Pete Townshend

About

A pioneer of the rock opera and concept album, Pete Townshend is a celebrated musician who is famous as the main songwriter and lead guitarist of the seminal rock band The Who. In addition to his work with his long-time band, Townshend has also released a steady stream of solo material starting with the 1972 LP, Who Came First. His breakthrough as a solo artist came with the release of 1980's Empty Glass, which was a response to the death of The Who drummer and Townshend's long-time friend Keith Moon. The album spawned the hit single "Let My Love Open the Door" and "Rough Boys." Townshend released the 1982 follow-up All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes, to virtually universal critical acclaim. He's since continued to push art pop and jazz in new directions concordant with rock and roll.