Actually, the best rock songwriter in history. Compare his total output (with The Who and his solo material) with anyone else and you should come to the same conclusion! It's truly staggering!!!
The music this guy hears in his head is mind blowing. His compositions, guitar playing, time signatures , tempo changes are uncanny. and his voice is right on the edge of being flat or off key and time yet it sounds and fits in so perfect. His playing and style can't be duplicated or mimic cause he is very unique in my opinion.
Pete is a legend, but this doesn't hold up to something like say Gang of Four "Entertainment" ... Granted, the ol' shnozzola still rocked better than his Sixties rivals in the 80s.
Ra Denney if your going to judge all time guitarist but technical terms than yes other legend guitarist will be ahead of Pete, BUT in terms of attacking the instrument and bringing massive attitude to the guitar " Pete is number 1 Bad Ass Performer."
without pete townsend punk rock never would have happened and no one would have known the brilliance of keith moon john enwhistle or the legendery rodger dultry..check out the film mcvicar..not only a great portraial of the life of john mcvicar but the soundtrack by the who is fantastic. as for petes sexual orientation..what skelatens have you homophobes got in your closet? eh? and who gives a shit anyway..you pete attackers are all deaf dumb and blind.
If Pete attackers are deaf dumb and blind, wouldn't that make them Tommy...BTW Pete is a genius. Each member of the original Who were all geniuses in their own right.
It's 2023 and I remembered this song on MTV in 1980 and I bought the album and thought he was amazing solo artist outside The Who. 43 years later! It's on my playlist
@brinsonharris9816 the very first video I saw after seeing the Mtv Astronaut commercial......was ....Jethro Tull sweet dreams......not Eurythmics....Jethro Tull video is the aqualung bum is in a movie theatre.....has a bit of a ominous riff.....I always dug it.
Messed up on booze and drugs, beating the hell out of himself with childhood issues, pressured by his record label to produce, and he still makes better music than 99% of what comes out 40 years later.
Actually, closer to 40 years. Yes, "pop" music then had meaning. There is good music today but not commercial success. I used to save money to buy vinyl. Today kids download crap. I completely agree with you.
@@lordmacaulay8739 Here is a touch of trivia: Michael Jackson, in 1982, is prepping to record The Album that changes everything, "Thriller". The first choice to play guitar on "Beat It" was Pete Townshend. He begged off, but he did recommend someone else - the late, great Eddie Van Halen. Even when he was not involved, Pete Townshend found a way to change the world.
@Patrick Santos the movie was released in 1975 and was treated as a violation. Look back on it now, it's like an Indiana Jones film, treasure and danger everywhere. Plus, the soundtrack holds up very well.
esp love that sound the guitar makes at the beginning, I wouldn't mess with Pete, he just acts like a badass who don't give a shit. just heard let my love on the radio, checked the tunes on the album and realized I hadn't heard this great song in forever.
Wow. This brings back some memories. The first time I saw this video was on the America's Top Ten TV show back in the summer of 1980, about a year before MTV existed. Back then, unless you heard something on the radio or saw something like this on TV, you might not have known an artist had a new release. After I saw this, I went to a local record store and picked up Pete's "Empty Glass" album. The first record album I'd bought for myself, and still one of my favorites, 44 years later.
I love the way the rhythm guitar track is layered and has that presence that drives the whole song...He has to be one of the greatest guitarists on the planet...Long Live Rock!!!
Kenneth Prud'homme ohhhhh you guys are hitting the nail on the head! Pete is nothing short of incredible, though I do still go heavy for Jimmy Page, I'd have to draw straws to decide who's better. Since this is no competition, I just listen to whomever I'm craving at the time. There have been a heckuva lot of super talented guitarists that I'll always want to listen to! Lots of great drummers but I must admit that my favorite one was good ole Bono, what a horrific loss to the entire music industry - Sheri
His rhythm/lead playing is top notch. Taught me something that you don't have to rely on single string leads to make a statement. His chord voicings are on point.
One of the best videos ever!!! I love the way Pete puts his foot in the backside of those young punks. A good kick in the arse every now and again will set our youth straight. A classic song and video. Pete rocks!
Pete Townshend got the sharpest tune ever on a guitar.. He is just awesome! Loved The Who and Townshends guitars since early 80´s.. I don't know any guitarist who can play with such rough sharp special tune.. ;)
I see the song focused on the punk movement at the time. Pete both admired but felt threatened by the punk bands - Clash, Sex Pistols, The Jam, etc. Those bands were heavy criticizing the older bands and it took them a while to appreciate that the older bands lead the way in the 60's. So powerful, I think it was Pete's best song of the early 80's.
"I Am An Animal" is without a doubt my favorite on that album. There are a few songs that get close but nothing hits me like I Am An Animal, it feels as if it was written for By Numbers.
