock band ever, led by the finest rock musician of all time, Pete Townshend. He’s one of my heroes, a person I would love to meet.
My wife and I have tickets for the Feb. 12 show at the Pepsi Center in Denver (near where I grew up), and we can hardly wait.
“… and to cut my own demos at home.”
More Scoops, please!!! 🙂
I am impressed with the honest and literate approach you took to your autobiography. Your book had much the same feel to me as your solo recordings. I read your book just after finishing Neil Young’s “Waging Heavy Peace” and I am struck by the amount of work you both do to bring creative concepts to completion.
I am looking forward to the show in Manchester. NH next year. I saw the performance of Quadrophenia years ago at MSG.
Pete, it was great talking with you on NPR on 11/12/2012! Time was short, but I have no complaints. You can get hold of me via my website if you need to. Say hi to Nic for me too please! Yeah I still have that letter you sent to my in Bosnia. I forgot to mention the juggling chainsaws. I seem to vaguely remember Nic telling me about that. So yes, literally and metaphorically juggling chainsaws…ha ha! Now having read your book, I find myself going back and reading favorite parts. It’s all great, but you know what I mean.
Please stay in good health and be safe this tour! I hopefully should be in Louisville in February! I’ll bring some guitars to show you!
Todd
http://www.npr.org/2012/11/12/164955507/who-i-am-the-public-and-private-pete-townshend
Darn it, spell check!
I saw The Who in Sweden back in 1966. I was only 11 years old then. They performed outdoor on a Satyrday afternoon. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I first saw the amplifiers. They were huge in 1966.
I’m said I can’t come to the US to see them, but I hope they will perform once more in Sweden. Lot’s of Swedes love you Pete and Roger.
Pete,
Would you really have been happy if Romney had won?
All the best from a shocked Malcolm in the U.K. ( a massive fan since 1969 )
Hi Pete,
Congratulations on the start of your tour. I’ll be attending your show tomorrow, Nov. 14th at the new Barclay Center in Brooklyn. If it relieves any concerns, I’m taking my 14 year old daughter Tess, who is thrilled, I assure you no coercion was necessary!
I also have tickets for your February show at the Nassau Coliseum, and hope to take my oldest daughter, who studies solo classical voice/opera at a conservatory but rocks with The Who too! She may not be able to make it much to her chagrin. If not, Tess gets a second show.
BTW, I’ve almost finished “Who I Am” and you brought back some old memories. I was at the Communist Party Gala in Paris and also didn’t know the affiliation until I arrived. I remember going to all 4 shows Who at Madison Square Garden and seeing a show in Amsterdam opened by Golden Earring.
I’ve had the great good fortune to have seen The Who a few dozen times but always the original four. I’m looking forward to a great show and thanks for all the great music.
Pete: I am reading your book now and am really enjoying it and getting to know you as a person (along w/ the other band members; esp Keith)and how the whole thing ‘came together’. I am a long time Who fan that has taught her sons what ‘good music and good muscians’ are. Needless to say; they are Who fans also. We all have our ups and downs, good choices and bad choices during our journey called ‘life’. I think if we just try to do the ‘right’ thing, be kind and have love in our hearts and good music to listen to…life is good!
Please keep rocking!
I’m so jealous of the American fans, ’cause I don’t think the who are coming to Spain to play quadrophenia. Fortunately I went to London to see it in 96, when they played it at the Hyde Park. What a moment in my life!
If you read this Pete, please just don’t forget in Spain we love quadrophenia and try to do your best to visit us.
Btw, I haven’t finished the book yet, but anyway, I say thank you for writing it, it’s awesome to read you.
Pete, white jump suit when you play Philadelphia. Your
fans will love it. I realize that is from a different era but that is
how we first met you. Nostalgia always puts a smile on our face.
I do agree Roger’s singing is excellent.
