Pete Townshend Opens Up About Overcoming Painkiller Addiction Amid The Who’s Farewell Tour

Pete Townshend has opened up about a recent struggle with prescription painkillers, revealing he became re-addicted following knee surgery earlier this year. In a new interview with The New York Times, the legendary guitarist for The Who admitted the experience was a stark reminder of the dangers that have claimed the lives of so many musicians.

“I went through a period of feeling very depressed,” Townshend said. “And when I had the knee operation, I got re-addicted to painkillers. This is the way rock stars die—OxyContin.”

Having been sober from narcotics and alcohol for over three decades, the 80-year-old rocker knew he needed help. “I called a close friend who works at a recovery clinic in Spain, and he got my head sorted out,” he shared. “I’m feeling really good at the moment.”

The End of the Road – Or Just a Pause?

The Who’s current U.S. tour is billed as a farewell, but the door to future performances remains slightly ajar. Townshend said the band’s next move is largely in Roger Daltrey’s hands.

“It’s in Roger’s hands. If we don’t extend [the tour], would we be in breach of contract? Would we be in swindle-land if we came back?” he asked.

Despite the ambiguous future, Townshend made it clear he’s no longer keen on life on the road. “I’m 80, I don’t like being away from my family, my studios, my dogs, and my friends,” he said. “I’m not looking to spend the next five years of my life waiting to fucking drop dead on the stage.”

Legacy, Friendship, and The Future of The Who

As for what lies ahead for him and Daltrey personally, Townshend was frank. “This could give Roger and I permission never to call each other again,” he said, before quickly adding, “I hope that doesn’t happen.”

When asked whether this period would test the true nature of their decades-long relationship, he replied, “That’s what I’m saying.”

In typical Townshend fashion, he ended on a tongue-in-cheek note about the band’s future legacy: “If we stop, the Who brand will continue. We’ll be avatars in a hologram show where guitars get smashed, and people dress in Union Jack jackets and pretend to be rock gods.”

He even joked about producer Giles Martin taking the reins. “It will all be managed by Giles Martin, because he’s bored with fucking around with the Beatles. And it will be bigger than Jersey Boys!”