Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey talk about Quadrophenia (BBC News 2013)

[@derekspitz9225]

Quadrophenia is The Who's master work. Under appreciated at the time, it has become one of the most iconic rock albums ever made. And how it was made is an incredible story.

[@derekspitz9225]

@@riley-arr-g Yes it was.

[@ebmk96]

My favorite album of ALL TIME! Better than Sgt Pepper. No small feat. Universal themes that are timeless.

[@annecolburn6530]

Tommy the best

[@Ruda-n4h]

@@ebmk96 It reads like the Who's greatest hits and it's best thing they ever did, but my favourite songs are the Lifehouse ones if that doesn't sound contradictory!

[@krollpeter]

It is their best work with ambitious instrumental parts, and Pete Townshend at his songwriting peak. It goes beyond regular rock or pop music.

[@michaeldunne3379]

What a beautiful album that is. Got it for Christmas in 1973 when I was fourteen and it’s never grown old.

[@michelboinet261]

What a great interview ! You can feel the untold and indestructible synchronicity between those two guys. They have had together such a long and incredible way. They deserve full respect. I had the pleasure to see them in June 2023 in Paris for probably the last time and they were amazing. Long live Pete and Roger, my heroes since I was 13 yo.

[@EricSchultz-zs8hz]

What Pete said about the listeners putting themselves into the work resonated with me. Without having ever heard it, I went out and bought Quadrophenia when I was 17, on the word of friends who were fellow Who fans. From the very first time I heard it, I was both impressed, and touched by it. I found myself relating to the character, Jimmy, in many of the songs, and the instrumentation went hand-in-hand with the lyrics and the double album's narrative. I'm older and more mature now, but this album still reaches my heart, and it's a treasure. Long live Roger and Pete, and the memory and music of John and Keith. Long live the Who.

[@stevejohnston8254]

That 2013 Quadrophenia show was one of the best live gigs ever. A masterpiece 🎸

[@martyhopkirk6826]

Totally agree. I saw it in Manchester, and it was hands-down the best gig I’ve ever seen.

[@Dani-sm8jp]

I’ll second that👍🎸

[@annecolburn6530]

Saw twice so much better than film

[@lenwenzel7440]

Their work always spoke to me.

[@GjpgrD]

Thanks so much for this show - one of their best interviews ever! And Quadrophenia is hands-down their greatest work!!

[@MrDuds1984]

Tommy and Quadrophenia were written by Townsend when he was in his 20’s. He’s a musical genius similar to Mozart and Beethoven.

[@JimWelsh-f6l]

I have been saying that same thing for years and people would laugh at me. Pete Townshend is a musical genius. like you said he wrote to of the greatest greatest rock albums of all time. no one comes close to THE WHO and Pete Townshend work. saw the who 5 times. I wish I could see them one more time before I pass or they pass.

[@11000038]

Quadrophenia is my desert island disc.

[@MoeSlislack]

Mine too! I collect and listen to music of all sorts but nothing is as relatable or makes me feel things from my youth like quadrophenia. I have to listen to it at least once a month and I love every song.

[@ronprewoznik3566]

Forget Tommy. Quadrophenia is The Who’s true masterpiece. Each musician trying to outperform each other.

[@tomshunpiker4554]

One of the most important pieces of music in my life. I dont think anyone can come close to touching how the Who captured what growing up as a young man was like. Thanks Pete and Roger for the work. It made many people feel less alone.

[@LisaThomas-xz3ki]

Quadrophenia is that album that you drop onto the turntable, sit back and allow yourself to be immersed in it.

[@stgallen1980]

in my early teenage years, I bought the Elpee " Live @ Leeds" a legendary piece of The Who, I was at the time 15 years old, in 1969, in 2013 in could see The Who live in Germany in the city of Bonn, with my 2 year younger brother, we saw The Who at last live almost 50 years later live, my younger Brother died some years later of Longcancer. The Who had a lot of impact in my life, keep going Pete, Roger pls stay healthy!🎸

[@JohnSpringateMusic]

Saw it in London-I did shed a tear when John appeared on the screen.

[@duchampsrook]

A friend of mine turned me onto Quadrophenia on a trip to the beaches of the Carolinas in the USA when I was 13 in 1983. Discovering the album along the ocean, sneaking cigarettes, talking to girls in bikinis on the beach, sneaking out at night, was transformative. I felt like the character in the narrative. The album and its songs reverberate with me to this day. My fried eggs make sick first thing in the morning…

[@gordonlandreth9550]

" Here by the sea and sand , nothing ever goes as planned " . Great story and a time you will never forget . At 13 I remember California girls on the beach were intimidating to me because they were fully developed women , just a little smaller . I needed a love coach at that time . When Quadrophenia came out , it was snapped up by all us Who fans right away . As soon as I got the album I remember listening to it straight through , then saw the movie right when it came out as well .

