(Credits: Far Out / Heinrich Klaffs / Harry Chase, Los Angeles Times / Center of the Universe)
Tue 3 February 2026 16:03, UK
Think back to what you know about The Who. Yes, they were a part of the British Invasion, yes, they also seemed to spearhead the Mod movement in Britain, though this fact is a little sketchy, and they appeared to be hedonistic and carefree. But, the final point is a contentious one, and you need only look at Pete Townshend to recognise it.
Sure, the band were certainly raucous; they lived up to their billing as rebellious rockers. But Townshend never has and never will be a lackadaisical or carefree artist. He was a songwriter and guitarist who meant every single note and word he said, at least when he first said it. The truth is, especially as The Who were making their name, they worked incredibly hard to get to the top of the pile.
Do not be fooled by any phoney sense of camaraderie; rock and roll is a fickle business that is largely driven by egos. Across many different music scenes and movements, artists were often far more likely to forge rivalries than friendships. This was particularly true of London during the 1960s, where a plethora of budding young groups sprang up, trampling over each other for a chance to make it to the top. Pete Townshend and The Who were among the lucky few who did make it to the top of the rock scene, but that didn’t mean Townshend looked upon his fellow musicians too favourably.Â
Unsurprisingly, for a man who built his career on the creation of loud, brash, and aggressive rock and roll music, Townshend has never been one to keep his opinions to himself. Throughout his career in music, The Who guitarist has taken virtually every opportunity presented to him to discredit and attack a variety of iconic musicians. Everybody from Paul McCartney to his own bandmates have come under fire at one point or another, and the guitarist’s views on people seem to change with the weather.
If egos characterise the world of rock music, then the world of rock guitarists is on an entirely different plane of arrogance. Guitarists are so often the driving force behind a band, and this affords them a certain degree of superiority over other musicians, at least in their own minds. Townshend, again, is no exception. After all, with The Who, he paved the way for virtually all future alternative rock, metal, and punk artists with his distinctive and original playing style.
In fairness to Townshend, many of the guitarists he has expressed annoyance with over the years have been because of their quality or popularity, which Townshend felt he could never match. Nevertheless, it is certainly worth remembering those who have come under fire from the songwriter, as the list spans various eras and styles of rock and roll music, seemingly without prejudice.
Five guitarists Pete Townshend hates:
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