Biography
Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend (born 19 May 1945) is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career. His career with The Who spans more than forty years, during which time the band grew to be considered one of the most influential bands of the 60s and 70s, and, according to Eddie Vedder, "possibly the greatest live band ever." Townshend is the primary songwriter for The Who, having written well over one hundred songs for the band's eleven studio albums, including concept albums and the rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia, plus popular rock and roll radio staples like Who's Next, and dozens more that appeared as non-album singles, bonus tracks on reissues, and tracks on rarities compilations like Odds & Sods. He has also written over one hundred songs that have appeared on his solo albums, as well as radio jingles and television theme songs. Although known primarily as a guitarist, he also plays other instruments such as keyboards, banjo, accordion, synthesiser, bass guitar and drums, on his own solo albums, several Who albums, and as a guest contrib…
Movies & TV Shows
-
The Simpsons (1989) — Pete Townshend (voice)
-
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014) — Self
-
Tommy (1975) — Himself
-
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015) — Self
-
Woodstock (1970) — Self - The Who
-
Late Show with David Letterman (1993) — Self - Guest
-
Monterey Pop (1968) — Self - The Who
-
Live Aid (1985) — Self
-
Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation (2019) — Self
-
Top of the Pops (1964) — Self
-
The Who: The Kids Are Alright (1979) — Self
-
The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus (1996) — Self - Guitar
-
Bad Reputation (2018) — Self
-
The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb (1993) — Voice
-
Mayor of the Sunset Strip (2003) — Self
-
Jimi Plays Monterey (1987) — Self (archive footage)
-
Lennon or McCartney (2014) — Self
-
Jimi Hendrix (1973) — Self
-
Great Performances (1971) — Self
-
Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd (2023) — Self
-
Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who (2007) — Self
-
London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony: A Symphony of British Music (2012) — Self
-
Behind the Music (1997) — Self
-
12-12-12 | The Concert for Sandy Relief (2012) — Self
-
Lambert & Stamp (2014) — Himself
-
Billy Idol Should Be Dead (2026) — Self
-
Omnibus (1967) — Self
-
TFI Friday (1996)
-
Classic Albums: The Who - Who's Next (1999) — Self
-
Listening to You: The Who Live at the Isle of Wight (1998) — Himself
-
The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979) — Himself
-
The Who: Tommy Live at The Royal Albert Hall (2017) — Himself – guitars, vocals
-
Live Aid (2004)
-
The Kennedy Center Honors (1978) — Self
-
Classic Albums (1997) — Self
-
Quadrophenia: Can You See the Real Me? (2013) — Himself
-
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball (1982) — Self
-
The Who: Quadrophenia - Live in London (2014)
-
The Who - At Kilburn 1977 (2008) — guitar
-
The Who & Special Guests: Live At The Royal Albert Hall (2000) — Self - Lead Guitar / Vocals