Pete Townshend inducts Rolling Stones at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions 1989

Pete Townshend inducts Rolling Stones at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions 1989. Click to view more Induction Ceremony videos, read the official Hall of Fame program bio, view gallery images and more: rockhall.com/i...
Visit us! rockhall.com/
Subscribe to RockHall : www.youtube.com...
Facebook: / rockandrollhalloffame
Twitter: / rockhall
Check out all the inductees: rockhall.com/i...
Upcoming events: rockhall.com/e...

[@petrslivinski7481]

Pete Townshend gave a beautiful speech about his bestfriend Brian Jones whom he was close to and loved very much and missed him everyday. Nice to hear. God Bless Townshend for his humble words and is a class act.

[@CoreaKixx420]

Thank you Pete!! That was a monumental induction speech!! Much love from Ontario, Canada.

[@ianpattison7421]

This Ontarian (from near Thunder Bay) joins you in loving Pete and the Stones. Been a fan since '64 and will never, ever give up on rock's greatest band. Also so nice that he acknowledged Brian and Stu.

[@peterk3474]

Pete Townshend is arguably the greatest R&R composer.

[@BeatlesFan1975]

No, that's John Lennon!

[@KRex1961]

I always knew Pete could shred on the guitar, but in typical british fashion he was shredding on the Stones......lol

[@mikegrinder7539]

I believe it's called 'taking the piss out of _____________".

[@chipgaasche4933]

"Shred on guitar"?? Lol..are you kidding? I play better than he..and I'M a keyboardist.

[@zackzallie8735]

@Chip Gaasche ok, man good for you

[@luishernndez8367]

@@chipgaasche4933 yes, and I’m gonna be the next pope of the vatican...

[@tersemerkhet4633]

@@chipgaasche4933 the only thing you play with is yourself

[@Allagi22]

This hilarious. He loves them. He is roasting them it is a very dry british humor it aint rude.

[@keeponrollin7922]

100% agreed roasting

[@erestube]

They've been having that back and forth since the 60s.

[@markharris5771]

I never complimented my late best friend once, but through the insults he knew I loved him.

[@michellerjackson5776]

ahepperl Yes..yes...

[@ameyatipnis3588]

Injecting the rolling stones this evening 😂

[@richardlee1972]

What a great musician Pete Townshend has been.

[@richardmbowman]

"..a great musician..." A great guitarist....and a great great songwriter.

[@GM-de6mv]

It is ...

[@dannyd1572]

a great asshole

[@richardlee1972]

All of that ! Great songwriter and guitarist. Good voice too.

[@lisabergkoetter7467]

Agreed but also a cynic and kind of a weirdo but I like that about him. No denying his brilliance and talent

[@graziaguerrini6375]

He really got shocked by Brian Jones' death. He was a close friend. and loved him sincerely. And twenty years later he still remembers him with friendship, kindness, affection. The only one tonight to remember him and remember what a good musician he was. and a good mate , too.

[@tompaul2591]

Mick mentioned him, I think Keith did as well.

[@PaulFormentos]

sacrifices tend to shock one

[@bobglover949]

I loved that he acknowledged Brian Jones and Ian Stewart. Zappa's reaction to the ripped off line was perfect.

[@longde]

zappa was there?! didn't spot him

[@brivda]

@@longde 9:15 i think

[@lordsod69]

I'm pretty certain that isn't Zappa; I doubt he would even attend one of these events

[@ChromeDestiny]

@@brivda It might be, it looks like him, I get that this wasn't really his thing but he was a Stones fan.

[@obbor4]

The single most entertaining induction speech ever delivered. Well done, Pete!

[@kellyanquoe6301]

Besides being the best speech in RRHF history (and I've watched a ton of them), we should be thankful that what Pete's done, if you listen and watch very closely, is give us all a brief insight into the sphere of red carpet life for those elite whom we admire and buy all their stuff. peace

[@jamesbowen8960]

So nice to hear wonderful comments about Brian Jones. 4:08.

