Pete Townshend

29 Mar 2017

Pete Townshend was a member of the Who from 1962–82; the group’s first recording was in 1964. He has written hundreds of songs, many of which have been chart hits. He has written and composed several major collections that have won international recognition; Tommy is the best known. He was awarded the Ivor Novello Award by his songwriter peers in 1981 and the British Phonograph Industry Award in 1983 for service to the British music industry. In 1990, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He has been nominated for two Grammys and an Academy Award (for the Tommy film score). He has, most recently, been honoured with the 1993 Tony Award for Best Original Score for Tommy on Broadway. Recordings with the Who (1965–82): My Generation, Who’s Next, Tommy and Quadrophenia (rock operas). Solo (1980–89): Empty Glass, All the Best Boys Have Chinese Eyes, White City: a Novel (with long-form video) and Iron Man (songs for a musical based on Ted Hughes’ original story. Publications: The Story of Tommy (with Richard Barnes) and Horse’s Neck. Active as a songwriter, performer and producer, he continues to work as an editor at Faber and Faber, which he joined in 1983. Married, with three children, he lives in Twickenham, England.