LONG LIVE ROCK
Getting excited for Nov 27th to get here as I will be going to Minneapolis to see the Who. I have been a die hard fan since I was 10 yrs old and saw them in Duluth in 1967 with Hermans Hemits. I am now 55 yrs old and play drums in a band with a couple of my friends. Keith is my idol as he was a very intense drummer. The bans as a whole is and always has been my favorite band. Take care,
Pete, I love ya, but clearly you don’t have a clue about what’s been happening in America, especially to women, racial minorities, the poor, and the elderly, or you’d never say you’d be happy for either candidate to win. A Republican presidency would’ve meant women’s rights to control their own bodies being taken away, tax leniency for the richest 2% of the population, uncontrollable healthcare costs and millions more people uninsured, more homes foreclosed, unequal pay for equal work, redefinition of rape laws to favor rapists, cuts to Medicaid and Social Security… the list goes on.
The fact that Bush and Blair became friends proves to many of us that Tony betrayed Labour principles. Bush was a criminal who brought our country to the brink of bankruptcy while enriching oil companies, Wall Street banks, and major corporations. His party has consistently committed frauds in the election process, which was why Al Gore wasn’t in the White House though he actually was elected.
You’re a great musician, writer, and performer– please don’t make statements on subjects in which you’re uneducated. It would’ve been a terrible, terrible thing for middle-class and working-class Americans for Romney to have become president. With Obama as President, we have a chance to get affordable health care, senior citizens won’t have to choose between eating or getting medicine, and women will still have the right to choose what happens to their bodies. Study up.
Ms. Clawdy, very very well stated. I was shocked at Pete’s comment about either candidate winning. That doesn’t take away from my still looking up to and admiring Pete, Roger and the Who as legends and major contributers to my life’s landsacpe.
Pete:
Read the book and loved it. As I read I thought back to what I was doing at the same time period. Saw you in Pittsburgh on 11/7/12 and loved it. Don’t know if you could see, but those of us on the floor stood the whole show. I saw The Who for the first time in 1969 at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit and I experienced the same excitement now as I did back then.Had my son with me for his first Who show. Thank you for the music.
What a wonderful time we had seeing the gang in Atlanta. It was such a great experience. As always, Roger and Pete were sensational. Simon, Zak and Pino were great. It’s the second time I’ve been blessed to see The Who perform here in Atlanta. We’ve also enjoyed seeing Roger and Simon on the Tommy Tour and Working with Eric Clapton on his last tour. They definitely inspire us to be better.
Very much looking forward to the Denver show in February. Bought tickets for my old college roommate from Detroit, my 13-year-old son, and myself. We rented the DVD so my son can get a better idea of the plot and music so we can enjoy the show instead of explaining any plot.
I bought your book and am enjoying the insight so far…teaching four classes, taking two myself…leaves little time to read for pleasure until December. 🙁
Thank you for sharing your life experiences, incorporating them into your music, thank you for your insight, and mostly, thank you for being “who you are”. My teens and 20s would not have been what they were without your inspiration. xxoo
Being a fan of reading books and biographies especially I say well done. It seems like everyone has one coming out. Have not finished reading it 3/4 of the way but I can say that it is right up there with Keith Richards bio.
I think what I find most interesting is I think I have known the real you without knowing a thing about you really even though I have been a fan forever, became hard core in the eighties.
It is kinda like the time I shook your hand at an In the Attic show and was surprised to see that you were not very tall as I had imaged, it gave me a sense of how normal you really were.
Give my best to Rachel as I too think she has completed you so you can be a normal person.
I sure do miss her dog fart stories from her blog.
thank’s u.You are the Best.Do you think that you will be in Italy again?My two daugthers want to see u to play ” who are you” live…..
Hi Pete! I recently finished listening to your audiobook. I think it’s great that you chose to narrate the book yourself. As I listened to you tell your story, I felt as if I was experiencing some of your life adventures instead of working the midnight shift on an assembly line job in Lordstown, Ohio. Your words and music have been a great inspiration to me and I give you credit for being the impetus that led me to become the songwriter and the Seeker that I am today. Thanks for all of your truth and beauty!
