Watch Pete Townshend Play “Let My Love Open the Door” During a Commercial Break on a Late Show

A Unique Late Night Appearance

On November 12, Pete Townshend of The Who appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. During his visit, he joined the house band and later surprised the television audience with an additional performance—one that viewers at home didn’t see live. The show has now released a clip in its “Commercial Breakdown” YouTube series, featuring Townshend playing his solo hit “Let My Love Open the Door.” He performed on acoustic guitar, backed by Louis Cato & The Late Show Band.

Townshend appeared on the show to promote Quadrophenia: A Rock Ballet, which was running at New York City’s City Center. Along with this, he spoke about his archives of unfinished music and the possibility of using artificial intelligence to complete those recordings. He also mentioned that The Who’s final North American tour wrapped up in October.

The Performance Reveal

The clip shows Townshend lighting up the bandstand, delivering a fresh rendition of “Let My Love Open the Door.” His acoustic guitar work blends with Louis Cato & The Late Show Band’s support to create a warm, live sound. The show’s producers noted that this performance took place during a commercial break segment and was previously unseen by the at-home audience.

Townshend’s choice of the song is significant. Originally released in 1980 from his solo album Empty Glass, the song hit number nine on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number five in Canada. Townshend wrote the track himself and it became his biggest solo hit. At a late night talk show, this moment highlighted his enduring appeal and the reach of his solo work beyond The Who.

A Closer Look at the Song’s Background

“Let My Love Open the Door” features layered vocals, a signature Townshend guitar tone, synthesizer textures, and an upbeat melody that belies its deeper themes. The track stands out among his solo works for its commercial success and broad appeal. Townshend later remarked that the song was “just a ditty,” despite its impact.

During the Late Show appearance, Townshend’s discussion of using artificial intelligence to complete unfinished music offered a look into his creative process. He reflected on having a vault of songs and the idea of using new technology to finish them. The combination of this topic and the live performance created a moment that bridged past and future for his music.

Keep going for the video below:

The Significance for Fans and the Show

For longtime fans, hearing Townshend perform “Let My Love Open the Door” with a live band on national television offers a fresh connection to his solo catalogue. It reminds listeners that his contributions go well beyond The Who’s legacy. The setting—a late night talk show’s commercial break—adds a playful twist to a serious musician’s presentation.

From a television standpoint, this kind of surprise performance helps the show stand out. The Late Show’s “Commercial Breakdown” series specializes in showing what the audience missed during standard airtime. By featuring a rock legend in this unexpected segment, the program blurs the line between traditional interview and live show moment, offering viewers something rare.

Townshend’s Broader Context

Townshend’s participation in promoting Quadrophenia: A Rock Ballet reflects his long history in adapting The Who’s work for new formats. Quadrophenia originally came out in 1973 and has been re-imagined several times. His willingness to explore and re-examine past work shows an artist still engaged with his catalogue. At the same time, his openness to AI for unfinished songs shows a forward-looking mindset.

The clip also arrives shortly after The Who’s final North American tour concluded. As an elder statesman of rock, Townshend appears to be balancing legacy, innovation, and performance. For those watching this late-night moment, the performance offers more than nostalgia—it presents an artist actively thinking about what comes next.