The Who’s Pete Townshend says “all guitarists are intimidated” by young musicians on Instagram
The Who‘s Pete Townshend has claimed “all guitarists are intimidated” by the younger generation that can be seen performing on Instagram.
The application has become a hugely popular path for artists to gain a following, providing a new route to success. Social media has changed the landscape of the music industry, and Townshend is well-aware of the immense skillsets that are demonstrated by these young, technically-gifted musicians.
Townshend said to Guitarist: “I think one of the things that all guitarists of today are intimidated by is these young guys on Instagram that shred to hell and back, or to heaven and back, I should say, who started when they were six. But we are just our fingers.”
Even though there is a palpable sense of intimidation, Townshend also said the feeling intervene with his creative process. The guitarist confidently stated he believes there is more to him than just “flashy licks.”
“What I’m happy about is I can do two days of practice and learn some really flashy runs if I want to, though I’m still stuck with the old order, which is trying to make sure I don’t let my fingers play a series of cliches.”
Last year, The Who completed an orchestral tour, which Townshend directs the interview towards. “I don’t expect people to go on YouTube and get their minds blown,” he said, “but I do think that some of the playing, some of the solos, some of the chord work, some of the surprises, some of the avoiding tricks and being willing to take risks is really what I feel the guitar is great for.”
Townshend summarises his point by recalling an old conversation with Leslie West, where West compared his playing style to Eric Clapton’s. “I remember Leslie West saying to me about Eric Clapton: ‘I prefer your licks, Pete, to Eric’s, because Eric seems to be playing things that he’s learned, that he’s picked up from other blues players.’ And I think that is a fair comparison.”
The future of The Who currently hangs in the balance as no clear sense of direction is present following the conclusion of their recent tour, although they are set to play two more orchestral shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Watch footage of The Who playing on their orchestral tour below.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.