Can you imagine Pete Townsend as Brian Eno?
Pete Townshend Regrets Joining The Who
By Live4ever
Posted on 24 Mar 2011 at 5:52am
The Who guitarist Pete Townshend has said if he could have his time again he would avoid joining a band, as he believes the dynamic has stifled his creativity over the years.
Townshend revealed he would much rather had forged a career in the mould of Brian Eno who, after an unconventional period with Roxy Music in the early seventies, became one of the most respected solo artists and producers in music.
“What would I have done differently?” Townshend said. “I would never have joined a band. Even though I am quite a good gang member and a good trooper on the road, I am bad at creative collaboration.”
“I would have made a much more effective solo performer and producer working the way Brian Eno has worked. I would be less physically damaged today. My ears, right wrist and shoulder would work more efficiently. In all other respects I am in extremely good shape.”
Townshend was speaking to The Who: The Ultimate Music Guide, which has been created by the makers of Uncut.
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Of course, the flaw in Pete Townsend’s usually logical mind is that outside of pure ambient albums like Music for Airports and Thursday Afternoon, Brian Eno’s solo career has been based almost entirely on collaboration. And personally, I don’t need Peter Townsend to be Brian Eno. I’ve got Eno. I need “My Generation, ” “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “I Can See For Miles.” In fact, I heard “My Generation” the other day on World Cafe and was newly impressed at what a complex, deep and almost symphonic work that is. And Keith Moon’s drumming? Who was doing that on pop radio in 1965? So Pete, be happy with your vast body of work with The Who. I know I am.
John Diliberto ((( echoes ))) 
Amen.
John, sometimes (well, merely near-to always): you hit ir right-on, man! 🙂
I’ve been fortunate to interview many jazz greats (and some soul singers). They are often (in my never humble opinion) not the best judges of their own contributions. Two major exceptions were Sonny Rollins and Teddy Wilson – they were both supremely aware of exactly where they stood in the culture. Sun Ra was as messianic as he seemed to be.