Pete Townshend: The Solo Years Revisited

Pete Townshend, known for his pivotal role in The Who, released seven solo albums but rarely performed solo outside of his band. When he did, his setlists were a blend of solo tracks, songs from his 1977 collaboration with Ronnie Lane, covers, and reimagined Who classics. This extensive 14-CD box set reissues seven previously limited-edition double albums from his solo performances.

The set highlights Townshend’s departure from The Who’s sound. The oldest performance here, a vibrant 1985 Brixton Academy show, features an 18-piece band including David Gilmour and John Bundrick. This concert, with its blend of covers like “That’s Alright Mama” and “Harlem Shuffle,” showcases Townshend’s ability to reinvent his solo work. The 1993 Brooklyn Academy of Music shows from his Psychoderelict tour capture Townshend’s fidelity to his studio recordings, with only a few tracks pushing creative boundaries. In contrast, the 1996 San Francisco Fillmore performances, featuring Townshend on acoustic guitar and piano, offer a stark, powerful interpretation of his music.

The box set also includes recordings from the 2001 La Jolla Playhouse, where Townshend performed solo with acoustic guitar, and the 1998 Shepherd’s Bush Empire show, featuring a mix of acoustic sets and full band performances. Notably, the 2000 Sadlers Wells discs present a unique rendition of his Lifehouse rock opera, softened by the English Chamber Orchestra, illustrating Townshend’s evolving musical vision.