Won't Get Fooled Again - Pete Townshend Demo

[@whofan1967]

When your demo is better than most people's finished songs, it really says something.

[@quentincollins9338]

This demo is better than most peoples careers

[@nigelsanford7136]

Facts!!!! I also noticed when Pete plays bass, drums, and guitar on his own it's alot funkier than when John and Keith are playing...no disrespect to them by any means, but the fact is Pete is the true genius behind the who as a whole. And this demo proves it. Playing all the instruments himself like it's no one's business. He's pure badass.

[@thedukeofno]

@@nigelsanford7136 Pete has said it before, and it's true... Keith Moon was an amazing drummer, and a vital part of The Who's sound, but he didn't swing as a drummer. This version has a bit of swing to it.

[@triscat]

Brian Wilson and Pete Townshend are the real musical geniuses of the era.

[@akbarlebowitz8151]

John Lennon/Paul McCartney and Ray Davies as well.

[@progmeup]

@@ok3339 Wouldn't it be amazing if the upcoming Who's Next set finally included a restored band version of Lifehouse - after Smile, that would be another legendary unfinished album finally released in some form.

[@brianjacob8728]

@@akbarlebowitz8151 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmHdeJmCrNiagK8&ab_channel=SageofQuay%E2%84%A2Radio

[@brianjacob8728]

I would add Syd Barrett if he hadn't become an acid casualty.

[@harrykadaras9459]

@Akbar Lebowitz they sing and play all the instruments on their demos?

[@meredithasher7884]

Roger is a nearly peerless world-class rock vocalist ... but I love Pete's voice

[@robertfoshizzle]

Agreed. This still would have been a great song with Pete singing lead. He doesn't quite have Roger's power as a vocalist, but his voice has a vulnerable, human beauty that can only come from a song writer with great emotional depth. The Who was a better band for having Roger Daltrey's super-human voice and stage-commanding machismo, but Pete was the genius behind the great songs. He just happened to have an all-time great singer, bass player, and drummer to help bring his vision to life. The Who is a shining example of what happens when a band just has the right stuff. They didn't always get along -- in fact, I think it's fair to say the original 14-year run of the band when Moon was still alive was downright tumultuous. But great music is so often born from chaos and turmoil...

[@dbmorton1114]

Love this. So damm good. The bass is the only area where Townsend can't really pull it off. But then Entwistle was such a monster on bass, he knew there was no point in even trying. And I mean no disrespect to Keith Moon or Roger Daltry for their stunning contibutions to the final recording. It's just that this is such a stellar demo. Amazing.

[@billbest9483]

The bass very well may have been produced on keyboard

[@brianjacob8728]

@@billbest9483 Actually Pete played it on a bass that John had given him.

[@kentwood9821]

John cleans up the parts quite a bit but often stays surprisingly close to Pete's original demo takes. Pete had great instincts for how the bass should support the song.

[@knutschmag8090]

One of the best Songs ever.....💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪🤘✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@bwc3821]

What more can be said? Townshend is brilliant

[@craigfazekas3923]

Before rock died, you'd hear this demo & Baba O'Reilly too on WMMR in Philly. 🚬😎👍

[@xHadesStamps]

Did you know that the organ in this was reused for the release version?

[@rhd123]

I love listening to his demos and then listening to what happens to the it when is is put through the WhO machine...

[@johnentwhistlesurelysamsun1840]

The who machine!!! Well put!!

[@ForceMaximus84]

Even as a demo, it still works as a regular song. Of course the final version is better, but this is very impressive in its own right.

[@ForceMaximus84]

Also, you can still hear the acoustic guitar on The Who’s recording at around 06:36.

[@xHadesStamps]

@@ForceMaximus84 You can hear it throughout the whole song if you listen closely. I believe it's on the same track as the organ, both being from this demo

[@ForceMaximus84]

@@xHadesStamps Right. You would think they would’ve deleted the acoustic guitar unless they thought it sounded good enough to keep.

[@xHadesStamps]

@@ForceMaximus84 Yup. Although, TBH, I would be more surprised if they *didn't* think it sounded good enough to keep, as it's Pete & The Who we're talking about

[@fireglo450]

Yeah, Pete plays it cool, but it just comes to life when Moon goes nuts.

