Brian May Says Pete Townshend ‘Basically Invented’ Rock Guitar

Brian May is one of rock's most beloved guitar gods, but who does a guitar god like May worship? It turns out that honor belongs to Pete Townshend.

May took to Instagram to reshare a post from another user that features a quote from him praising Townshend. In this initial quote, May states, "Pete Townshend is the master of the mood change, a master of the suspended chord. I owe so much to him ... Pete Townshend's a god of guitar and always will be!"

When resharing the post, May thanked the user for posting that quote and added, "I can't imagine rock guitar without Pete Townshend. Looking back, it seems to me he basically invented it! I was lucky enough to be there watching. My playing owes so much to him ... Townshend brought to the scene a blistering clang of super-amplified but not over-saturated chords - razor-edged monoliths crashing angrily through our brains, biting rhythmic hammer blows, which would change the likes of me forever."

He further noted, "If you want to feel what I'm talking about - put on 'My Generation'"' at full volume on your home system - and gasp in wonder!!!"

We can't help but, obviously, think of The Who and the future of the band. Perhaps, the optimal question is whether there actually is a future at all.

In January 2024, Daltrey gave an interview to The Times. In the interview, the legendary singer was asked about the future of The Who. He said he couldn't give a definitive answer because he's not the one who writes the songs. (As we all know, Pete Townshend does that.) However, he did say, "[Pete and I] need to sit down and have a meeting, but at the moment, I'm happy saying that part of my life is over."

In December 2023, Townshend made similar remarks to Record Collector. He said, "I think it’s time for Roger and I to go to lunch and have a chat about what happens next."

Townshend then added, "Because [the final summer tour stop] shouldn’t feel like the end of anything, but it feels like the end of an era."

As far as performing and touring goes, Townshend stressed that it all depends on a few factors. Among them is whether an idea would be doable and profitable. Perhaps the most important factor is whether an idea would even be fun to do. Believe it or not, Townshend said he's had a lot of fun on the road lately, even though he's said in the past he's not super fond of touring.