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Pete Townshend: Who I Am

By: Pete Townshend
Narrated by: Pete Townshend
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Publisher's Summary

Shortlisted for: Biography/Autobiography of the Year – Specsavers National Book Awards 2012

He is one of the greatest musical talents Britain has ever produced. But even as the principle songwriter and lead guitarist for The Who, it would be unjust to define Pete Townshend’s life simply through his achievements with bandmates Daltrey, Moon, and Entwistle. Noting that he has sold over 100 million records over a 50-year period goes some way to quantifying his accomplishments, but numbers only scratch the surface of his contribution to popular culture.

An avid student of his profession, during his career he has been credited with the creation of the concept album, worked as a literary editor, developed scripts for television and the stage, and written songs that have defined a generation. The thinking man’s rock star with a dedication to his craft unlike any other in the business, he continues to inspire new generations of performers and writers with a continuing commitment to his art.

Now, in one of the most eagerly awaited autobiographies of recent times, this icon tells about his incredible life and elaborates on the turbulences of time spent as one of the world’s most respected musicians - being in one of rock’s greatest ever bands, and wanting to give it all up. Incredibly, as a man who has achieved so much, this truly unique story of ambition, relentless perfectionism, and rock 'n' roll excess will be regarded as one of his greatest achievements.

©2012 Pete Townshend (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

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An interesting insight

I found this book a really interesting insight into who Pete Townshend is.
After recently listening to Roger’s autobiography it was interesting to hear about life in The Who from a different perspective.
A great “read” for The Who fans and Pete Townshend fans. Plus anyone who is interested in the early rock bands.

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  • 01-05-2018

Simply brilliant autobiography

with Pete narrating his own story and the humour that comes through the narration this is simply put, the best book in my list. he is honest and open about the events in his life and gives detailed insights into the Who and other works that he has composed. this book is hard to put down. if you like autobiographies, if you like the Who (even if you have a passing interest in the band) I STRONGLY recommend this book to you.

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An Intense Ride As Much A Story

Mr Townsend reads with many an ironic chuckle, a warming habit that gives a well written tome about a life so convoluted in depth, historic creation and personal torture and redemption the touch of human candour that underlines nicely the courageous and often unflattering revelation that gives this book, and it's audio rendering its depth and grip.

It's a significant and thorough examination of the life, and more relevantly, the mind and its machinations of one of the great creators and musicians to lead and emerge from the 60's Renaissance in pop music.

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Pretencious

Hasn’t taken the blame for anything. Probably doesn’t think he’s done any wrong. Typical narcissist.

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I'm a Pete Townsend fan, but I now dislike the man

It is hard to rate this autobiography. It's well written and very well read by the author, Pete Townsend. I have been a fan since I was a kid. However, after reading the book, I can safely say that I don’t like the man.
I was so happy to see The Who play in Sydney in 2004. It was thrilling to see my guitar hero on stage. Now I know he hated playing with the Who by this stage. It was all about the money.
He is so full of himself. How can you respect a man who repeatedly calls himself a “rock star”. Even the title of the book “Who I am” says it all.
He wears his marital infidelities as a badge of honour. I assume many “rock stars” do. I am no prude, but I pity his poor wife who stayed with him way too long. I guess money is a strong motivation to turn a blind eye for many.
I will not comment on his defence of child porn as “research” other than to say my “Bulls**t Detector” is off the scale. By the end of the book, he was trying to convince us that he was a philanthropist, by “secretly” supporting charities. OK. That’s kind, Pete, but please do it privately.
I feel sorry for the other members of the Who that were struggling financially while Pete was living the high life on his song-writing royalties. Hiring a helicopter to see his son play a game? Really, Pete? Really? Give that rental fee to a charity and be a real dad instead of being a rock star. Pete even wrote that John Entwhistle was selling his instruments to pay his bills. Charity begins at home Pete. Help out a mate while you had the chance.
Overall, it’s a great read, but I will feel differently next time I play “Who Live At Leeds” and “Who’s Next”.

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