Who I Am

By: Pete Townshend

Narrated by: Pete Townshend

Length: 17 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

From the voice of a generation: the most highly anticipated autobiography of the year, and the story of a man who...

• ...wanted The Who to be called The Hair.
• ...wanted to be a sculptor, a journalist, a dancer, and a graphic designer.
• ...became a musician, composer, librettist, fiction writer, literary editor, sailor.
• ...smashed his first guitar onstage, in 1964, by accident.
• ...invented the Marshall stack, feedback, and the concept album.
• ...inspired Jimi Hendrix's pyrotechnical stagecraft.
• ...is partially deaf in his left ear.
• ...stole his windmill guitar playing from Keith Richards.
• ...followed Keith Moon off a hotel balcony into a pool and nearly died.
• ...did too much cocaine and nearly died.
• ...drank too much and nearly died.
• ...detached from his body in an airplane, on LSD, and nearly died.
• ...was embroiled in a tabloid scandal that has dogged him ever since.
• ...planned to write his memoir when he was 21.
• ...published this book at 67.

©2012 Pete Townshend (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

Amazing!

This is the single best example of what an audio book should be. It is more than just a narration. This audio book is an honest and detailed account of the author's life, and read, by the author, with a delivery that is so natural, you will think he has gone of the page and is just having a casual conversation with you.

Pete is no stranger to the craft of literary writing, and the flow of the book flows very natural. The book is funny, dark, and brutally honest.

It is probably my absolute favorite audio book. I've listened to it too many times to count.

Who fans will love it...but

Would you consider the audio edition of Who I Am to be better than the print version?

I loved hearing Pete Townshend tell the story of his life. In my opinion, his voice makes this autobiography great. His self-deprecating approach to many of his experiences and praise of many individuals in his life show a side of this musical genius few have ever known, until now.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Being a huge fan of The Who and someone who was able to see them live multiple times in all forms of the band, I was truly looking forward to listening to this book. Unfortunately because of my schedule, I was only able to listen in 20 - 40 minute segments. That became an issue when trying to keep all the names straight.

Pete meticulously brings many names to the story; from agents, record people, musicians, sound engineers, girlfriends and acquaintances to family members and influences. If there is any drawback to this book it is that. I believe even someone who is able to listen to the whole book in 2-3 sittings would still get a bit confused keeping all the players straight.

Nevertheless, this a fascinatingly interesting and openly honest story about one of rock n roll's icons.

Poorly edited, top of the waves memoir.

What did you like best about Who I Am? What did you like least?

I loved Pete's narration. I also enjoyed hearing details about his life and writing process. I disliked the poor editing. He jumped from episode to episode with no transition. People entered and left his life with no explanation. His drug and alcohol problems came and went just as mysteriously.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would have liked more detail about every aspect of his life.

Have you listened to any of Pete Townshend’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no.

Was Who I Am worth the listening time?

Yes. It was good, as far as it went.

Thank you Pete!

I loved getting to know who you are! Thank you from Ithaca N.Y. This is a true gift to be cherished. Loved your chuckles as you read, and I could hear your page turning a few times!
Dave

It was like sitting with a new friend

I loved this audio book. It was like sitting with Pete Townshend and getting to know him as a friend. It was so beautifully written, and to hear his words in his voice was an extra treat. It was heartbreaking at times, but there was a lot of humor spread throughout. For someone who is a fan, I would recommend this story 100%, for someone who isn't a fan - I think you will become one after listening to these intimate stories. Pete Townshend shows his humble side while still being able to celebrate his successes.

Wow...what a surprise.

Having never really been a big Who fan I am not quite sure why I choose this title...certainly am happy I did so.....I almost felt I was on the Magic Bus. My preconcieved notions about the members of the band were flat out totally wrong. Pete Townsend I always knew was talented...even though not a big fan anyone who is a peer of those who madeup the British Invasion would have to be deaf not to heard and appreciated at least some of the Who's music. But Pete Townsend is so much more....he has really packed in a massive amount of accomplishments and interests and career's (yes multiple careers-while a rock star) into his life. A truely remarkable man. The only disappointment I had was he mentioned so many cities that he traveled,toured ,vacationed and visited...but when telling the story of Keith Moon driving the Lincoln into the pool at the Holiday Inn...he omitted saying it was in Flint,Michigan...as that is my hometown I wish he had-but then it is his story and his book.
His performance in reading the book was incredible...again far beyond what I could ever have imagined. He told a fascinating story and held my attention with an incredible performance....he proved to me he could perform on many different stages in many numerous ways. Funny it just occured to me how he shared all of his vast accomplishments and never once was he bragging or boastful...in fact quite the opposite...I admire that as well he certainly could have. A great listen-enjoy.

Reads like a timeline

Cool history yet somewhat depressing. The writing is at times uninteresting. The things you want to know more about get left out

Pete is Alright

I've been a Who fan for many decades, and it was great to hear Pete tell his own story. I loved the way he chuckles as he reads certain parts which gives you a little deeper insight into how he feels, more than you'd get reading it on the page. He is an impressive, creative powerhouse, but certainly not a role model, for me anyway, on how to conduct oneself in personal relationships. There's a lot here, and it was almost all entertaining. Rock on.

For Anyone Who Loves Rock n Rollers

This honest bio read by Pete Townshend gives insight to the man behind The Who. From his early days through crazy days of rock n roll and finally to self-discovery. So much fun to hear the stories behind the songs, albums, and rock events of the past. Luckily we listened on two long road trips. We couldn't wait to get back in the car to listen!

A must listen for any Who fanatic who found traces of themselves in Pete's lyrics.

Thank you, Pete, for your honesty & insights. You shaped my adolescence and listening to all you were experiencing has helped explain various aspects of the amazing musical journey you took us on.

I wish you peace and thank you for the opportunity to share a glimpse into your life.