Queen's Brian May Says The Who's Pete Townshend 'Basically Invented' Rock Guitar: 'My Playing Owes So Much to Him'

May heaped praise on Townshend and said he's been "lucky enough to be there watching" The Who co-founder's journey to icon status

By

Jack Irvin

Updated on May 21, 2024 03:40PM EDT

Sir Brian May, Pete Townshend — Brian May in June 2023; Pete Townshend in November 2018. Photo:
Dave Benett/Getty, Bobby Bank/Getty

Brian May wants the world to know about his deep admiration for Pete Townshend.

The Queen guitarist posted to Instagram on May 20 and heaped praise on The Who co-founder, claiming Townshend "basically invented" rock guitar and expressing gratitude for having witnessed his journey to icon status.

May, 76, spoke at-length about his Townshend, 79, fandom after a Queen fan shared a past statement the "Fat Bottomed Girls" songwriter gave about his fellow rocker. "Pete Townshend's a god of guitar and always will be," read one of his previous comments.

Brian May of Queen performs during the Platinum Party At The Palace at Buckingham Palace on June 4, 2022 in London, England — Brian May performing in London in June 2022.
Alberto Pezzali - WPA Pool/Getty

Upon seeing his earlier remarks, May decided to elaborate. "I'm glad I said this — I probably don't say it enough," he wrote alongside a photo of himself and Townshend.

"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," said May.

"I'm not talking about the blues-influenced playing which also underpinned the evolution of 70s and 80s rock music," he elaborated. "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."

Pete Townshend poses for photos during the "The Age of Anxiety" by Pete Townshend book signing at Waterstones Piccadilly on November 05, 2019 in London, England. — Pete Townshend in London in November 2019.
Jo Hale/Getty

May then suggested fans listen to The Who's "My Generation" and shouted out Keith Moon's drumming, John Entwistle's bass playing and Roger Daltry's vocals. "Completely Awesome," he said.

The post concluded with May directing his followers to more songs by The Who that highlight Townshend's musicianship: "I'm a Boy," "Substitute," "Can't Explain" and "Summertime Blues" — which he claimed "transformed Rock and Rollin to ROCK !!!"

"Good Morning folks !! You have your assignment for the day," wrote May.

Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of the Who pose at the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Press Conference at Broward County Convention Center on February 4, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. — Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in February 2010.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

Last month, Townshend shut down the possibility of The Who reuniting for a farewell tour on the Sound Up! podcast after claiming it was in the works in an interview with The New York Times.

"I’m not doing a farewell tour. I think I was being sarcastic about it," he said.