[@jasonderosa117]

Absolutely!

[@kirkjohnson9353]

This is stunning. It's like falling in love all over again. Incredible creation.

[@TheSanityInspector]

This synth track belongs in the Smithsonian. Hope Pete has it backed up safely on his home machines.

[@brianjacob8728]

Probably better placed in a British Museum, but I agree with your point.

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

Watched the classic album series where they talk about who's next. Pete talks about how he put this together and the producer said that he didn't have to do much as it was pretty much fully formed on the demo.

[@maxmoon2254]

I love how he stretches it out but Moonie, John,Roger and Glyns bring it alive.

[@msoileau83]

Pete was a big fan of Levon Helm and the Band. And it shows here.

[@mootbooxle]

oh man, yeah! Pete was totally channeling Levon here!

[@MrQuinnJames]

Wow, as a huge fan of both musicians/bands, I'm so happy someone else noticed this. Pete's drumming and vocal harmonies definitely reminiscent of some classic Band music.

[@stephenpatt952]

yes! very perceptive--there's a half time feel that really rocks. Can't forget how much fun this was first time I heard it live--an amazing band, s

[@matthewjay2680]

I SO dig the half time drum groove! Kinda puts it the vein of Who By Numbers feels, like the prequel to Slip Kid...awesome guitar track, Pete just rips on it in top form 👍

[@christinecollins6648]

Talent, talent, talent- and on a demo. Can’t tell me Moon and Entwistle didn’t elevate it though

[@jasonderosa117]

Entwistle's bass line was awesome. This won't do i justice but lusten and you'll see what I mean. do do do do do, do do do do da.

[@sratus]

And Daltrey's vocals. The Scream.

[@montydaniels1054]

doesn't Pete play everything on this? I was sure that's what I heard. At any rate, I still think Pete Townshend is a musical genius. I have my grandson listening to The Who. Seen them in Detroit in 2017 & it was great.

[@Imsuchaliar]

He does, as on all his home demos.

[@jonaswelter1816]

The drums also???

[@Imsuchaliar]

Yes.

[@brianjacob8728]

@@jonaswelter1816 yes

[@brianjacob8728]

Saw them in kc that year. Great show. Greatest live band ever.

[@derfunkhaus]

This demo has a sort of Cripple Creek funkiness to it.

[@richstrobel]

Too cool. Hearing a classic song in a whole new way.

[@TheSanityInspector]

@GrungeRocker1000 This opening guitar chord, and the subsequent synth line....I can imagine it being the soundtrack to the Big Bang, the birth of the universe itself...

[@thedicepticons]

seriously, I love how he drums like levon.

[@BeauregardHall]

This should be the exit song of an epic movie.

[@ForceMaximus84]

If Lifehouse became a movie, this would be the song during the final conflict, I think. Then, “The Song is Over” plays over the credits.

[@mootbooxle]

Pete is amazing! I usually like his demos better than the Who versions, lol...

[@LuGerWolf]

REALLY ? I CAN'T CHANGE KEITH MOON'S DRUMKIT !!!

[@christinecollins6648]

Guessing you like solo Neil Young, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel

[@LGH27]

When you find that this exists>>>>

[@FoolishPrankster]

Pete's a One Man band (period)

[@ga.bri.el.]

YEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH Meet the new boss Same as the old boss

[@SuperWhofan1]

@tohcrp Thank you for your post, so freakin true! Long live Townshend and The Who-the greatest band of all time who bleed for their music.

[@DrWhom]

there's a honky tonk guitar thing going on that's not so prominent in the final version

[@SalAvenueNJ]

In 1971 how did Pete Townsend know what it was like to come of age in the 80's. This song always reminded me of growing up after the hippie generation. "The Men Who Spurred Us On, Will Sit In Judgment Of Our Wrongs" "We Were LIberated From The Fold That's All" "The Parting On The Left, Is Now A Parting On The Right" That's what I think of when I perform this.

[@sratus]

he's playing everything here

[@8StringBuzzard]

The brain yes But john entwistle was by far the most talented and did the most for rock and origionality

[@sillysod33]

Makes me realize what absolute beasts the other three members of the band were too. They took the raw material and turned it into pure gold.