@@randomguyontheinternet7940 Definitely a great song. The whole album definitely touched me as well. A crowning achievement for Townsend. Then when I want to get a little more nonsensical and morbid, I throw on the John Entwistle solo stuff lol, another favorite!
Kenneth Houston This vid was playing when a friend called me up and said “Turn on channel 23 NOW!” Our cable system finally added MTV back in 1982. This still rocks, MTV not so much.
Remember when MTV had balls? They started with less than 300 videos, scrambled to fill commercial space with local vendors, and tried to run a strictly rock format? Watching it now is like shopping at the Gap. Lord help us!
Love this. I was a teen when it came out and had zero idea that this was gay-themed. And now, I think it makes it only that much more brilliant & daring. Cheers Pete!
Well, I've always found him to be hot, so it is my business; but I've never met him. If I'm not mistaken, he has sometimes hinted, even said publicly, that there have been men as well as women in his life. But regardless, being gay or bi is not a terrible secret that must be hidden and ignored; you need to grow up and recognize that. This isn't the 50s anymore.
I remember him doing this on the Kenny Everett Video Show in 1980. He'd got a load of teenagers in the studio as the audience, and most of the boys were standing behind him, playing air guitar with massive enthusiasm!
For the most part they are reading into it wrong ! Its a great song still ! You know for such a accepting group the liberals claim to be it doesnt seem hard for them to gay bash ! But putting that aside the early 80's has some great songs like this one !
Mike Thaxton, just what in the fuck could you be on about? Thought you found some small window of opportunity to inject, yet another, dim & lame anti-sjw, down with the bloody libtards remark? But you didn't. Nobody even knew what you were referencing except that it was obviously REAL fake news. i.e. nine times out of ten it's not liberals who gay bash. But you knew that already. Lemmie guess, one of those "let's flip history" Trumpettes, correct? "Democrats are more violent, Hitler was a liberal, yada yada..." Take it elsewhere, man. Like to a Steven Crowder shudder-fest. It's cringe-inducing. Let's just enjoy the great music.
I loved this tune as it reminded me of those wild and fun times in 1980 when I "came out" and so much was happening in my world. An excellent period in my life!
Townsend is hilarious. With his lyrics or his commentary. And this is, to be sure, one of the best rhythm guitar tracks ever. Great video! Love the drums. Thanks Pete! Yum yums.
I've loved this song since it first came out and there were still great classic rock radio stations in my area (sadly, those days are gone). Heard it again when I was marathonning Queer as Folk; it was used in a great scene (I then realized, after many years, that it was about gay rent boys! Sheesh, I was naive back in the day!). That show had an amazing, eclectic variety of music on it. Rock on, Pete.
Absolutely in 1979-82 he was the 1960s rock star, still standing and with some credibility. Nobody else who have been invited on stage by Joe Strummer or respected by John Lyndon.
The Who were definitely Proto-Punk for sure. At least some of their material. My Generation for example. The Kinks, the Stones and even the Beatles had their elements of Proto-Punk as well but the Who were the most aggressive and Loudest out of all the British Invasion bands for sure. In the States the New York Dolls, Iggy and the Stooges and MC5 we're all making a big Proto-Punk clang before 1976 but couldn't get many records sold which was Proto-Punk in and of itself I guess.
This video is surreal for me. The beginning of the video where they are walking downtown in a plain average weather reminds me of my youth being 18 years old then about 79? When this came out. Still had a life ahead of us and music was our escape. My oldest brother had this album and I always loved this song.
@@ogam5 And I read that the synth riffs were actually done on a guitar-synthesizer (i.e. a device used to control the keyboard synthesizer via the guitar).
One of my favorite albums of all time. Townsend was sticking his pinky toe out of the closet with this song and *And I Moved" and would allude sideways to his bisexuality. Damned sexy tune, powerful writing, rock at its best!
To a young gay man like me in the early 80s, this song was obviously about same sex attraction. A popular expression among gay men back in those days was “rough trade” - as in young men who were nominally bisexual or straight but would have gay sex with an older guy, often for money. In addition, Pete sings about wanting to buy them leather (a fetish scene for some gay men). He sings that he wants to “hug and kiss” them, and even “get inside” them. Sounds like he was putting a lot more than his pinky toe out of the closet with this song.
"...in my Hush Puppy shoes" love it. By this time Pete and the Who had produced SO MUCH amazing, original music...a truly gifted guitarist, lyricist, singer, songwriter, musician. His guitar skills are up there with the very best.
I was there...remember when the song came out...we all looked at each other....shrugged...and rocked away...great song. Pete was making all kinds of statements back then...just another one for another crowd.
pure freaking genius the rock song makes me cry in its beauty...who else could write a song about rough love between men and have all people enjoy it? incredible song
Love how Pete keeps a cigarette burning away in his peghead until he finally takes a draw at 2:35 for a short instrumental break before sticking it back at 2:50 to resume singing. Now Keith Richards would have had three or four cigarettes going at once (peghead, on top of an amp, lighting a fresh one off the butt of the last one).
