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Pete Townshend: Who I Am

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About this listen

He is one of the greatest musical talents Britain has ever produced. But even as the principle songwriter and lead guitarist for The Who, it would be unjust to define Pete Townshend’s life simply through his achievements with bandmates Daltrey, Moon and Entwistle.

Noting that he has sold over 100 million records over a fifty-year period goes some way to quantifying his accomplishments, but numbers only scratch the surface of his contribution to popular culture.

An avid student of his profession, during his career he has been credited with the creation of the concept album, worked as a literary editor, developed scripts for television and the stage, and written songs that have defined a generation. The thinking man’s rock star with a dedication to his craft unlike any other in the business, he continues to inspire new generations of performers and writers with a continuing commitment to his art.

Now, in one of the most eagerly awaited autobiographies of recent times, this icon tells about his incredible life and elaborates on the turbulences of time spent as one of the world’s most respected musicians – being in one of rock’s greatest ever bands, and wanting to give it all up.

Incredibly, as a man who has achieved so much, this truly unique story of ambition, relentless perfectionism and rock and roll excess will be regarded as one of his greatest achievements.

Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Funny Musician Biography Guitar

Critic reviews

‘More honest than any fan would have hoped. Maybe nobody knows what it’s like to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blue eyes—but Who I Am is as close as we are likely to get.’ Rolling Stone

‘Astonishingly frank, detailed and heartfelt.’ The Sun

‘Whatever the subject, he writes passionately and eloquently.’ The Times

All stars
Most relevant
I love the Who’s music and have done since about 12 yesrs old, but have not bought all their records as I have with the Ramones and Edwyn Collins. I hoped for a lot of insight into how the hits were recorded, how the songs came together, in-fighting in the band etc. and I realised early on, after their first few records were released in this book’s timeline that I wasn’t going to get much of that. But I was already hooked on the real story of Pete Townshend’s life and what he thinks about. His narration is really endearing, and his many chuckles over some of the incidents and opinions could not have been replicated by a different reader and they provoked many a smile or chuckle in me too.

I have not heard any of his more recent output and he has been quite cunning in that this book has made me want to buy some of his newer CDs.... very clever!

I only gave four stars just to be mean, because I would’ve liked to have had a little more about how the songs came together, how much of the bass riffs, drum fills and vocal quirks were written by Pete in the demos and what was contributed by Keith, John and Roger, but maybe that book has already been written and from my remote location I am unaware of it.

I found this book rivetting and listened to the whole book in less than a week.

Kept me engrossed more than I expected

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Having read virtually all the biographies of major rock stars and been disappointed by their vacuousness, Pete Townsend is the exception that proves the rule. Self deprecating, modest but very amusing, this is the most entertaining book I have ever listened to. Pete’s narration really adds to the experience.

Brilliantly written and spoken.

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Pete Townsend narrates the book with so much passion it's as if you were there with him

legend

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what a great and honest book. rock and roll stories with heart and soul. brilliant

brilliant just brilliant

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This is a very open and honest account of Pete’s life. It’s very engaging. Perfect for the many hours spent out walking the dogs.

Very open and personal.

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