[@gummiesrule88]

Tommy, Live at Leeds, Who's Next, Quadrophenia...what a run that was...

[@aro5490]

great interview. thanks for sharing this.

[@jeremythornton433]

My wife and I saw this tour in Toronto either that year or 2014.. We're both big fans and really really hope they come back one more time. Love the Who!

[@Goldsteinphoto]

I like what Roger said about listening to albums over and over can make you appreciate a song that at first you didn't like very much. That's how I felt about Emenence Front. It took me a while to love it.

[@garysmith3317]

just brilliant and i saw it at brighton my dream come true

[@Licenciadopedro]

Best friends for ever Peter and Roger. You clash, you hang out, you fight and eventually a punch, yes truly best friends

[@timarmstrong3251]

Nope. Pete and John were BFFs. Pete and Roger have only recently got there.

[@Licenciadopedro]

@@timarmstrong3251 I didn't know that, thanks for updating me

[@forgottencas2272]

Not exactly. They used to be daggers drawn and although they get on better now, they've said on several occasions that they're not best friends and probably never will be. Two very volatile men with quick tempers, who create magic together when they make music.

[@Licenciadopedro]

@@forgottencas2272 It's a pity, so much, so good music and the two live members are just like the the poles of electricity, alone they don't work but together everything works perfect.

[@joymcguire]

Thanks! Very satisfying for all lovers of Quadrophenia!

[@LaughingStock_]

The tragedy of Quadrophenia is far, far too many focus on the "Mod" element, which really was immaterial. The film is simply about a kid - any kid, any decade - struggling to fit in and work out what life is all about. The directing was really superb as was the script and acting performance. And on to the music, the other ingredient that adds up to a cinematic masterpiece.

[@daveyvane]

Nope, that’s what made it cool

[@davebowman6497]

You need a context to put that "generic young troubled man" into. Pete took something that he knew first hand. And just to avoid any confusion: Music came first, movie six years later.

[@amaj7313]

​@@davebowman6497The story and concept came first

[@jameswebb9033]

I totally agree, I was a raver in the early 90s and the film spoke to me and that culture. It was a Steph said “a bit of fun”, music based subcultures are fantastic to be a part of, but they are really just a bit of fun. I watch the film quite often. Fantastic film.

[@michaelsettles4513]

absolutely amazing pure genius

[@larrypower8659]

Growing up in a beach town and playing in my first bands in the mid ‘60s, I could relate to Quadrophenia. As massive as Tommy was (and still is), Quadrophenia meant more for me. It dropped just before I met my longtime girlfriend, who was English. She knew the complete story-from Brighton Beach to the Mods and Rockers battles. Townshend says he thinks it’s a quintessentially English album, and he may be right. But to this American living and working the beach towns of the East Coast, it sure seemed like what I grew up with. I believe Quadrophenia is The Who’s greatest work.

[@timarmstrong3251]

The idea that the Who could be better live without John and Keith is, of course, insane.

[@GeeChambers]

as an album the greatest piece of music ever written

[@terrysanger-q1v]

Totally agree

[@davidmichaels8563]

INCOMPARABLE 🇬🇧

[@daveyvane]

Saw the 1973 Detroit show. My first concert!

[@nationaltrevor255]

Their finest hour for me.. I love some of the early singles, “Substitute" is arguably the best pop song ever. "Tommy” had moments of magic as did "Who’s Next" but "Quadrophenla" has everything. Roger really got inside those songs and soars. Pete Townshend is a bloody genius.

[@Blueysthehome]

The greatest album ever made 😎

[@someguy42093]

I heard it live (and tommy) with the orchestra and deer creek in noblesville. So good. Too good. I lost my mind and literally tore my seat to Pieces.

[@skinner5334]

World class.⚡️

[@greensombrero3641]

Imagine on your CV "I wrote Quadrophenia"

[@johnnymossville]

It's Pete's greatest work, and Roger's greatest vocal performance. I think it could have been surpassed by Lifehouse if Pete ever got that finished as a singular piece.