Peter Townsend...best guitarist in history...Keith Moon...best drummer in history...John Entwhistle...best bass player...Rodger Daltrey...best vocalist of all time...now that would be a band!
Tough boys running the streets Come a little closer Rough toys under the sheets Nobody knows her Rough boys, don't walk away I very nearly missed you Tough boys, come over here I wanna bite and kiss you I wanna see what I can find Tough kids take a bottle of wine When your deal is broken Ten quid, she's so easy to dine Not a word is spoken Rough boys don't walk away I'm feel pretty blitzed here Tough boy I'm gonna carry you home You got pretty pissed, dear Gonna get inside you Gonna get inside your bitter mind I wanna see what I can find Rough boys, don't walk away I wanna buy you leather Make noise, try and talk me away We can't be seen together Tough kids, what can I do? I'm so pale and weedy Rough fits in my Hush Puppy shoes But I'm still bleeding Pleading, Needing, Fighting, Whining, Jiving I wanna see what I can find Tough boys running the streets Come a little closer Rough toys under the sheets Nobody knows her Rough boys, don't you walk away I very nearly missed you Tough boys, come over here I wanna bite and kiss you (...) I wanna see what I can find!
I remember seeing this almost daily on MTV, back in 82-83. I was a confused and depressed teenager, and yet I would love to go back then for just a day. Oh yeah, and Pete Townshend was a total badass.
For 30 years I thought he sang, "I wonder if I can kiss you." LOL What a great song. And video. Those of us that had MTV right from the start were so blessed.
I remember the first time rocking out to this song and singing along "Rough boys come over here,I want to hug and ki. . . what?!" After that I stopped singing to it and just let Pete do the lyrics. lol One of the hardest songs ever written without really trying to be a hard song. (Oh and yes I do see the pun there,so no comments on that needed.) lol
shut-up you ! that was a total misunderstanding ,that some idiot's took the wrong way ! ole pete is as solid as they get he is,and your lucky he doesn't take a crack at you mate! so SHUT-THE-FUCK-UP !!!!
I couldn't give a rats about the subject matter or Pete's sexual orientation. What I do know, however, is that this is a fucking brilliant song. It's got everything I love about the man's music, with all that drama and bombast. The closing section is the very definition of awesome in rock music.
Jeff Schuler Hey dude promoting my cover go to Anthony Starguitar you'll see me wearing a biker jacket in thumb photo, it might be under my real name /I have 2 youtube channels, I'm trying to raise my views ,and comments, on this one of my favorite guitar riffs songs
I used to get raging drunk on rum and coke in the morning before school while listening to this song over and over. I was so depressed and couldn't go to school without being totally wasted. But this song actually saved me, in many ways. And it still never fails to totally electrify everything in me whenever I listen to it...amazing Pete...
Same here Jennifer! I used to drive my parents big ass chevy truck to school just wasted on rum and coke....I guess we could just get away with it back than....
Hey Jennifer, trying to promote my cover of this! Unlike these kids on here doing covers,I was already an adult when this came out! Check out my old channel named" Tony Axeaddict" I will be getting a Telecaster and better phone to record it to take it too it's rightful sound! Enjoy!!! P.S. I'm not gay,yet posted a leather jacket photo of my youthful motorcycle days,the 80's,I used this to portray the bad boy punk look! LOL!
Hey Jennifer! I consider this song one of his great's too! Check out my vocal/guitar cover of this song at channel Anthony Starguitar the anthony must be seperate from Starguitar, and starguitar one word
adam872 Hey Jennifer you never watched my cover of this on youtube, I want more views, and comments so I'm targeting comments,check it out at Anthony Starguitar - Roughboys, tell me what you think !?!
I remember as a teen when this song came on, I would turn it off because I was listening to a lot of the other artists during that time. It's funny how life takes a turn, things you didn't appreciate in the pass you do later on in life I have found this song several times during the last couple years and I love it
Pete's solo stuff is his best works. Hangs all his personal issues out in his songs. Has to be in the top 3 rock song writers in history
Actually, the best rock songwriter in history. Compare his total output (with The Who and his solo material) with anyone else and you should come to the same conclusion! It's truly staggering!!!
It's FANTASTICO.
He's a 100% for a fact cho mo so nah he sucks objectively
Yeah,Townsend is without doubt one of the most talented singer-songwriter-guitarists in rock history.
LOVE the way he plays guitar. Great rhythms, and solos like no-one else!
This is one of Townshend's best songs. I always felt that it would have fit in perfectly on Quadrophenia.
