Pete Townshend, the legendary guitarist of The Who, has dropped a bombshell revelation about his feelings for his rock ‘n’ roll counterpart, Mick Jagger. In a candid conversation with Record Collector, Townshend admitted to being sexually attracted to the Rolling Stones frontman.
The declaration is as unexpected as it is intriguing, given the decades-long rivalry, or at least perceived rivalry, between the two iconic bands. The revelation came as Townshend discussed his past experiences with sexuality.
While clarifying that homosexuality wasn’t a defining part of his identity, the guitarist openly shared that he had explored same-sex relationships. However, this wasn’t the first time he admired Jagger sexually. Still, this recent admission has once more captured the public’s attention.
“I Was Very Sexually Attracted to [Jagger]”
The Who guitarist directly admitted to having a strong sexual attraction to Jagger. In the candid conversation, Townshend shared, “I was very sexually attracted to [Jagger], and possibly to a few other people in my life.”
Beyond Jagger, Townshend also touched on his feelings for The Who’s late co-manager, Kit Lambert. While he clarified that their relationship was not romantic or sexual, he admitted to harboring a deep admiration for Lambert.
As he previously told the Financial Times, “I loved Kit. I wasn’t homosexual, I didn’t have any homoerotic feelings, and I wasn’t sexually attracted to him, but I really wanted him to be sexually attracted to me — and he wasn’t.”
Townshend Remembers Jagger’s Manhood Being “Extremely Tasty”
Townshend has never been shy about expressing his admiration for Jagger. In 2012, he famously defended Jagger’s manhood after Keith Richards made disparaging remarks about its size in his autobiography.
Townshend retorted at a press conference, “What I remember of the size of Mick Jagger’s penis — I remember it as being huge and extremely tasty.” Townshend’s feelings for Jagger have been well-documented. In his 2012 autobiography, Who I Am, he wrote candidly, “Mick is the only man I’ve ever seriously wanted to f*ck.”
These revelations have added another layer to the complex and fascinating relationship between two of rock ‘n’ roll’s most iconic figures.
Townshend’s Reflections on Identity and Musical Idolization
The rockstar has offered candid insights into his personal journey, particularly concerning sexuality. His 1966 song “I’m A Boy” served as a platform for exploring themes of masculinity and societal expectations.
In a conversation with Rock Cellar Magazine, Townshend elaborated, stating, “It’s the idea of masculinity and the way that men are seen to be at a time when I often forget, to be homosexual, to be pansexual, as I think I probably was, but not anymore.”
He further expressed a youthful openness, saying, “I think I was ready to fall into bed with anybody that would have me.” Beyond his personal reflections, Townshend’s enduring admiration for the Rolling Stones is a cornerstone of his musical narrative. From the exhilaration of his first live concert, a deep-rooted respect for the band was ignited.