As Pete Townshend approaches his 80th year, the co-founder of The Who has offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, discussing aspects of his sexuality that he had previously kept private. In recent reflections, Townshend revealed details about past homosexual experiences, stating, "I tried them out, and I very much enjoyed them."
Townshend, who has been married to his second wife, composer Rachel Fuller, for several years, expressed that while he made close friends through these experiences, they ultimately did not fit into his life. "It wasn't what worked for me, sexually speaking," he recounted.
The musician's statements stand in marked contrast to earlier clarifications he made about his song "Rough Boys" and past comments regarding his understanding of gay sex. At the time, Townshend asserted that his words were misinterpreted as a coming out, which was not his intention.
Townshend, who has three children from his first marriage, noted how his attraction to certain men, including prominent figures such as Sir Mick Jagger, shaped parts of his life. Despite these attractions, he admitted such desires were not always reciprocated, particularly mentioning Kit Lambert, The Who's co-manager.