Yeah I can see that.
You mean pedophilia?
If you kept the song but gave it a slightly darker texture so it fit in better; than yes this 100% could’ve been on Quadrophenia.
No doubt. Gritty song, and video to match.
Or in the kids are alright
Incredible piece of music. Pete is a musical genius and this song proves it. A bad boys tune for the ages.
The music this guy hears in his head is mind blowing. His compositions, guitar playing, time signatures , tempo changes are uncanny. and his voice is right on the edge of being flat or off key and time yet it sounds and fits in so perfect. His playing and style can't be duplicated or mimic cause he is very unique in my opinion.
You're absolutely spot on. Rock's best songwriter!!!
Very, very true.
Very, very true.
He's a genius
This is the best put down of punk music that I've ever seen
This has been my get out and bed and go to work songs for years. It’s musical caffeine!
Very true.
Same here,motivation at its best
The best rhythm guitarist/songwriter of the rock era in my book. A very underrated singer too. Pete is simply amazing.
I've gotta give that title to Keith Richards.
Pete's a better singer though.
Pete is a legend, but this doesn't hold up to something like say Gang of Four "Entertainment" ... Granted, the ol' shnozzola still rocked better than his Sixties rivals in the 80s.
Ra Denney if your going to judge all time guitarist but technical terms than yes other legend guitarist will be ahead of Pete, BUT in terms of attacking the instrument and bringing massive attitude to the guitar " Pete is number 1 Bad Ass Performer."
without pete townsend punk rock never would have happened and no one would have known the brilliance of keith moon john enwhistle or the legendery rodger dultry..check out the film mcvicar..not only a great portraial of the life of john mcvicar but the soundtrack by the who is fantastic. as for petes sexual orientation..what skelatens have you homophobes got in your closet? eh? and who gives a shit anyway..you pete attackers are all deaf dumb and blind.
If Pete attackers are deaf dumb and blind, wouldn't that make them Tommy...BTW Pete is a genius. Each member of the original Who were all geniuses in their own right.
Pete flips everyone off at the beginning of this video. Love it.
I don't think this is the first time he did that. Pretty sure he does it in "Can't Explain" video. Awesome!
SuperCaptainTim he sure does... love it
Nahhh...something on his cheek😁
He's holding his guitar pick in between his thumb and forefinger. That's why he is "flipping off" the camera.
I think that he thought that most would not like his subject material, So it was a preemptive Flip Off
It's 2023 and I remembered this song on MTV in 1980 and I bought the album and thought he was amazing solo artist outside The Who. 43 years later! It's on my playlist
This was the first thing I ever saw on MTV when the cable company finally added it. Knew the song and the vid was a real treat.
I remember this from the early 80s Mtv as well.....discovered John Entwistle solo works in 2018.....damn ....better late than never....so good
@brinsonharris9816 the very first video I saw after seeing the Mtv Astronaut commercial......was ....Jethro Tull sweet dreams......not Eurythmics....Jethro Tull video is the aqualung bum is in a movie theatre.....has a bit of a ominous riff.....I always dug it.
Messed up on booze and drugs, beating the hell out of himself with childhood issues, pressured by his record label to produce, and he still makes better music than 99% of what comes out 40 years later.
Actually, closer to 40 years. Yes, "pop" music then had meaning. There is good music today but not commercial success. I used to save money to buy vinyl. Today kids download crap. I completely agree with you.
@@lordmacaulay8739 Here is a touch of trivia: Michael Jackson, in 1982, is prepping to record The Album that changes everything, "Thriller". The first choice to play guitar on "Beat It" was Pete Townshend. He begged off, but he did recommend someone else - the late, great Eddie Van Halen. Even when he was not involved, Pete Townshend found a way to change the world.
I agree 100%
@Patrick Santos The Ox was sharp and had a pedigree for brass instruments. He was the Eye of the Storm.
@Patrick Santos the movie was released in 1975 and was treated as a violation. Look back on it now, it's like an Indiana Jones film, treasure and danger everywhere. Plus, the soundtrack holds up very well.
You can't beat that Townshend guitar tone... A LEGEND.
This is such an awesome song, especially the climactic brass bit at the end. Pete's solo stuff is bloody quality.
Pete is brilliant and a true rock n roll genius. that is all
Regardless of subject matter and back story, this is one of my favorite songs of all time.
Greg Gagnaux Dude,you said it, one of mine too, so much so I play it on youtube, check it out at Anthony Starguitar Roughboys
esp love that sound the guitar makes at the beginning, I wouldn't mess with Pete, he just acts like a badass who don't give a shit. just heard let my love on the radio, checked the tunes on the album and realized I hadn't heard this great song in forever.
