(Credits: Bent Rej)
Sat 15 November 2025 12:24, UK
Since The Who came out kicking and screaming in the 1960s, Pete Townshend has seen rock ‘n’ roll evolve before his very eyes on countless occasions.
Over that time, many different sounds have emerged, come into vogue before disappearing out of fashion with speed. He’s also seen guitarists become hailed as the next best thing since sliced bread, before falling out of favour and being forgotten.
As simple as it sounds, talent will always rise to the top and ensure popularity, no matter the era. If a guitarist has the technical chops to reinvent the wheel with a degree of originality, chances are that they will be rewarded for doing so.
While Townshend is one of the most notoriously difficult customers to impress in rock, he will make an exception if it’s merited, even if not at regular frequency. Notably, nobody has been safe from his firing lane over the years, and even the sacred Beatles and his own bandmates have had to endure the viciousness of the guitarist’s unpredictable tongue. Nevertheless, this does make his compliments even more valuable.
Several people are safe from any potential insults issued by Townshend. One of these is the late Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen, who he grew close with over the decades, and their robust relationship was built on a strong mutual respect for the artistry of each other.
Pete Townshend on stage with his guitar. (Credits: Far Out / Alamy)
Besides his work with Van Halen, Eddie famously created the iconic riff on the Michael Jackson classic ‘Beat It’. However, Jackson initially wanted Townshend to play on the track, but The Who guitarist could not make it work and recommended Van Halen instead.
This conversation started their friendship, with Townshend telling Rolling Stone in 2020: “He was utterly charming, happy about the connection but told me how much he was enjoying playing keyboards. His smile was just classic. A man in his rightful place, so happy to be doing what he did.”
The Who’s principal songwriter heaped more praise, adding: “He was not just an innovative and stylish player with great taste. He was also a laidback virtuoso showman who just blew us all away every time. Every shredder today has lost their Master Teacher and Guide.”
Likewise, Van Halen was equally in awe of Townshend, who he listed as a key influence. Speaking to Rolling Stone in 2011, the American claimed The Who guitarist’s technical brilliance derived from his “power and intensity”, which he balanced alongside a “simplicity” that helped carve out his unique approach.
He elaborated, “You know, nothing was very complicated. Like, listen to ‘My Generation’ (Sings the main riff). Even the later stuff on Who’s Next, it’s all very power-chord based.”
From a technical perspective, Townshend and Van Halen specialised in different areas, which likely explains the awe-filled comments from both sides. Although Van Halen did admit to being influenced by Townshend, to a degree, this was mainly in regard to how he orchestrated a rhythm section in a rock band.
He never attempted to be a replica of Pete Townshend, or anyone else, for that matter. Instead, he carved out his own path that made anything he touched instantly recognisable thanks to his signature sound.
As a result, there has been an itching dearth in the rock ‘n’ roll landscape in the five years since we lost Van Halen. While his son, Wolfgang, his honouring his legacy, there will never be another Eddie
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