Pete Townshend Calls Out AC/DC On Their Repetitive Albums
via TheColdrush22 / YouTube
Recently, Pete Townshend, a mainstay from the rock band The Who, sat down for a chat with the New York Times. Among various topics, one point stood out – his candid assessment of rock band AC/DC’s musical contributions.
Townshend on Evolution vs. Repetition
Townshend stated, “AC/DC made 50 albums, but all their albums were the same.” His claim was not meant to demean the band, but rather to highlight the contrasting creative approaches of The Who and AC/DC. The former, according to Townshend, was more about cultivating fresh ideas, not replicating the same sound repeatedly.
While the method employed by AC/DC ensured a consistent brand and audience loyalty, it seemingly did not resonate with the ideals of innovation and creativity that Townshend values deeply. Despite AC/DC’s global acclaim and laudable longevity, Townshend feels a need for progression that he didn’t see in their discography. His commentary serves as a window into his passion for evolution within music creation.
Equally interesting was Townshend’s reflection on his own band, The Who. The group, known for hits like “Baba O’Riley” and “My Generation,” shows stark differences in their creative process compared to AC/DC. Townshend described them as an “ideas band,” implying a continuous desire for not just creating, but evolving.
He was sharp in separating the band’s glory days from their present. He said, “The Who isn’t (Roger) Daltrey and Townshend onstage at 80, pretending to be young. It’s the four of us in 1964 when we were 18 or 19.” He’s declaring that the soul of The Who is not what’s seen in present-day concerts. It is anchored to their origins, back when they were just young men brimming with ideas and ambition.
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Unveiling the Future and Reflecting on the Present
Townshend also hinted at future plans for the group, mentioning an “avatar show.” It’s unclear what he means, but he shared, “If you want to see The Who myth, wait for the avatar show. It would be good!” It seems like fans can be excited about a prospective project that preserves the band’s myth and legacy.
It’s important to understand that Townshend’s comments do not stem from malice but instead present the thoughts of an artist reflecting on the landscape of rock music. His remarks may prompt some to reconsider the essence of ‘remaining true to form,’ particularly how it applies to bands like AC/DC, whose commitment to their signature sound has been both praised and questioned.
Moreover, Townshend’s introspection regarding The Who’s journey and legacy offers a valued perspective about their place in rock history. His words bring attention to the band’s ongoing evolution, reflecting their determination to stay innovative even as they honor their past.
To fully appreciate his perspective, one must look beyond the criticism. These insights underline what Townshend considers important in music – uniqueness and constant growth. From his unfiltered views, we get a candid snapshot of the values that have guided many successful bands and artists throughout history.
Instead of looking solely at the number of albums produced, Townshend is placing the focus on the content of these projects. He reminds vital stakeholders in music – bands, artists, and fans alike – that while consistency is important, continuous evolution is equally – if not more – crucial.