[@LuisCorro-qy1sf]

What a interesting interview. One has to see the Quadrophenia very well done documentary. It is so well produced and it explains all, from the cover, the pictures, the songs, the concept. Quadrophenia was played by super humans. Keith Moon was at his very very best. Also John Entwistle and Roger Daltrey went to the Mount Everest as a singer. And of course, Pete Townshend never did something like that again. Why ? It is like trying to understand why the US never put another man in the moon after decades. It is the perfect album, since the opener; it put the listener on a place and then the following songs, take you on a ride until "Love Reing Over Me". I went to see the band play "Quadrophenia" at the Verizon in Washington DC, and when i showed our tickets, the lady told me that i was the band s guest and had to decide two options: the front balcony or row 17 down front. i decided row 17 and it was the best concert by The Who i witnessed. I have seen the band five times: Miami (1989), Madrid, Washington, Las Vegas and New York (May 2019).

[@davedranginis4712]

Album ruins.ed me for any other rock bands for years and years b/c it just towers over anything done by other acts, Townshend's brilliance just soars.

[@PatrickOwens-f6o]

I think they should do a two man acousticy show then maybe after that an MTV unplugged!❤

[@samissomar]

A Masterpiece of Rock...Timeless Soundscapings !...

[@shruszka4301]

Legends.nuff said.

[@KFG721]

Love them ❤

[@peakyblinder777]

Great interview ! Does anyone know the date of this interview ?

[@PatrickOwens-f6o]

Maybe Toyah could duet with Roger if theirs a duet written!❤

[@jameswebb9033]

What I also find interesting is the timing. The Who wearing flares performing Quadrophenia. Although it became a mod classic many tracks don’t sound mod at all. This is not a criticism, just an observation that being made in 73 it didn’t sound like 64

[@MalcolmKerr1963]

Saw the Who live Glasgow Apollo 1980 my Older cousin Saw them a decade earlier at the Apollo then called Greens Playhouse which is now a multiplex cinema on Renfield street Glasgow life is fleeting.

[@PatrickOwens-f6o]

Maybe they'll do 'the yellow roses tour'after it, It'd be nice for Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp to support!❤ Maybe they'll get Brian Eno involved!❤

[@snapfinger1]

Released concurrently 50 years ago with Dark Side of the Moon & Houses of the Holy. You just had to have been there.

[@whofan1967]

Never happen again.

[@foto21]

That def sounds like the peak of music. The 70s were the only decade that can compete with the 1960s.

[@PatrickOwens-f6o]

He is right Daltrey the whos singles are belters but they where always trying to create 'an album'! There are lots of tracks grow on you they are what I like to call 'creepers'!❤

[@abw48]

I would like to ask both Roger and Pete who Sting modeled his character from because he looked 100% like a guy I knew in Glasgow 1964 when we were all Mods. Sting looked exactly like him, Hair style, Suit, Scooter, way of walking and talking. His name was Cecil and he was King Mod back then and the last time I see him was in a Pub on Earls Court Road sometime mid 1970s and he told me was living with an American Film Producer as he finally admitted he was Queer... Great guy and the first person to dye his hair pink... 1964.

[@michaeledwards9376]

The epitome of musics' power is found, I think, within the audience feedback loop. Placing themselves within The Song.

[@Martos59]

Brilliant!

[@TheGravygun]

I was blessed to see the who in 89 Tommy can you hear me?

[@santiagoreynoso3223]

uploaded on the day they played at the O2.

[@foto21]

Quadrophenia is brilliant, but for me, it's far too real. Stirs up tons of emotions. I saw the film at the same age of the protaganist, so I related to the teenage angst instantly.

[@michaeledwards9376]

The Wild Things are the up and coming, as good live, as in the studio. With a little help from their friend, Pete, who herds them carefully!

[@fosbury68]

"I hope I die before I get old" LOL.

[@PatrickOwens-f6o]

BREAKING NEWS! ATTENSION EVERYONE!❤❤

[@cbearabc]

Super Thanks?

[@KimTebrok]

Have a read of Pete’s & Roger’s respective autobiographies they are chalk & cheese. Very little in common outside of the music

[@tctctc33]

but it works......no one else could sing Pete's lyrics like Roger

[@PatrickOwens-f6o]

Its nice Toyah and Robert doing what they do, I think she wants to inspire husbands and wifes to do the same! Maybe Kate Bush could do a duet on their album with her!❤

[@StuartHanson-fo7iw]

In the 60s we had mods àn rockers, today we have wogs an tossers 🇬🇧

[@TonyFromSyracuse101]

Pete Townshend is totally mired in the past. he should have had like 20 solo albums out by now, but everything he does is working on things he did like 40 years ago

[@scottschwartz9394]

Quadrophenia is the GAOAT

[@stp1649]

Nah Tommy to me is better but Who's Next is a peek The OX was one hell of a bass player most definitely he was like a lead guitar CAN YOU SEE THE REAL ME

[@stp1649]

Use to like it more when I was younger really identified with the mod rocker thing so I'm a mocker

[@kevinmcc3147]

Nah it wasn't

[@greensombrero3641]

God love the WHO

[@Trenchant463]

Why have 20% conversation with the creators of the album, and the rest music and film scene interludes? Just talk about the f’n album!