[@josepxicot210]

My God,now days are so bored,I still when I was a teenager,lovely The Who,I saw many years ago inLondon,lovely a lot.

[@finnfan17]

Very cool...I had no idea he played drums!!

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

coiuld this be petes gretsch thru an old Fender champ?

[@mattysparks]

@SAAB7899 That is so true. Pete and Robbie always had a similar guitar tone and those drum fills are straight out of Up On Cripple Creek.

[@1171karl]

You tube ads are out of control, interrupted at 8 minutes?!?! Come on!

[@benturki]

Although pete wrote this really does make it the who when moon, enty and rog join in!

[@moogboy010]

Refreshing to listen to!All Pete!Amazing! : )

[@jdh9676]

I remember when Scoop was first released and I played it for the first time. I couldn't believe my ears. Demos? Really? It was a revelation to me and grew my respect for Pete as a songwriter and artist that much more. So meticulous and assured. Amazing. The Who really were PETE. All Pete. Thats when I realized the true depth of it.

[@8StringBuzzard]

Ur english is fine dont worry. But Entwistle's solo carrer stuff was great as well he was as well an amazing song writer Look at Apron Stings, Love Doesnt last, Too Late The Hero, My Size and Who cares. all amazing songs Entwistle was In my opinion the most underrated song writter and singer.

[@thedicepticons]

@SAAB7899 I say more Levon, but the harmonies in the chorus are total Rick. I looooove this discussion. It makes me smile uncontrollably to hear this combination of two of my favorite things ever. The Who and The Band.

[@mauricegoldner44]

I just read a big article about the reissue of the 2nd band album, there's a bunch of Pete Townsend quotes in there

[@BORNTORUNANDALIVEMAN]

Pete's my idol!

[@stevemcgraw168]

By far high and above my ultimate GUITAR HERO, wonder if they give him any royalties for that tital?

[@johnentwhistlesurelysamsun1840]

I told him that to his face years ago !

[@iamobeliskquake]

i like this more than the released one

[@stiggs61]

Did anyone make demo's like this ever.WOW!

[@amerocker]

Probably not as good as Pete's, "WGFA". 😊🎼🎤🎹🎸🎸

[@robertfoshizzle]

There have been few rock song writers over the years who have Pete Townshend's ability to visualize all the parts to a song, then actually be skilled enough to play/perform them at a level that makes for a phenomenal sounding demo on his own. Paul McCartney and Thom Yorke are two others who come to mind.

[@tenz17459]

Without a doubt 🧐🤟

[@GravityBoy72]

Troubled genius at work.

[@TheSanityInspector]

@yrrebhsuk Probably not a drum machine, this being recorded in 1970.

[@finster1968]

This is fantastic! But I feel like the first studio take in New York City should be considered the true demo. Even the organ synthesizer was looped into slightly different patterns before they re-recorded the song.

[@davewestner]

It's kind of incredible to me how much better audio quality this track has compared to the finished version with the whole band. The drums in particular are super deep and clear sounding, whereas the kit on the record kinda sounds a bit 2 dimensional. Pretty incredible drum sound for a 1970s home studio recording. Honestly sounds like they were cut at Abbey Road.

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

Is it just me or is the guitar better on the demo than the finished version?

[@GravityBoy72]

The guitar sounds great on this that's for sure.

[@MichaelHansenFUN]

scoops?

[@78r0ckarolla]

One of the few guys in rock and roll ,besides Ian Anderson and Frank Zappa,that you can actually call a real genius....

[@alexanderhagert189]

Don't forget Brian Wilson

[@danksowow5124]

and Paul McCartney

[@brysondockrill4378]

Paul and John unlocked the genius within each other. You can't have one without the other. You might not see it, but that doesn't mean it isn't there.

[@amerocker]

Hmmm, I saw Frank Zappa, 1980, Jethro Tull and The Who live in concert, 1979.

[@austrianpainterinhiding88]

+Jesse Calarco Lesson and mccartney are basic compared to the philosophical weight the people originally mentioned brought to music. Don't get caught up in their popularity and consolidate the two.