-Paul Charles
Yes Pete!
My friends and I will be in Philly to see you on the 8th of december..tickets came yesterday WOO WHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. All fired up for the show, saw the band sevral times in 82″ and 89″ but not since.
Don’t be afraid to pull out a Chestnut like “So Sad About Us” or “Pure and Easy”!
Yes Pete!
Pete,
No Seattle date on the tour…no problem. The wife and I will be at the Joint @the Hard Rock in Vegas in Feb! Vegas baby! We are looking forward to that very much. It will be a bit different that my first Who gig, December 1971 in Seattle (instruments were destroyed). BTW…I met you at Barnes & Noble in Seattle in 2006. I rudely interrupted a conversation you were having with Eddie. My sincere apologies, my brain locked up when I saw you guys.
Great to hear the US gigs are going well, what about the UK and please dont just restrict it to the crap O2, some of us oldies would have to much of a trip home!
Hi Pete: I’m quite intrigued by your comment about Roger interpreting Quadrophenia rather than narrating it, and I can’t wait to see it live (again). It must be very poignant to tell this story of your youth from your current point of view. My first show was December ’79 in Chicago(six days after Cincinnati; it’s a miracle my parents allowed it). The Punk Meets the Godfather was the high point of that show for me, and the song was only six years old then! Like a fine wine, I will savor it again in two weeks here in Chicago.
Long Live Rock!
PS – I am really enjoying your book
Thousands of Townshends and Townsends in U.S. phone books. Daltreys, Moons and Entwistles too. Went to high with a Frank Entwistle. Great big tall fellow. Yes. We are connected.
One of my great-great grandfathers was a Townshend. His folks came to NYC in the 1630s from Norfolk. Had a tannery down near City Hall. One of his descendants was Major Andre’s heart throb. He blabbed to pretty young Miss Townshend about giving up West Point with Bendict Arnold. She told George Washington. And that was the end of that. All related to the current Marquess. Descendants of younger brothers of younger brothers of Roger Townshend appointed a judge by Richard III in 1485. They dropped the “h”. It was the American thing to do.
Yes. Great Britain and the U.S. are connected. No doubt. We are your cousins here.
Enjoyed the memoir. Well written. Gracious and affectionate to family, friends, co-workers, fans and fellow travelers. Everyone came off well and seems likeable. Even Grandma to whom you were generous despite it all. The boy who heard music. Birth of a personal aesthestic. Riding bikes. Delivering newspapers. Choir singing. Kirk and Jarrett. Priceless.
If the Honours Committee doesn’t get it’s act tgogether, Springsteen will crown you Duke of Earl in Newark. Home of the Four Seasons. T’would be fitting. The Who is white boy Methodist strong backed coal worker earnest mechanic gospel music. Maximum R&B. Yup. All ya gotta do is ask.
Will attend MSG or Prudential show. No need for encores. Saw Neil Young and Crazy Horse do Greendale some years back. Show was complete in and of itself. Then they went on with an hour’s worth of “hits.” Me and the rest of the crowd enjoyed the hits, but it was un-necessary.
Have work the next day and a home to go to. Not getting any younger. I’m 57. Seeing Quadrephenia performed would make me happy without an encore. Saw it first in 1973 at the Boston Garden. We both had hair.
A 7:30 start. Sensible shoes. Early to bed and early to rise.
Hey, aren’t you a Labour Party supporter?
I got to see the boys play in Atlanta the night before our election. What a relief from politics and what a spectacular show! Very special to me as I took my little brother six years ago to see them at the same venue. He has since departed this world, but I know his spirit was there. Thanks guys for a special show.
