Who I Am

De: Pete Townshend

Narrado por: Pete Townshend

From the voice of a generation: The most highly anticipated autobiography of the year, and the story of a man who... is a Londoner and a Mod.... wanted The Who to be called The Hair.... loved The Everly Brothers, but not that ""drawling dope"" Elvis.... 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.... heard the voice of God on a vibrating bed in rural Illinois.... invented the Marshall stack, feedback and the concept album.... once speared Abbie Hoffman in the neck with the head of his guitar.... 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.... helped rescue Eric Clapton from heroin.... is banned for life from Holiday Inns.... was embroiled in a tabloid scandal that has dogged him ever since.... has some explaining to do.... is the most literary and literate musician of the last 50 years.... planned to write his memoir when he was 21.... published this book at 67.

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.