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

Glad To Meet You

Absolutely without guile; open, frank, visual. What a life, what a legacy, and what a g-g-generation!

To put my 5* rating in perspective: as a very young teen, I was indifferent about The Who, couldn't name more than 3 songs they performed, wasn't a fan of the on-stage performance art-ish antics, and thought Tommy was mildly entertaining thanks to Elton John and Tina Turner; I'd rather have been listening to my Hendrix or Zeppelin LPs. So, my interest in this book surprised me; it was purely from seeing this very recognizable man recently on TV, promoting his bio, and being struck by his level of sincerity and vulnerability -- an almost apologetic demeanor without any of the ususal celeb braggadocio and self-aggrandizement that ruined some of the music celeb bios I've tried to get through (because yeah, we know, you're a bad A$$). Could that possibly be that rock star that used to do that windmill thing, smash his guitar, and strut with the royals of British rock, long live sex drugs and rock and roll? I was not some former fan, hoping to read Townshend's bio and flash-back to the glorious days when *I'd walk over you to see The Who.*

That perceived candor was accurate; I doubt it's possible to lay yourself so bare, as Townshend has done here, and be duplicitous. The history is fascinating and it reads like a grand timeline of rock and roll (which he calls *the absolute vehicle for self-destruction*). Townshend can probably go head to head with Keith Richards and his stories, but you don't get the sense that you are gathered around a pub table being regaled with wild rock star adventures -- though there are plenty of tales included. Instead, there is a kind of tolerance and wisdom that distances Townshend from being led by his talent to mastering his talent. His insecurities and self-doubts are bravely admitted, his love of family and friends obvious. I liked that he spoke about his achievements without bragging, aware of his talent as a gift--not a free pass to be an arse.

Once in a while an author connects to the reader and invites them into his life, it becomes intimate and real, like a confessional, and that connection is a gift borne of talent. Townshend's writing, and choice to narrate the book himself, put this book in that category. If I'd paid attention to those lyrics years ago, I probably wouldn't have been so surprised by his depth and talent. Like the man, this book is the real thing, and the product of a life lived hard...and well. The best celeb bio I've read to date (including the great Steve Jobs bio)--and remember, this is a man I had no interest in before. I'll have to go back and listen to The Who (with my *mature* ears) to see if I am yet a fan of the music, but I can say without any doubt I sure like Pete Townshend the man.

Not the Best Narrator, But the Only Narrator

If I were listening to Pete Townshend reading any other book like this, I'd have more complaints. But this is his own story. He is the only appropriate narrator for this story, and things like chuckling or snorting at the end of a sentence mean a lot more here than they would anywhere else.

And what a story: he is indeed the artist of his post-WWII generation. For all that I rolled my eyes every time he got himself into yet another infidelity, into yet another artistic tantrum, into yet another drug or drink stupor, he is the one who survived it, described it, and sang it to us.

I feel very sorry for Karen Townshend and Roger Daltrey, and hope they're both doing well.

I'm not conveying just how important this story, of Pete's life, really is. His music, his writing saved me on more than one occasion, and I'm certain that's true of many other people. If the life behind that talent, those important works, happens to be a mess, well, that's life.

Candor is central to any autobiography

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

Finding time to listen is easier than finding time to read. Many hours behind the wheel allow me to safely enjoy an audiobook where reding a print or digital media book would be impossible or at least ill-advised.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Pete is clearly central. This is, after all an autobiography. I very much enjoyed that he narrated. His candor and self-awareness (low self esteem notwithstanding) personalized his tales and experiences and allowed the listener in. Thank you.

What does Pete Townshend bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The authors narration makes this more the telling of stories than the reading of a book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed. I cried. I cheered and I jeered.

LONG!!!

If you could sum up Who I Am in three words, what would they be?

A great summary, without leaving out ANY details. It took 11 chapters to get to The Who's biggest commercial success, Tommy, in 1969. And there were 22 more chapters to go.

Would you be willing to try another book from Pete Townshend? Why or why not?

I don't know what else Pete could tell us about his life.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Pete Townshend?

Not really. This wasn't the best recording. He would laugh at his own stories and the audio would fade in and out.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, it went on too long.

Any additional comments?

Just too long.

Pete is not a great reader

A different reader other than the author of this book would have made this story about silly narcissistic rockers more pleasurable. Eric Clapton knew enough to have a professional narrate his memoir.

Writing your truth...

Thank you for sharing your amazing (sometimes very sad) story. I was happy you, Peter, were able to recognize your talent, good heart and appreciate your family. I wish you continued happiness, Deborah Connolly
Boston, Massachusetts

A deep look into Pete's life thus far....

This book was fantastic listening! Who fans a must read! Music fans a must read!

Not enough music insight. Great narration.

I was pretty disappointed in this book. And I was disappointed that I was so disappointed. Pete goes into tremendous detail about certain aspects of his life, but he focuses too much on personal anecdotes and party happenings and barely scratches the surface on some of the biggest rock songs and albums in history. In some cases they're treated as footnotes to his social life. He was the architect for all that great music and is the only person who could ever deliver true firsthand insight, but instead it feels like he wanted to focus on asides and personal stories that meant more to him than the reader. I think there's plenty left over music-wise for an entire new book, but I doubt we'll get that at this point.

Great for fans of The Who

From the beginning to end the listener gets a great history of Pete Townshend and a very good history of The Who. It is told, mostly, as a beginning of life to your are here style. Occasionally Mr. Townshend jumps ahead with a preview or backs up to fill in some blanks.
I’m not sure that he is totally honest about his off stage antics and dalliances.
He chuckles often. Sometimes feeling a bit rehearsed.
I would have liked to hear more about his and Roger Daltrey’s relationship.
Overall, well worth a listen.

WHO knew?

I had no idea how talented, creative, erudite, and forward thinking, Pete Townsend is. I always enjoyed the WHO, and the lyrics of many of their hits, but didn't appreciate the sophistication or technicality of their music. Similarly. the Life story was straightforward, unapologetic and sobering. Pate Townsend's narration was earnest, and very human. Loved it!