[@JaymexR02]

Fantastic!

[@Pierre_Menard]

i love this theme

[@mullinator7]

petes scream at about 4:30 made me jump lol. it was just cool.

[@163388416]

wait, is pete playing all the instruments, including drums? I know he does the keyboard part and guitar parts, and vocals for this version, but I didn't know he drums too.

[@davidc9508]

Mike Beltrandi yeah, every Who demo is just Pete Townsend. go check out Pictures of Lily that demo is just 10/10 man.

[@alexharvey6522]

I think he used a drum machine but I’m sure he knows how to play drums

[@harrykadaras9459]

@@alexharvey6522 not a drum machine

[@ddowe9506]

whos next is a failed rock opera, it was supposed to be Lifehouse but he couldn't get it together and he had a nervous breakdown. The guy is a genius.

[@xHadesStamps]

Still hasn't given up on it, though

[@johnsims6323]

Too good for a song to open up for a TV show

[@8StringBuzzard]

Listen to 905 (studio), and Trick Of the Light (live 1989)

[@iws99]

@TheSanityInspector I know you posted some months ago; but theSmithsonian. Are serious. English composer, English band, written & recorded in England. I think there are several English establishments with a greater claim to this pice of work.

[@AlivePhoenix]

petes drumming is cool... slow and calm mooded... but like the final version better

[@davo2003hd]

This is Great!!! thanks!

[@iamobeliskquake]

@jaqua524 he did get some help from John Entwistle on a few demos though

[@toology55]

jimmy buffett

[@nigelsanford7136]

I must say....Pete's version is FAR SUPERIOR to the original.....holy shit...💯🔥🔥 He is the true genius behind the who AS A WHOLE.......🙌🙌🙌💯🔥🔥🔥

[@amerocker]

Yeeeeaaaahhhhh!!!!

[@demitriausliddell7368]

Pete plays a nice bass..

[@ajitmisra2459]

True, but I think John turned this bass line into something really massive, best bass line in rock history, especially when played live in the 1980s...

[@finlaybalfour1064]

Yeah, but nothing compared to Entwhistle. Then again, no one is anything compared to the Ox

[@benturki]

Fuck i love the who

[@lowdown4651]

This needs work and they did, who's next who's sgt peppers and that ain't bad, meet the new boss same as the old boss true 46 years later

[@thedicepticons]

is this album on sale pretty commonly or is it rare? I need this either way.

[@boozeeb]

Morrrnin i recorded a new song, want you play on it ? 🤣

[@RediUrano]

Sublime

[@TheSanityInspector]

@massiveham We have a thread winner!

[@josephesposito3499]

His recordings sound better than live...

[@lisahoffman-reyes8558]

I saw him live a couple weeks ago. At almost 80 years old, he sounds incredible!

[@josephesposito3499]

@@lisahoffman-reyes8558 Good to hear

[@cril1001001]

Lol, they do sound kind of similar

[@TheSanityInspector]

@iws99 Hee-hee, you've got me there!

[@jonathanmayhew-price7861]

Must have added the Meet The New Boss lyric later? Think I read that somewhere too. Quite a lot of direction to Keith with the drumming too. Roger's scream adds a great deal. Fascinating the backing organ track seems unchanged.

[@ForceMaximus84]

Jonathan Mayhew-Price It’s there. It happens before the second intro instead of after.

[@animegamingdude]

It's quite so when compared to Keith's drumming.

[@thedukeofno]

This demo version has swing. Keith Moon was a phenomenal drummer, but he didn't swing.

[@davewestner]

I agree. Is this Pete drumming on this?

[@yrrebhsuk]

i actually think its a drum machine that's what he said he uses in home demos in some interview, i forgot which one

[@maxmoon2254]

yrrebhsuk no it’s Townsend.

[@raymorales8448]

Drum machines didn't exist in 1970,

[@peterm1984]

One certainly gets the impression from listening to this Townshend-only demo that the other members of the band were merely a back up band. At best, great stage performers.

[@brysondockrill4378]

The energy they generated was greater than the sum of its parts. They all contributed to The Who's sound in a way that couldn't be matched.