Pete Townshend: ‘There was a lot of hatred in The Who’

The guitarist says that musicians performing together aren't always on 'friendly' terms

The Who‘s Pete Townshend has said that there was “a lot of hatred” in the early days of the band.

Speaking to Spinner, the guitarist and songwriter explained:

There was a lot of hatred and uneasiness in the early Who that we tended to cover up with crazy behaviour and just start losing ourselves in a kind of a running comedy act.

He added: “What’s more amazing is that Roger [Daltrey] and I are on tour together at the moment. I think it’s astonishing. Bands are peculiar things. It could be magic in a way, two musicians performing together; it doesn’t necessarily mean they will be friendly.”

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Townshend stated that back in the early years, the tender fabric of the band was held together by drummer Keith Moon. “Keith just made a joke out of everything. He kept everybody happy,” said Townshend. “But there was always a strong possibility of the band flying apart at any moment. I’m surprised that didn’t happen.”

Pete Townshend’s autobiography, Who I Am, was published last year. He recently apologised to a seven-year-old fan and her father after he mouthed the words ‘fuck off’ at them during a gig.

The Who are set to bring their ‘Quadrophenia’ tour to the UK and Ireland this June. The band will also play a selection of their other classics during the 10-date trek, which kicks off in Dublin on June 8 and wraps up in Liverpool on June 30.

The Who will play:

Dublin The O2 (June 8)
Belfast Odyssey (10)
Glasgow SECC (12)
London The O2 (15)
Sheffield Motorpoint Arena (18)
Newcastle Metro Arena (20)
Manchester Arena (23)
Cardiff Motorpoint Arena (25)
Birmingham LG Arena (28)
Liverpool Echo Arena (30)

To check the availability of The Who and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0871 230 1094.

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