The Reason Pete Townshend Isn’t A Bruce Springsteen Fan

Bruce Springsteen, also know as “The Boss,” unquestionably made a significant contribution to the music scene. Known for his raspy and big baritone sound, long stage performances, and socially conscious lyrics reflecting working-class life, Springsteen was able to secure a position in the music business and became successful throughout the years.

With that being said, many musicians respect him as well as his broad worldwide fan base. At the 11th annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert in May 2015, Pete Townshend was given the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award which was presented by Springsteen.

Before that, he gave a speech about Townshend. Springsteen claimed that Townshend was the greatest rhythm guitarist and understood the dirty business of rock and roll. However, days before this event, Townshend honestly shared that he had stopped being a fan of The Boss.

In an interview he joined days before the event, Townshend revealed his honest opinions about various artists and it included Springsteen. When he was asked whether he was a fan of The Boss or watched his shows, he admitted that he is not following Springsteen anymore.

Townshend said that in the early days, he would always watch Springsteen, but now he thought that Springsteen’s latest shows became “a bit of blood and glory” making it not sincere as before. When the Rolling Stone asked Townshend in the interview, “Are you a fan of Bruce Springsteen? Do you ever check out his shows?” he responded:

“I did in the early days, but not anymore. It’s a bit of blood and glory for me now.”

When asked “In what sense?” Townshend said:

“Exactly the sense that sentence implies.”

Despite his controversial thoughts about Springsteen, The Boss praised Townshend’s guitar-playing talent and thanked him for inspiring him.