[@2112earl]

Imho so much better than tommy

[@gadaffi1000]

I remember sitting outside a sound stage at Pinewood studios on my lunch break listening to the Who rehearsing. 1977/8 I think. Magical.

[@anonymusum]

Too much of a story, too much interpretation of the lyrics and too little musical expertise. Or in other words: You can´t perform an opera by Wagner as a punk band and that´s what the Who are.

[@bingohhhhhhhhhhhh]

Is your vag still bleeding? It's been 9 days, just wondering.

[@paulcaney5936]

I've always had the utmost respect for Townshend's song writing, Daltry was a lucky sheet metal worked that happened by, a total nob.

[@gordonlandreth9550]

That may be true , but he had one of the best voices in all rock music .

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

@@gordonlandreth9550 He's a pub singer at best.

[@Dani-sm8jp]

The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

[@kickinswifty5136]

Just like Roth with Van Halen

[@daveyvane]

No, he was hard working in bands as a teen

[@Chief_Brody]

Still waiting for Townsend's book to come out. You know the one. The one that he said he was researching when he was caught with child images on his PC

[@michaelprosperillustrator]

Books been out for years

[@mcbean5843]

I guess it would've gone to court and he would've been convicted if there was a reason. It didn't.

[@thecolourrose9022]

he stopped because there is a book already out which he read that covered what he was going to. keep trying to slag him you dont have anything he was cleared because there isnt anything

[@martyhopkirk6826]

Oh not again! The book came out in 2012. Eleven years ago. Perhaps you should do your homework before simply recycling an ancient ‘quip’ as if it were your own. The answer to “Where’s the book?” is “In the f***ing bookshop if you’d only be bothered to look”. Incidentally, he wasn’t “caught with child images on his PC”. Don’t you think you ought to check the facts before laying such a charge at the feet of a fellow human being?

[@hdjorf]

The investigation showed that there were no childporn downloads on any of Townshend’s computers. The funny thing (or rather, perhaps, the sad thing) with lynchers is that not only are they often wrong, but it’s also often the case that they are themselves guilty of that of which they accuse others. It’s a variant of what in psychology is called projection..

[@patrickmohan2220]

Pete should talk about that other pesky topic. The one that almost rhymes with Quadrophenia. Slithered off amid a blur of cash.

[@MikeHunt90731]

You can't be that dense 😅read the book troll

[@markanthony3275]

Yes...funny how it all disappears.

[@jameswebb-i4o]

get over it mate

[@patrickmohan2220]

@@jameswebb-i4o He certainly got over it. I wonder if the kids in the videos got over it too?

[@Mst-bh9ti]

Do some actual in depth research. Beyond that, I would observe that if he was an actual paedophile, it would be virtually impossible for him to go years and years and years without engaging in behaviors and going to prison, especially someone of his public profile.

[@gib59er56]

"I am doing research for a book I am writing on the problems of child pornography". Townsend should be in friggin prison for all the kiddie porn on his computer. Writing a book my friggin ass. I hate the who.

[@stingysilas8767]

Police found no "kiddie porn" on his computers in their investigations. You know better, I assume.

[@gib59er56]

@@stingysilas8767 This was quite a while back man. I do remember him dodging the media over what they considered "child porn". But we will never know the truth. If I added fuel to a fire that has been put out, that is my bad.

[@jameswebb-i4o]

@@stingysilas8767 it pisses me of that ppl keep on bringing this up.

[@KimTebrok]

Absolutely no images were found on any of his computers, it was confirmed by the police. Time to stop perpetuating this myth.

[@theonewhoknows2]

@@gib59er56you literally made up that there was images on his computer. You are discusting. Making stuff up when there was nothing there should be a crime in of itself. You should be in jail for serious misinformation.

[@hvymettle]

Caught the show at Madison Square Garden in 1996 where they played Quadrophenia with a full orchestra. Entwistle let you know why they called him Thunderfingers that night.

[@phandemicpaddy2458]

Was also there. Entwistle was at his peak for sure. That bass solo in 5:15 was legendary.

[@Barabus-yx2cn]

Trust me Roger, there's not that much good music these days. Don't worry that it's gone. It was never here.