Pete Townshend and Paul Holdengräber: Who Is He? | 10-8-2012 | LIVE from the NYPL

LIVE from the NYPL | Recorded live at the New York Public Library, Celeste Bartos Forum, October 8, 2012.

In Who I Am, Pete Townshend—guitarist, songwriter, singer and founding member of The Who—at last tells his story. In conversation with Paul Holdengräber, one of rock-and-roll’s biggest icons will talk about his most intimate memories; from the inner sanctum of Eric Clapton’s drug-ridden hotel rooms to the feet of Jimi Hendrix and his electric kool-aid guitar; from the first trial performance of Townshend’s rock opera, Tommy, in a London bar to setting the record with The Who as the world’s loudest band, Townshend will unload the journey that left him writing songs for “the best live band of all time.” Hear the stories straight from the mouth that sang on the front lines of rock-and-roll’s takeover of the music world.

[TheFredismShow]

This man's music has meant more to me than any other composer's in the world. His music has always been the right fit for me. It always hits right on the nerve of my own personal issues and history.

[LightWingStudios]

If it wasn't for Pete and The Who I never would have survived my teenage years and even into my twenties. I could ALWAYS turn to their music to try and find understanding of myself and the conflicts therein. I'm grateful that a couple of old sids are still here.

[marksonanything]

With age you start to understand and relate to Pete's fantastic lyrics. The Who is such a beautiful creative force...

[garythompson]

There will never be another Pete Townshend, just pure class musician a legend x👍

[joshuamichael]

I never understood why I was such a fan of The Who when I was younger, but as I've aged and think of the times when certain artist's music seemed to call out to me, able to express what I couldn't communicate on my own, I realize that music is such a powerful medium that can reach our soul in ways few things can. The Who and other groups of the time were instrumental in helping people to wake up and face the corruption of the world, encouraging their generation to stand up and push back.
And now that we find ourselves in a similar place, surrounded by corrupt leaders and greedy corporations that seem hell bent on destroying this world, we could use a similar slap in the face.

[christinejames]

I first saw The Who perform in Ealing around 1963 and many other venues during the 60’s, and more recently at O2 for their 50th. I feel such privilege to have had the experience to witness the phenomenon of not just the raw power of The Who but also to see Pete being acknowledged as the composing genius that he is.

[youjoker]

Possibly one of the best interviews with a Rock Star I've ever listened to. Awesome

[whiskeyriver]

I'll say nothing other than "How fortunate for me to have lived during Pete's lifetime?"

[trammix]

I find Pete Townshend a fascinating person who has always made perfect sense to me, in his music and in conversation.

[booklover]

This interviewer is great because he knows how to listen and how to let the person being interviewed finish a thought. That is often not the case.

[KimTebrok]

Possibly, the finest musician/artist of my time. The Who were always into art. This was down to Pete. Some life this man has lived. 👊

[vampyros]

A genius, Pete... So glad he's here.

[mottthehoople]

Pete Townsend taught me that the ups and downs and the pain that we all will suffer sometimes in life can be articulated beautifully through music other than my father he was the most influential person in my life

[kaivrock]

To me, they’re the greatest. And he’s the greatest among the great. I was 12 when both they and the rest of them came out of England. Even then they had this forward thinking look and sound. They stood out. Today, Red, Blue, and Grey” nearly brings me to tears.

[davidwood]

Watched in 2024, what a privilege and appreciated every minute and every word

[damon]

Do you want to know what I love about Pete's interviews everyone is different!! I am endlessly fascinated about the mid-to-late 60s and Pete is one of the very few who can give an amazing accounts of that time.!

[booklover]

It is so awesome that Pete and Irish Jack are still such close friends all these years later. You have given us so much music Pete that moved our hearts....thank you and God bless you.

[chrispickett]

This man is and always have been a visionary, his ability to write and to entertain us for as long as he has is testimony to his talent and skill - I have loved the Who since being a young teenager, a Mod of the 1980's who wanted to be alive in the 60's - they inspired me in such a way I have never lost that desire despite my marching years, Pete, thank-you, and the boys for all those years - just yesterday your music played all around my house all day as I was working on DIY - Perfect
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[kentboy]

This man is made of sense and he's one of my all time favorite musicians and songwriters.
Phenomenal guitarist and producer.

[codjh]

I've been a Who fan for many, many years. Saw them live twice, saw Pete solo (w/a band, of course) once ... ran across this by accident and enjoyed the hell out of it. Sharp, introspective, funny, insightful, and more.