Pete Townshend: "I'd trade 150 Def Leppards for an REM"

Pete Townshend: “I’d trade 150 Def Leppards for an REM”

ByJohn

The guitarist of Who Pete Townshend during an interview with Guitar Player he spoke about his preferences when it comes to musical approach by comparing REM And Def Leppardtwo very different bands.

The 80-year-old London musician said: “I would trade 50 Def Leppards for… No, that’s not enough. I’d trade 150 Def Leppards for an REM. It’s simple.”

Then he went into more detail, explaining what attracts him to the music of REMand underlining how he has always preferred, in songs, the emotional impact over technical ability, often an end in itself. “I listened to REM and my heart exploded. To me, it’s simply divine music. I like the sound, I think the words are brilliant, I think it’s just perfect, and the fact that none of them can go overboard with virtuosity doesn’t interest me at all.”

Pete Townshend he concluded his thoughts by underlining his fundamental philosophy on musical creation. “What’s really important is the music, the content, the heart.” The British guitarist favors substance over technical exhibitionism.

In some ways Townshend’s thoughts coincide with those of another great guitarist of his same age, Carlos SantanaThat a few weeks ago talking to Guitar World he had stated that he prefers musicians who favor emotional expression to those who give priority to speed and guitar technique, underlining the importance of connecting with listeners on an emotional level.

John
John

With an untamed passion and deep, eclectic knowledge of music, John is the soul of RadioWise UK. Having worked in the music industry for over two decades, his vision was to create a platform that embodies the love and respect for music. John is known for his great attention to detail and insatiable thirst for discovering new talents and music genres.