Pete Townshend’s net worth is an estimated $150 million. As the co-founder, guitarist, songwriter, and leader of The Who, Townshend composed over 100 songs for the band and is considered one of the best guitarists of all time.
This estimated net worth figure is according to Celebrity Net Worth.
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Where Did Pete Townshend Get His Fortune?
Pete Townshend’s net worth comes from a variety of sources, including his music, writing, and real estate investments. Here is a detailed list of Townshend’s income streams:
The Who
The Who was a British rock band formed in 1964. The group is made up of Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon.
The Who has sold over 100 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Townshend wrote most of the band’s songs, including classics such as “Baba O’Riley,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “I Can See for Miles,” and the famous rock operas “Tommy” and “Quadrophenia.”
According to Sun Signs.org, the Who became famous worldwide because of their feedback, power chords, and instrument-destroying performances.
Meher Baba and Solo Career
According to Pete Townshend.net, while Townshend was playing with The Who, he considered his devotion to Meher Baba an essential part of his life. He and other devotees made three albums to display their worship of his teachings.
Aside from that, he made solo albums and wrote several books. In 1972, he released his major label solo album called “Who Came First” in which he showed his immense guitar skills. His second solo album was “Empty Glass.”
Writing
Aside from his well-renowned image in music, Townshend is also known for his literary works and write-ups. He wrote essays for Rolling Stone magazine and was a columnist for the British music paper Melody Maker.
He even founded “Eel Pie Publishing” which specialized in publishing music and books for children. He became an acquisitions editor of Faber and Faber.
After two years, he published his book entitled, “Horse’s Neck” which contains a compilation of short stories. In 2008, he released an autobiography entitled, “Who I Am” which quickly became a bestseller.
Real Estate
According to People, Pete Townshend owned “The Wick,” a renowned Georgian-era house that is located in Richmond, Greater London. He then sold it to Ronnie Wood, a member of the Rolling Stones. In 2021, it is listed on the market for $21 million.
The beautiful panoramic house contains a private pool, terraced gardens, a vinery, four cloakrooms, a conservatory, a huge cellar, and a pool house that is separated from the main house. Plus, It now has a music room which Ronnie Wood commissioned (Townshend also took part in its design).
What is Pete Townshend known for?
Pete Townshend is recognized for his involvement with the rock band The Who, which earned him fame as a songwriter and musician. His areas of interest range from music to producing musical scores for theater and creating literary works.
Facts About Pete Townshend
Self-taught Musician
Despite having musically-inclined parents, it was not the reason for Townshend to become a musician. According to an interview with Guitarist Magazine, Townshend was actually self-taught, starting with the guitar his grandmother bought for him. Learning other instruments along the way, the rest is history.
Meher Baba Devotee
According to Petetownshend.net, Townshend met his spiritual mentor Meher Baba in 1967 and this changed his life. Baba was an Indian mystic who stressed the importance of service to others, particularly the poor and underprivileged.
Townshend became a devotee and spent much of the next decade spreading the word of Baba’s teachings. He even created a trio of albums based on his worship which is ‘Happy Birthday’ (1970), ‘I Am’ (1972), and ‘With Love’ (1975).
Hearing problems led to charity
Townshend suffered from partial deafness and tinnitus, so he became the founding donor of H.E.A.R. (Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers), a non-profit organization that raises awareness of the dangers of noise exposure.
He had very difficult early years
Being born just a few days after World War II ended, much of Townshend’s early childhood was spent in the shadow of conflict. His parents separated which left Townshend in the care of his maternal grandmother who he considered mentally unwell and reportedly treated him very poorly.
By reconnecting with his parents and entering grammar school, he was able to cope but never forget. These early experiences led him to make the iconic album ‘Tommy’ and publish a very vulnerable memoir entitled ‘Who I Am’.
Conclusion
Pete Townshend is a highly accomplished musician, songwriter, and author who has achieved great success both with The Who and as a solo artist. Being a devoted follower of Meher Baba, he has used his platform to spread the spiritual leader’s message of service to others through his music.
Townshend’s impressive career and body of work have earned him a place among the most respected and richest figures in rock music with his whooping $150 million net worth.
Peter Townshend Featured Image by: Ross Belot, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources:
https://www.hearnet.com/features/artist/HEARNET_petetownshend.shtml
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pete-townshends-who-i-am-the-most-conflicted-rock-memoir-of-all-time-185064/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0870175/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/book-review-pete-townshends-who-i-am-could-be-the-most-conflicted-rock-memoir-of-all-time-172579/
https://web.archive.org/web/20081229191111/http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=showIndividual&entity_id=20531&source_type=A
https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/who