No you got it wrong INCLUDING THE SUBJECT MATTER
Wow. This brings back some memories. The first time I saw this video was on the America's Top Ten TV show back in the summer of 1980, about a year before MTV existed. Back then, unless you heard something on the radio or saw something like this on TV, you might not have known an artist had a new release. After I saw this, I went to a local record store and picked up Pete's "Empty Glass" album. The first record album I'd bought for myself, and still one of my favorites, 44 years later.
In my opinion the Empty Glass album is the best solo album that Pete ever made & also overall one of the best albums ever made!
One of my all time favorite songs by Pete Townsend! A true balls-out, hard-rocking rock and roll masterpiece! 🤘
Pete is one of the most brilliant musicians ever and he holds nothing back. Refreshing and authentic as it gets.
Townshend is brilliant. Most people don't understand this song.
I think it's accurate to say...
Its incredibly homoerotic.
explain it
@@blmm47 Please do. I thought I understood it pretty well, between the lyrics and visuals, but maybe not.
I know he has an interest in young boys.
@@TNbear0126 The song seems to be explicitly explanatory, but I'd love to hear " James Allen's "take on things.
some of Pete's best work
If you don't count everything else.
I love the way the rhythm guitar track is layered and has that presence that drives the whole song...He has to be one of the greatest guitarists on the planet...Long Live Rock!!!
Damn right, he elevated rhythm guitar to an art. He's no slouch on lead for sure, but his strength is his amazing chordal work.
Kenneth Prud'homme ohhhhh you guys are hitting the nail on the head! Pete is nothing short of incredible, though I do still go heavy for Jimmy Page, I'd have to draw straws to decide who's better. Since this is no competition, I just listen to whomever I'm craving at the time. There have been a heckuva lot of super talented guitarists that I'll always want to listen to! Lots of great drummers but I must admit that my favorite one was good ole Bono, what a horrific loss to the entire music industry - Sheri
His rhythm/lead playing is top notch. Taught me something that you don't have to rely on single string leads to make a statement. His chord voicings are on point.
At this point in his career he had how many decades experience as a musician and songwriter? All of that learned skill shows.
Got this song from go and I still find it sexy af 40 years later
One of the best videos ever!!! I love the way Pete puts his foot in the backside of those young punks. A good kick in the arse every now and again will set our youth straight. A classic song and video. Pete rocks!
I doubt it. Especially in 2024. Nice thought though.✌️ Pete DOES rock with this song!
Pete Townshend got the sharpest tune ever on a guitar.. He is just awesome! Loved The Who and Townshends guitars since early 80´s.. I don't know any guitarist who can play with such rough sharp special tune.. ;)
True
🔥
I see the song focused on the punk movement at the time. Pete both admired but felt threatened by the punk bands - Clash, Sex Pistols, The Jam, etc. Those bands were heavy criticizing the older bands and it took them a while to appreciate that the older bands lead the way in the 60's. So powerful, I think it was Pete's best song of the early 80's.
A great tune; just can't get over how young Townshend looks here. Then again, we were all younger back then.
"Empty Glass" still one of my favorite albums. Not a bad track on it. Other notable mentions, "Cat's in the Cupboard," and "Gonna Get Ya".
the title song, to me, is one of his best....
Dont forget "Little is Enough" also
And "Let My Love Open the Door"
"I Am An Animal" is without a doubt my favorite on that album. There are a few songs that get close but nothing hits me like I Am An Animal, it feels as if it was written for By Numbers.
@@randomguyontheinternet7940 Definitely a great song. The whole album definitely touched me as well. A crowning achievement for Townsend. Then when I want to get a little more nonsensical and morbid, I throw on the John Entwistle solo stuff lol, another favorite!
Pete has this angry energy when he plays guitar, it's great. So explosive. I love him.
Early MTV at its infancy.. wow those were the days
Kenneth Houston This vid was playing when a friend called me up and said “Turn on channel 23 NOW!” Our cable system finally added MTV back in 1982. This still rocks, MTV not so much.
Remember when MTV had balls? They started with less than 300 videos, scrambled to fill commercial space with local vendors, and tried to run a strictly rock format? Watching it now is like shopping at the Gap. Lord help us!
@@mcoleman6834 Yeah.. MUSIC! What a CONCEPT...👍🏻😉
They even used the final shot of Pete ramming the camera with his guitar for their own commercials.
When mtv hit...gas was 1.05....college 10 grand....33 1/3 lp 3.99...fender stratocaster w case 395.00..DONT EVER VOTE DEMOCRAT...DONT DO IT
PETE WORKING ON ALL LEVELS
Deep, thought provoking, satirical, fast and rockin! He can switch gears and make it all fit.
REAL MUSIC REAL ARTIST
A-thafuckmen!!!!
"Rough boys I want to bite and kiss you" 🤘🌈🦋💜
Love this. I was a teen when it came out and had zero idea that this was gay-themed. And now, I think it makes it only that much more brilliant & daring. Cheers Pete!
