Pete Townshend and the Birth of Heavy Metal
When you talk about the heavy metal movement, the historical narrative often points to Black Sabbath as the foundational band. But what role do the architects of rock, like The Who, play in that lineage? Legendary guitarist Pete Townshend recently weighed in on this debate, offering his take on whether The Who deserve a spot among the heavy metal gods.
The conversation sparked during a recent podcast appearance, where the discussion touched upon the evolution of heavy metal. The host pointed out that while many cite Black Sabbath as the starting point, bands like The Who were undeniably heavy and loud at the time. Asked directly, Townshend offered a nuanced response, suggesting the difference wasn’t about origin, but about philosophy.
He posited that early heavy metal was closer to a religious philosophy rooted in a sense of darkness and irony. However, he argued that the incredible musicianship in the genre was present in both camps. He highlighted how albums like Live At Leeds”>Live At Leeds gave musicians the freedom to experiment, stretch out, and jam, pushing boundaries in a way that was equally explosive, even if not strictly defining the genre’s starting point.
Townshend admitted that his personal musical journey has been eclectic. He confessed that the heavy metal he actively sought out was AC/DC. He reflected that he never deeply immersed himself in the music of bands like Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath at the time, feeling they were attempting to steer the audience.
Despite his initial skepticism, the legendary guitarist concedes that exposure eventually opened doors. He admitted that when he started listening to Led Zeppelin, he was surprised by the sheer talent involved, acknowledging that Jimmy Page possessed genuine shredding ability. While he still prefers the music business where artists don’t take themselves too seriously, Townshend ultimately recognizes the extraordinary talent woven into the fabric of heavy rock.
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