Townshend and Daltrey: Not best friends

The Who are back on the road for their first U.S. tour in four years. The Massachusetts newspaper The Republican asked Pete Townshend how he labels his five decade relationship with singer Roger Daltrey -- business partner, old friend, or survivor? Townshend answered, "All three of those things. You missed one, though. We go all the way back to high school, so we are both from the same 'hood.'"

He went on to say that, "When I stand (next to) Roger on the stage I don't pretend he's my best friend, or that he likes me as much as he respects my songs, but we love each other, and we support each other. So we are more than friends in some ways."

In addition to Townshend and Daltrey, the Who's lineup is rounded out by longtime keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick, Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey on drums, bassist Pino Palladino, and Townshend's brother Simon on rhythm guitar and vocals.

Townshend added that without the group's original rhythm section, the late bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon, the band's sound has definitely mellowed: "The Who's sound today is less heavy-metal, less power-chords and thundering drums and bass. Today the sound is possibly more conventional, I try to play more single-line lead guitar, and I'm still learning how to do it." Entwistle and Moon died in 2002 and 1978, respectively.

The Who will appear on The Late Show With David Letterman on CBS TV. Check your local listings for stations and times.

On Friday, September 15th, the Who will perform in Ottawa, Ontario at Scotiabank Place. They'll be on the road through December.
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