Had it on vinyl when it came out. Fuckin brilliant
never cared about that and it doesn't even need to be mentioned All about the great music!
A gay rock song if there ever was one.
He likes children.
what did you think he was meant when he literally sings "Rough boys I wanna bite and kiss you" ? lmao
..A really good writer. both tune and lyrics are always excellent.
Who Pete Townshend "entertains" under the sheets is his own bloody business!!!! GROW UP PEOPLE!!!!!
Well, I've always found him to be hot, so it is my business; but I've never met him. If I'm not mistaken, he has sometimes hinted, even said publicly, that there have been men as well as women in his life. But regardless, being gay or bi is not a terrible secret that must be hidden and ignored; you need to grow up and recognize that. This isn't the 50s anymore.
he made it our business when he got arrested
remember when this came out...still fantastic 36 yrs later...typical Townshed song shredding the guitar...
i'll always come back to this...
I remember him doing this on the Kenny Everett Video Show in 1980. He'd got a load of teenagers in the studio as the audience, and most of the boys were standing behind him, playing air guitar with massive enthusiasm!
Kick assed song . I don't care what people read into it .
Takes me back to a great time in life .
Ignignokt Mooninite Dude check out my cover of Roughboys at Anthony Starguitar
me too, i don't care this is Peter townshend song. love the who.
Good and rocking melody. Excellent word rhyming. Horrible message(I cannot throw out the baby with the bathwater.)!
For the most part they are reading into it wrong ! Its a great song still ! You know for such a accepting group the liberals claim to be it doesnt seem hard for them to gay bash ! But putting that aside the early 80's has some great songs like this one !
Mike Thaxton, just what in the fuck could you be on about? Thought you found some small window of opportunity to inject, yet another, dim & lame anti-sjw, down with the bloody libtards remark? But you didn't. Nobody even knew what you were referencing except that it was obviously REAL fake news. i.e. nine times out of ten it's not liberals who gay bash. But you knew that already. Lemmie guess, one of those "let's flip history" Trumpettes, correct? "Democrats are more violent, Hitler was a liberal, yada yada..." Take it elsewhere, man. Like to a Steven Crowder shudder-fest. It's cringe-inducing. Let's just enjoy the great music.
I loved this tune as it reminded me of those wild and fun times in 1980 when I "came out" and so much was happening in my world. An excellent period in my life!
Same here
Townsend is hilarious. With his lyrics or his commentary. And this is, to be sure, one of the best rhythm guitar tracks ever. Great video! Love the drums. Thanks Pete! Yum yums.
Having been the Godfather of Punk, I always thought that Townshend was letting the younger generation know he wasn't dead quite yet...Long Live Rock!
I was lucky enough to see Pete and The Who years ago. Always was my favorite band.
Great tune with Pete in his prime.
Pete Townshend -- the one man show, great songwriter, brilliant guitarist!
Happy 71st Birthday, Pete--you still rock!
may 19 ?
Donna Gosdantian Yes--Pete's birthday is May 19, 1945...
thx
Wasn't he the guy that wrote the verse "hope I die before I get old" ?
I've loved this song since it first came out and there were still great classic rock radio stations in my area (sadly, those days are gone). Heard it again when I was marathonning Queer as Folk; it was used in a great scene (I then realized, after many years, that it was about gay rent boys! Sheesh, I was naive back in the day!). That show had an amazing, eclectic variety of music on it. Rock on, Pete.
the song is actually making fun of how punk guys in England dress like gay guys do in the US
Love this song and Mr Pete! Bless this man.He is a rock hero and a Bi icon! Love Him!
Pete Townshend, the original punk rocker.
❤️
Absolutely in 1979-82 he was the 1960s rock star, still standing and with some credibility. Nobody else who have been invited on stage by Joe Strummer or respected by John Lyndon.
Wow, never thought of that before, so like The Who were the first Punk Rock band...
Bigingo!!!
The Who were definitely Proto-Punk for sure. At least some of their material. My Generation for example. The Kinks, the Stones and even the Beatles had their elements of Proto-Punk as well but the Who were the most aggressive and Loudest out of all the British Invasion bands for sure. In the States the New York Dolls, Iggy and the Stooges and MC5 we're all making a big Proto-Punk clang before 1976 but couldn't get many records sold which was Proto-Punk in and of itself I guess.
HAPPY 76 YEARS GENIUS PETE !
Great song and memories. Still get chills watching him do his famous full circle chord strike at the end of the song. Legend.
This video is surreal for me. The beginning of the video where they are walking downtown in a plain average weather reminds me of my youth being 18 years old then about 79? When this came out. Still had a life ahead of us and music was our escape. My oldest brother had this album and I always loved this song.