[@groovygirl23]

I adore him. This is a terrific speech, filled with love, insight and madness. What more can you expect from R&R?

[@SeekerSmith]

I agree. Pete roasts, then brings a tear. He tells it like it is like no one else can.

[@SeekerSmith]

Shelly, you are quite the Pop Era Aesthete! I am impressed? Are you a DJ? Or a music historian?

[@ReyFlores777]

I love all of the British rockers for giving the world some of the BEST rock & roll music EVER!!

[@jennyjenny8662]

You hit it on the head the British were Dynamite

[@MozTheBoz]

It is said that America invented Rock N' Roll and Britain perfected it

[@IMeMineWho]

Yes sir!

[@artlover4668]

Pete, I have watched a lot of these induction speeches. Yours is one of the best. Part Roast, part adulation. It shows that you can care about someone and still have fun with some barbs!

[@krollpeter]

A clever man, and an appropriate speech.

[@MrBamcito]

Pete is the best! nobody touch this songwriter.

[@PaulFormentos]

best lyrics

[@jackieterry6893]

So glad the stones were inducted into the rock n roll hall there music will always live on for future generations!

[@jackflash5659]

Pete your induction of the Rolling Stones was honest, humorous and flattering, great job!

[@TemakiTom]

Pete, a punk forever. Love him.

[@SimonRobeyns]

fucking legendary speech. Absolutely legendary. Glad to see the rest for once totally agreeing on my opinion. This was no judging this was a close friend who could pull it off the right way and get away with it.

[@backpages9885]

So happy Brian Jones was acknowledged

[@mt2314]

and, Ian Stewart ....who was there before Charlie and Bill.

[@monarch770]

Not Mick Taylor though which is fucked up .

[@DavidMFChapman]

MonArch He did mention MT just before he mentioned IS.

[@richardlee1972]

Brian Jones was the most talented musician of the Stones.

[@monarch770]

Richard L People always tend to say that. But I feel Mick Taylor is and was

[@alarbu17]

“mick gave me something too.... a very bad case of VD.” LMAO

[@nunyabeeswax3936]

Glad he threw in Mick Taylor near the end!What a guitarist!

[@joebaxley1503]

Mick Taylor was the only true talent the Stones ever had Keith once said.

[@pollyjagger4169]

i guess the trick is to insult them and then give them a compliment lol

[@jackflash5659]

Pete Townshend spoke straight from his heart.

[@kpzrocks]

the perfect guy for the job. I am a complete crazy Who fan. And also a crazy Rolling Stones fan..

[@Ash-oy2yj]

I may be 5 years late, but we're on the same team.

[@IMeMineWho]

@@Ash-oy2yj Whooligan, Beatles, Stones..the holy trinity of rock.

[@AndrewStuartBrown]

Pete, probably the most intelligent and articulate guy in rock 'n roll.

[@sasmitroy5480]

Brian May

[@markpreston6930]

Greg Graffin

[@jayannakelley9051]

Andrew Stuart Brown - Jimmy Page, Robert Plant & John Paul Jones🔥 (3/4 of Led Zeppelin for you kids)..

[@williamoliveaux3435]

Jayanna Kelley Bonzo?

[@dnmcfall]

His autobiography is excellent!

[@MattSmith-iq1ld]

Yep. I remember Donald Fagen of Steely Dan used to attend these ceremonies early on because they were an absolute riot act. Anything could happen, and yes, the acts who were inducted were often roasted. As Donald put it, "rock n' roll has some very interesting personalities." Once the cameras and VH1 came in, it ruined it all. I like it when it was like this...some dude with a Super 8 in the balcony who couldn't be seen by anyone on stage. Some of the people in the audience are confused why Pete is saying what he is saying, while the Stones are probably laughing their tails off in the background. Anyone who knows Mick (especially), Keith, Ronnie and Charlie know that they all consider Pete to be one of their best friends in the music business. In fact, Pete and Mick live on the same street in England.