Pete,
Thanks for your balanced and refreshing commentary and perspective on the US Presidential Election. Unfortunately, given the vitriolic political discourse that is now so prevalent here in the States, it’s impossible to state any opposition to the President’s policies without being branded a racist homophobic misogynist. I wish I was being melodramatic. Many of us are hopeful that a reputable third party alternative will emerge some time in the not too distant future. I hope I live long enough to vote for one. Missed you in Brooklyn the other night but hope to make amends by catching the NYC/MSG gig. Did you know the Brooklyn Academy of Music did a run of Who-related movies while you were here? Great stuff. I caught a screening of Quadrophenia. Hope you continue to enjoy the tour. Love the book, mate. Mackey
The DC show was fantastic! The sound was great. The screens were great. You guys won me over, again, with the warmth and passion that filled the stage. If I had only planned accordingly I would have seen you in NY whilst I was there the next day on business. It was my 15 year old’s first Who show. My fav was the 5:15 mix with John sync’ed up from the 2002(?) tour. My son’s fav was Dr Jimmy…ugh, can’t wait to see how that influences him, lol. Thanks again for stopping by…next time, maybe retire some of the “and More” classics for some deeper cuts?
Hey Pete, Sorry to see your not coming to Seattle this time. Haven’t missed since 1980 either solo or the whole group take care
Pete,
Have you ever been to Cairo, illinois. Back in the day when the
old
Black bluesmen played at the local juke joints an dives?
The place isn’t in Bill Wymans book but it played an important role
In blues history. Never mind the fact some of the kids look like muddy
Waters. Sadly the place has seen better times.
Hi
What happened on nov.1 show that you left the stage and never come back
The show by the way was amazing
Peter! I am pleased to learn you are in the USA. You sound great in your diary. I reckon the music of The Who is squalling just like the hurricane you encountered this tour. I hope that I can see you in February 2013 in California, but have not purchased my ticket yet. Scotty Mockingbird. P.S. I think Her Majesty should knight you. aoxomoxoa
Hello pete,saw the show in greensboro,nc nov. 9th… outstanding!
boy… a solo tour next would be the iceing on the cake ! looking forward to reading your book
“long live rock…i need it ever night”
Hi Pete,
Hope the tour is going well, have tkts for NJPAC in NJ & Philly Dec 8.Anxiously awaiting both dates looking forward to being uplifted once again by my favorite band of all time…Reading Who I am and enjoying it…Good Luck on rest of tour…
A wonderful show last night by the entire band and its audio video support staff at Madison Square Garden with a great bunch of congenial fellow fans – all of whom were on their feet for the “same old shit” lovingly presented and received greatest hits that followed the performance of Quadrephenia – soup to nuts.
Although the crowd seemed to mostly be in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, there was a fair amount of younger folk in attendance – even some children. Very nice to see.
I sat next to a very pretty young woman in her late 20s and her husband. She got up and danced with much evident joy at many points during the show. She and her husband had a lovely night out.
No drunks in sight. Everyone seemed to feel calm and just glad to be there. The smell of very good cannabis permeated the air like nostalgia at Christmas. The non-smokers, including me, were all fine about it.
I first saw Quadrephenia (or rather songs from the album) performed on December 3, 1973 at the Boston Garden. I subsequently saw a similar show dedicated more or less to songs from the album at Madison Square Garden in June of 1974.
Last night’s show seemed the best realization of the work that fans are ever likely to see.
Loved the interview in the New York Times Sunday Book Review.
Now that you’re a self-confessed neocon, I hope that doesn’t mean we’ll read about you in the papers for going about in a pith helmet with an elephant gun in hand channelling Terry-Thomas in your spare time.
(Channelling Ted Nugent doesn’t seem like something an Englishman could or would want to do.)
In the U.S., when you reach the age of 100, the president sends you a birthday card. Hope you and everyone else in the band get such a card from the prime minister and are in good health to enjoy it.
P.S. Now that I’ve read your memoir, every time I think of “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” by Herman’s Hermits, I laugh myself silly.