This was why I babysat where they had cable in the 80s. 🤘🏁🖤🏁❣️💋
As a tough kid from the seventies, I identified with this song so much. :(
So you liked to be bitten and kissed by older men?
Remind me to stay far away from your neighborhood, mate.
@@ricktaylor6579 yeah, he'd try to bite and kiss us.
as a tough kid from the 80s, I can feel it as well.
@@BrianCarnevaleB26 As had already been said so you liked being bitten snd kissed by old guys?
It is about letting the younger punks know that he can rock as hard as they can.
I for one certainly miss the good ole days of "true" rock n roll-
The synth riffs near the end of the song bring to mind the opening chords of "Pinball Wizard."
Yep - Townie DOES come CLOSE to out-EJing Reggie on this; NO question.....
@@ogam5 And I read that the synth riffs were actually done on a guitar-synthesizer (i.e. a device used to control the keyboard synthesizer via the guitar).
Always loved this so song. Timeless and alive.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Townsend was sticking his pinky toe out of the closet with this song and *And I Moved" and would allude sideways to his bisexuality. Damned sexy tune, powerful writing, rock at its best!
To a young gay man like me in the early 80s, this song was obviously about same sex attraction. A popular expression among gay men back in those days was “rough trade” - as in young men who were nominally bisexual or straight but would have gay sex with an older guy, often for money. In addition, Pete sings about wanting to buy them leather (a fetish scene for some gay men). He sings that he wants to “hug and kiss” them, and even “get inside” them. Sounds like he was putting a lot more than his pinky toe out of the closet with this song.
Here we gone with another classic! This gentleman was part of my bar/club days! Excellent!
1980 Great year.
"...in my Hush Puppy shoes" love it.
By this time Pete and the Who had produced SO MUCH amazing, original music...a truly gifted guitarist, lyricist, singer, songwriter, musician. His guitar skills are up there with the very best.
This is rock n roll, no matter the subject matter!
Pete told good stories and the music made it impossible not to listen.
My favorite guitarist ever. Love the raw power of his playing. Absolutely bad ass song.
I was there...remember when the song came out...we all looked at each other....shrugged...and rocked away...great song. Pete was making all kinds of statements back then...just another one for another crowd.
Good director in this vid. Pete at his mysterious best! Thanks for post.
pure freaking genius the rock song makes me cry in its beauty...who else could write a song about rough love between men and have all people enjoy it? incredible song
Love how Pete keeps a cigarette burning away in his peghead until he finally takes a draw at 2:35 for a short instrumental break before sticking it back at 2:50 to resume singing. Now Keith Richards would have had three or four cigarettes going at once (peghead, on top of an amp, lighting a fresh one off the butt of the last one).
This tune tugs at the roots of me. The whole album -- "Empty Glass" -- calls me out. I feel less alone in my experience (aging). Thanks, Pete. xxxooo
Such a badass song and great way to out himself!🕺
Yeah too bad he's since said this wasn't about him, though that was probably after his arrest
Wish I had a time machine…
The horizon looks dark and scary…
And one can feel the end is coming..
Good song, good video, awash with memories.
Unreal song rocks.
Best and most prolific rock songwriter ever. As they say, you can look it up!
Powerful as fuck, and without mind numbing, bludgeoning distortion.
Empty Glass is a beast album. No filler … just Pete in your face rocking.
31-32 years later this song still ... still stands!
40-41 years later, still goin strong
September 2023 better than ever.
This video is absolutely outstanding! Peter, you have always been the man !!!!!
Peter Townsend...best guitarist in history...Keith Moon...best drummer in history...John Entwhistle...best bass player...Rodger Daltrey...best vocalist of all time...now that would be a band!
all top tens except John top three
Well said...
I agree!
When a song comes together in the studio, this is what it sounds like... Reminds me of being a teenager in the 80s.
One of my rock anthems! He says what I think.
Wow, just listen to the beginning of this song, that panoramic dazzling electric guitar sound!
Tough boys running the streets
Come a little closer
Rough toys under the sheets
Nobody knows her
Rough boys, don't walk away
I very nearly missed you
Tough boys, come over here
I wanna bite and kiss you
I wanna see what I can find
Tough kids take a bottle of wine
When your deal is broken
Ten quid, she's so easy to dine
Not a word is spoken
Rough boys don't walk away
I'm feel pretty blitzed here
Tough boy I'm gonna carry you home
You got pretty pissed, dear
Gonna get inside you
Gonna get inside your bitter mind
I wanna see what I can find
Rough boys, don't walk away
I wanna buy you leather
Make noise, try and talk me away
We can't be seen together
Tough kids, what can I do?
