Townshend: The Who are unlike The Beatles & Rolling Stones

Pete Townshend says that his and Roger Daltrey's differing views on the Who help keep the band alive. Townshend explained the difference between the two to voa.com, saying that, "(Roger) carries his view of the Who as a brand name with him, and he is more of a fan than I am. I act as an insider, and see the band as being almost like an art installation, not like the Beatles, not like the Rolling Stones, not like Genesis, not like (the) Police, not like Bruce Springsteen. I see the Who as having a function, which is entirely expressed through its audience."

During his recent keynote address at this year's South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Townshend spoke about the artistic responsibilities he feels that rock music needs to undertake: "A great rock song, and the way I define it, must speak for those who listen to it -- not for those who play it. If you hear a great rock song... If I hear a great early, early, early Elvis (Presley) song, like 'That's All Right Mama,' it's what I feel that counts. Not what he intended, not what Arthur Crudup intended when he wrote the song."

The Who are currently on a break before kicking off their final European leg on May 16th in Lisbon, Portugal. Although the band was contemplating another swing through the States in the fall, Townshend has said that he and Daltrey have chosen to end the tour after wrapping up the overseas dates.
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