Has this book been discussed here?
I'm about through it and as with any of these early rockers, there are a ton of gems about how it was back then, name dropping, pioneering things that happened.
Pete claims he worked with Jim Marshall very early and helped nudge him into building the famous amps.
Pete also became quite an electrical technician, rebuilding his smashed guitars for the next gig.
He really got into designing studios and recording technology.
Same old story about being screwed by management and record companies.
Detractors will pounce on the themes of bisexuality and the child porn story, oh well - if that is all one gets out of Townshend's life story, I don't know what to say.
Overall it is a good read.
I read it awhile ago and thought it was one of the better musician autobiographies that I have read. It was better than Gregg's book, way better than Neil's and not as good as Keith's or Patti's (which set the bar way too high, imho). Keith said in an interview that they call Pete "Pants". Townsend is a very interesting character and it was an enjoyable read.
Townshend as always been an interesting person. I enjoyed this book a lot.
I enjoyed the book as well. I didn't know about the guitar re-building. Overall it was well written. I found Neil's book rambling. I thought Gregg's was heartfelt and told a solid story about overcoming adversity.
I thought Keith's book was sloppy.
Amy? Which Patti book are you referring? Patti Smith "Just Kids"?
Right up there with Keith's autobio as one of the best of its kind
I have an autographed copy but have not read it yet as it is next in my book queue after Ginger Baker's.
of all the ones mentioned, I like Keith's book the best followed by Pete.
The latter stages of Townsend's book was a bit less interesting but the 1st half was great
Haven't read Patti Smith's
Who I Am pretty much reinforces the fact that Pete Townsend is a genius. A quirky mix of confidence, deep rooted insecurity, arrogance, self conscious unworthiness, ego and uncomfortable self effacement, but a genius none the less.
Whenever I hear his magnificent Overture that opens Tommy, all I can think is that this musical composition is one of the greatest that has ever been created in modern rock music, and then...when it folds down into the flamingo influenced acoustic guitar segment, I have to think that this guitar piece transcends rock and should permanently silence anyone who feels that just anyone can be a rock guitarist.
Thank you much for all the wonderful music Pete...:D 
And by the way, I loved Keith's book as well and feel it is the current benchmark. I found Patti's book a quite touching story of a deep, loving. and ultimately tragic friendship.
....the flamingo influenced acoustic guitar segment....
I was puzzled until I realised you probably mean "Flamenco".... 
....the flamingo influenced acoustic guitar segment....
I was puzzled until I realised you probably mean "Flamenco"....
I thought he was referring to Pete's one legged stance while playing which would add to the difficulty factor.
....the flamingo influenced acoustic guitar segment....
I was puzzled until I realised you probably mean "Flamenco"....
I thought he was referring to Pete's one legged stance while playing which would add to the difficulty factor.
You're thinking of Ian Anderson!
[Edited on 2/2/2015 by Shavian]
... way better than Neil's and not as good as Keith's or Patti's (which set the bar way too high, imho).
This book? Just picked it up at the library.
Still haven't finished Gregg's book.
Another one that you might want to check out is Carlos Santana's "The Universal Tone". In several ways not your typical path to stardom.
This book? Just picked it up at the library.
That's the one!
....the flamingo influenced acoustic guitar segment....
I was puzzled until I realised you probably mean "Flamenco"....
I thought he was referring to Pete's one legged stance while playing which would add to the difficulty factor.
You're thinking of Ian Anderson!
[Edited on 2/2/2015 by Shavian]
LOL!!!
Yep. I need to start properly caffeinating myself that early in the morning before I even attempt to write a post...:)
Flamenco is what I meant to write...:)
he did mention that,
he claimed it was research on child pornography
he also believes that he was an abused child - Tommy is in some way autobiographical
mentioned and was independently cleared
overall, I enjoyed it, but it seems at times he just cut and pasted stuff he had already posted on the internet over the years.
I did like his technical discussions on his studio setups
