Pete Townshend, the guitarist of The Who, has transformed from a fiery rock star to a music industry veteran.
While he once roared through the industry as a dominant voice, he now rarely raises a fuss—except when it comes to extraordinary talents like Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys.
In the early days, Townshend didn’t hold back. He fiercely criticized any band that threatened his ambition, earning himself a fearsome reputation in rock ‘n’ roll.
He took aim at iconic groups like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, and even turned his critiques on his own band, The Who. However, Wilson has always escaped Townshend’s scorn.
Despite emerging during the same era, Wilson and The Who never clashed as rivals.
Wilson’s positivity and the uplifting nature of his music made him an easy target for admiration rather than criticism.
His groundbreaking album Pet Sounds stands as a testament to his dedication, showcasing a musician who pushed his creativity to the brink, all while bearing the weight of his artistic vision.
Even a hardened critic like Townshend recognizes Wilson’s brilliance.
He reserves his praise for a select few, and Wilson qualifies as a “truly great genius” in Townshend’s eyes, earning a spot in an exclusive club of musicians immune from his harsh critiques.
While Townshend is celebrated as a pioneer of the modern concept album with Tommy, he acknowledges that Wilson’s Pet Sounds and The Beatles’ Sgt.
Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band paved the way for this trend.
Townshend feels a creative debt to Wilson, stating, “Although neither of them were narrative concepts, they were definitely poetic stories.”
Townshend recalls the moment he first heard Pet Sounds, describing its impact on music: “When Pet Sounds came along, the whole world was turned on its head. I think for a lot of people, especially The Beatles, it redefined what was possible in music.”
His website features a heartfelt quote about Wilson: “I love Brian. There’s not many people I would say that about. I think he’s a truly, truly, truly great genius.
I love him so much it’s just terrible. ‘God Only Knows’ is simple and elegant. It was stunning when it first appeared, and it still sounds perfect.”
Townshend’s choice of words reflects his high regard for Wilson, and it’s rare for him to express such affection.
In a musical landscape where songs can fade quickly, God Only Knows and the rest of Pet Sounds remain timeless masterpieces.
In a world that often misuses the term ‘genius,’ Wilson stands out as one of the few truly deserving of the title.