[@michellerjackson5776]

Matt Smith Tell ME MORE , will you ??. Im a long time Dan fan~ Thank you, in advance [e-mail]

[@pillettadoinswartsh4974]

4:48 - Keith enjoying Pete's joke about Mick

[@Methilde]

Pete and Mick was neighbors in London and Pete played on Mick last solo album, you don't understand British humour.

[@StevenCarinci]

British oratory. Splendid. BRAVO!

[@nelgstuart3442]

I am impressed. I never heard Pete Townsend speak before. Smart man. Excellent.

[@jefkooper4290]

Way to remember the old spelling, Townsend. Have you heard of the Mandela Effect?

[@allbottledup9513]

@@jefkooper4290 Do you think the reason so many people spell Townshend as Townsend is an example of the Mandela effect? Never thought of it, but it seems plausible.

[@jefkooper4290]

@@allbottledup9513 Yes!

[@paultanner2007]

The Who and The Rolling Stones!! Great bands

[@LarryRickenbacker]

This is more like a roast than an introduction!

[@michellerjackson5776]

LarryRickenbacker Great😎

[@zackzallie8735]

Pete is known for roasting other musicians - including his own band members, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles.

[@Kaagrant]

@@zackzallie8735 He is hateful when it comes to Led Zeppelin. His envy is so blatant. It's a real turn off.

[@PaulFormentos]

So jealous of Pagey@@Kaagrant

[@tomthefunky]

Pete Townshend is jealous of Charlie Watts for having a more famous drug problem than him. Hilarious.

[@metehankap3870]

Well thats british humour for you :)

[@carpetcrawler79]

At that time Charlie (has) had a heroin problem

[@steveconn]

@@carpetcrawler79 He had one briefly in 1985-86, which no one knew about (until Pete brought it up).

[@PaulFormentos]

Pete danced with Mr. Brownstone after Moon died@@carpetcrawler79

[@v8valiant68]

very great speech from Pete

[@____Ai____]

if Pete gave such a speech to me it would be a greater honour than any price or hall of fame in the universe!

[@jorgejohnson451]

My goodness. This was 30 years ago. Terrible how time passes so quickly.

[@IMeMineWho]

Agree.

[@angus7278]

“The Stones still have a future…” How many people in 1989 could have predicted the many tours and shows over the following 30 years?

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth

[@PaulFormentos]

Cmon we all know Keef can't be killed by conventional weapons

[@luckyold317]

there are these great moments when the crowd seems apprehensive and Pete seems to keep reminding himself, I'm PETE fuckin TOWNSEND, it doesn't matter if you boo.Because if you do, tomorrow I'll still be PETE fuckin TOWNSEND, I'll be fine.

[@IMeMineWho]

Agree with you..just adjusting your spelling..(don't worry..I used to call Keith Richard Keith Richards). Pete's last name is Townshend! 💜

[@dadadruma]

I LOVE the RnRHOF, Simply it gives the Legends of music an opportunity to be a Comedian!

[@jayoestrike2136]

Is ot just me, or is Pete the John Cleese of Rock and Roll?

[@eqx7168]

I swear you can hear Keith laugh loudly when Pete makes the joke about Ronnie's teeth

[@daves2058]

Pete is funny! When the Hall of Fame meant something!

[@sweetcaroline2060]

I loved Pete Townsend mentioning Little Richard. You rock, Pete.❤❤❤I love both of them.

[@PaulFormentos]

wanted to "see' Richard

[@kamuelalee]

Pete Townshend is so cool! Great induction speech by one of the greats of rock n roll. Love the Stones! Glad he mentioned Mick Taylor!!!

[@farthead1231]

Pete Townshend would make a good Bond villain !!!

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Eloquent and interesting always! There’s nobody like Pete Townshend.

[@jab3785]

Great speech. Much better than I thought it would be. Glad he mentioned Ian Stewart. I've always thought that the idea of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was ridiculous because when I was growing up in the sixties nobody ever got or cared to get awards or any other kind of recognition other than people buying their records and going to their concerts. But if it brings them back to play their music in a nice setting that's reason enough to have it.