I'm so pale and weedy
Rough fits in my Hush Puppy shoes
But I'm still bleeding
Pleading, Needing, Fighting, Whining, Jiving
I wanna see what I can find
Tough boys running the streets
Come a little closer
Rough toys under the sheets
Nobody knows her
Rough boys, don't you walk away
I very nearly missed you
Tough boys, come over here
I wanna bite and kiss you
(...)
I wanna see what I can find!
I remember seeing this almost daily on MTV, back in 82-83. I was a confused and depressed teenager, and yet I would love to go back then for just a day. Oh yeah, and Pete Townshend was a total badass.
Love this video. I played this song as a trio once. I was so obsessed with the brass and guitar part at the end.
❤❤❤GOD BLESS ❤❤❤
Pete Townsend is a true Rockstar
Great tune with Pete in his prime.
For 30 years I thought he sang, "I wonder if I can kiss you." LOL What a great song. And video. Those of us that had MTV right from the start were so blessed.
Pure rock aggro the Pete way-puts me back in that London of the time every time. Peerless song.
Loved this when I was a kid watching the original MTV when it played music 24/7.
I remember the first time rocking out to this song and singing along "Rough boys come over here,I want to hug and ki. . . what?!" After that I stopped singing to it and just let Pete do the lyrics. lol
One of the hardest songs ever written without really trying to be a hard song.
(Oh and yes I do see the pun there,so no comments on that needed.) lol
Lol pp
Pete thank you for this lovely unique sound! I love you bro! The song tells a story of a tragedy! Very artistic!
don't give a DAMN what people read or dont read into it...just Pete being Pete...guitar shredder extraordinaire
It IS a great song, but given his...errr...troubles...hard NOT to read something into it.
shut-up you ! that was a total misunderstanding ,that some idiot's took the wrong way ! ole pete is as solid as they get he is,and your lucky he doesn't take a crack at you mate! so SHUT-THE-FUCK-UP !!!!
Chad Simmons Cheers!
Chad Simmons is feeling a wee bit threatened. Steady on there, lad.
inthesurf 07 he wrote this and I moved for Bette midler. She didn't want them so he recorded them
Great song from the greatest rock composer ever! Long live rock, long live Pete and long live the who!!!
I couldn't give a rats about the subject matter or Pete's sexual orientation. What I do know, however, is that this is a fucking brilliant song. It's got everything I love about the man's music, with all that drama and bombast. The closing section is the very definition of awesome in rock music.
adam872 Dude I'm targeting roughboy fans to promote my cover of this , check it out !
adam872 I'm really surprised a girl hasn't tried to cover this song.
Well said !!!
Jeff Schuler Hey dude promoting my cover go to Anthony Starguitar you'll see me wearing a biker jacket in thumb photo, it might be under my real name /I have 2 youtube channels, I'm trying to raise my views ,and comments, on this one of my favorite guitar riffs songs
tee cee Check out my cover of this,let me know what you think?
I was born in the 90s and songs like these are my favorite 80s style songs they just scream 80s energy! I wish i was alive then!
Taylor Ramsden You have agency. You have the ability to change somebody’s life for the better , and therefore the world. Make peace with that.
One of the best endings to any song; the build up and climax.
Rough Boys is one of his great songs .
freaking LOVE this song!!!! 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
love this song so much, esp the solo when his guitar sounds like a bell...a beautiful mysterious bell
Check out my cover of this my favorite Pete Townshend song!
I used to get raging drunk on rum and coke in the morning before school while listening to this song over and over. I was so depressed and couldn't go to school without being totally wasted. But this song actually saved me, in many ways. And it still never fails to totally electrify everything in me whenever I listen to it...amazing Pete...
Same here Jennifer! I used to drive my parents big ass chevy truck to school just wasted on rum and coke....I guess we could just get away with it back than....
Hey Jennifer, trying to promote my cover of this! Unlike these kids on here doing covers,I was already an adult when this came out! Check out my old channel named" Tony Axeaddict" I will be getting a Telecaster and better phone to record it to take it too it's rightful sound! Enjoy!!! P.S. I'm not gay,yet posted a leather jacket photo of my youthful motorcycle days,the 80's,I used this to portray the bad boy punk look! LOL!
Jennifer Majewski Electrify is the word all right.
Hey Jennifer! I consider this song one of his great's too! Check out my vocal/guitar cover of this song at channel Anthony Starguitar the anthony must be seperate from Starguitar, and starguitar one word
adam872 Hey Jennifer you never watched my cover of this on youtube, I want more views, and comments so I'm targeting comments,check it out at Anthony Starguitar - Roughboys, tell me what you think !?!
Happy Birthday Pete. One of my fav vids of his
I remember as a teen when this song came on, I would turn it off because I was listening to a lot of the other artists during that time. It's funny how life takes a turn, things you didn't appreciate in the pass you do later on in life I have found this song several times during the last couple years and I love it
One of the greatest intros ever.