[@Methilde]

No, all those "awards party" are so stupids and pretentious, just self congratulations.

[@angelicaquirarte]

@@Methilde true so truee

[@keefriff99]

30 years later and still rolling...incredible.

[@richalderson6069]

This is definitely the most entertaining and ROCKN'ROLL induction speech by far. Thanks for making the occasion count Pete!

[@maureenhorrigan7151]

Townsend was hilarious. Great speech. Glad he mentioned Brian Jones.

[@Regreviews]

That Bill Wyman joke lmao

[@joriszsz]

We still think of Ronnie as "the new boy"...

[@Voxtender]

30 years later... they still have a future

[@kevindeibert3369]

Wonderful! Thank you Pete !

[@klausrain111]

Wow. If a great speech is one that makes you happy, sad, angry, blissed out, slightly uncomfortable, etc etc etc, then this is it, kids! I still can't believe he said some of that shit. I happen to agree with his main point, though: the Stones are the best that ever was or will be, by far.

[@telephonic]

It's like Ricky Gervais at Golden Globes.

[@steelers6titles]

Note that none of the band members acknowledge Andrew Loog Oldham, who was present (Townshend acknowledges him). Oldham was a brilliant manager--writing the liner notes for the early albums, devising the group's "bad boy" image ("Would you let your daughter marry a Rolling Stone?"), and even producing their early music, with its muddy, distinctive sound.

[@steveconn]

Brian had more an influence on both, particularly the sound. Oldham thought guitars plugged directly into a wall socket lol.

[@MW-uc4mh]

@@steveconn They both made different iterations of the Stones.... the big arena tours of the 70s that Brian would have looked down his nose at wouldn't have been possible without Oldham's monetization and image. But the story is the same, Mick and Keith resent the notion they played any part.

[@roseblake5803]

How come Pete only mentions Mick Taylor’s name as an after thought. I liked his speech up to that point.

[@edrock9192]

Because when he wrote his speech he didn't know Taylor was going to be there. Supposedly Ahmet Ertugen coerced Taylor to show up. Thank God Pete mentioned Taylor, it would have been sad if he didn't.

[@andrewstubbs822]

Great speech.

[@CustomTies]

saw the stones for the third time last week, may 2018 nearly 30 yrs after this still induction, they are still great live.

[@Sebastian-dg4fq]

"Mick gave me a very bad case of ED" I DIED at that part 😂

[@jefftaylor5148]

Sebastian VD.

[@lucixbastos]

i am obsessed with this speech hahahahahah

[@hughcorston9645]

Pete is a decent bloke! Everybody shits on him, but he just has a naughty great sense of humour!

[@hhhfff7953]

He is a paedophile...

[@charlessquarey1227]

@@hhhfff7953 Bullshit.... it has been totally debunked..

[@MrBamcito]

So the wokes harrasing children now is great right?

[@goodwilj]

If you didn't think Pete could be funny and not just serious all the time think again.He was really funny here. Love you Pete.

[@Skunk90210]

Pete Townsend is quite a genius musically and seems like he could do well as a speech writer. This was my first time seeing this piece so call me noob.

[@daviddorrell5819]

Absolutely fabulous speech! Young persons, take heed. This is the SHIT!

[@truongtrungchinh163]

I loved that he acknowledged Brian Jones and Ian Stewart. Zappa's reaction to the ripped off line was perfect.

[@rebeccahernandez3460]

So glad he acknowledged Brian Jones and Ian Stewart.

[@mickeymouse4285]

brilliant!! genius!! name me one rockstar today who can make such a speech

[@evesolis6133]

This guy always got a speech in his bloody pocket:)

[@peaner083]

Wow,this is the perfect speech.These guys are truely the greatest at what they do.

[@toms4442]

One of the best induction speeches ever!!!

[@lacyjags9594]

This is the best induction the hall of fame has had to date so far (though Little Richard's induction of Otis Redding is up there too).

[@verbaud]

One of the Great Induction speeches. Now it's all scripted and oily as Exxon. Love you, Pete!

[@PaulFormentos]

Pete so so loved Moonie

[@jjaniero]

the most eloquent man in rock & roll

[@Methilde]

Just after Jagger for me.

[@JasonFerguson1283]

Pete Townsend is such a wit!

[@Kaagrant]

Is that Kathleen Turner, the actress, at 7:22 ? If so, why is she there? I don['t mean to bad mouth her at all, but does she have some connection to the music industry? She was such a great actress, just fantastic, but I'm confused seeing her in this audience. Anyone know?

[@tomitstube]

one of the best speeches i've ever heard, what's going on with kathleen turner? what's her connection here?

[@hankhardigan1104]

Yoko brought her

[@lilchicklets]

She's there with her husband Jay Weiss. Not sure if there's a 'connection' per say

[@54markl]

Pete is so FUNNY!

[@mcgurkryans]

Great speech... vintage Pete.

[@lorenzfrank448]

We will se you gave me permission to go to get the point that I have to be at the point across the point of no you don't have to come in and it would only be able to rewrite I only have eat it and 0235

[@strat8333]

Pete's Pete, Stones are the Stones and they are all wonderful.

[@vincentwhitley8197]

He speaks as a fan, friend, and competitor. Awesome intro.

[@robertcooney1938]

Stones are the greatest ever, still are, always will be. R.I.P CHARLIE WATTS. Mick Taylor era is GOLDEN.

[@TheaterPup]

I'm glad Pete said that about Brian Jones. Brian clearly had a lot of people who cared about him. This is why I hate it when "fans" will just dismiss him and say awful things like, "Oh Brian was a bad person." I mean how stupid and callous can people be?

[@suziekg77]

Thanx to Brian Jones to getting them together. Where would they be without him. Still sorely missed

[@STEVO-hn5su]

Man's got a cheek to disparage Bill Wyman's penchant for young girls, when he himself has a thing for young boys.....

[@VoodooCosmonaut]

Patently false and dumb.

[@urenapainting3862]

BRIAN JONES is The Father of The Stones. Period.

[@missmax73]

So true...

[@Methilde]

What period, the one were he was writting Sones songs ???

[@diehard-schenker-fan7233]

YEP

[@elrojo89]

Brian Jones...the most important...his group.

[@larrysawler3202]

Giving it to his buddies, hilarious

[@TheCanuck1962]

Pair this introduction speech along with Alex Lifeson's acceptance speech and you'd have the perfect ceremony

[@jeanetteduda6611]

I'm late to the party but one helluva induction with a VERY dry English wit!!!

[@TheJackflash85]

Gods of Rock and Roll !

[@docfaceful]

Mick gave me something too...a bad case of VD...sorry sorry no no...it's wrong..Mick's CD had a bad case!...That one joke made the speech more touching!LOL

[@Astronic]

Why is Yoko there? She is a horrible human being and not even a musician. (yes i know she screams on LPs but thats not music)

[@jamesbowen8960]

Oooooo eeeeeeeeee ahhhhhhhhhahhh. Some of her best lyrics!!!😁😁😁😁😁

[@adriennerobinson1180]

EXACTLY 💯

[@johnmccabe1974]

The great British bands of the 60s and 70s took there love for the raw, undiluted black American moonshine (I mean Blues) and sweetened it with a little Cola and other mixes and made it more palatable and accessible to a bigger audience.

[@blakevickrey]

Pete could've just done comedy

[@wolves2502]

Great to hear that he acknowledged Ian Stewart.

[@ViolinistaRudyJacket]

perfect..he's a poet!!!!!!

[@josehdez1309]

the best band ever

[@davemcvey9966]

I'm 53 2 band's I'd pay to see the stones and the who ive seen everyone else

[@dogtags303]

I'm 29 and I've been lucky enough to see both of these live. Both shows were epic, legendary, moving, warming, mythical and nostalgic in all the right measures. Go and get to see them (post Covid) while you can. They won't be around forever.