The Who were voted the 29th Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artists of all time by Rolling Stone.

The TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (2000) and its spin-offs "CSI: Miami" (2002) and "CSI: NY" (2004) all use songs by Townshend/The Who as their theme songs: "Who are you", "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "Baba O'Riley".

Best known solo albums include 'Empty Glass' (1980), 'All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes' (1982), and 'White City - a Novel' (1985).

Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for Life Achievement in 1983.

His daughter Emma sang on his 1985 song "Face the Face", the first single off his "White City" album. She also appeared in the video.

Kicked Yippie leader Abbie Hoffman off the stage at Woodstock when Hoffman interrupted The Who's performance to complain about the festival and to make a speech about imprisoned radical John Sinclair.

Shares a birthday with ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, AD/DC drummer Phil Rudd and Ramones vocalist Joey Ramone.

According to Dave Marsh in "Before I Get Old," Pete started to learn the guitar, but soon gave it up to learn to play the banjo for a Trad Jazz band he was in (the Confederates). It was only after he got into a fight with the band he was playing with that he again took up the guitar.

First noted rock musician to donate his service to Amnesty International, playing three songs at its 1979 benefit show The Secret Policeman's Ball (1981).

The Who won the British Phonographic Industry Award for Outstanding Contribution in 1988.

Is the best friend of 'Roger Daltrey (I)', who are the only two surviving members of The Who.

He was awarded the 1997 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Outstanding Musical Production of 1996 for Tommy performed at the Shaftesbury Theatre with John Entwistle.

Won Broadway's 1993 Tony Award as Best Score (Musical) both music and lyrics, for "The Who's Tommy," in a tie with John Kander and Fred Ebb for "Kiss of the Spider Woman--The Musical." For the same show, he was also nominated as Best Book (Musical) with collaborator Des McAnuff.

Is the best friend of Roger Daltrey, and the two are the only surviving members of The Who.

Lives in Richmond, England.

Has been involved with many charities since 1968 including the Meher Baba Association, The Children`s Health Fund, the Bridge School, the Teenage Cancer Trust and Samsung`s Four Seasons of Hope.

Pioneered the concept of the "rock opera"

Brother of Paul Townshend and Simon Townshend.

When The Who appeared on "The Simpsons" (1989) in 2000, Townshend was actually played by his brother, Paul.

The Who`s 1969 album "Tommy" came third in Classic Rock Magazine`s list of the 30 greatest concept albums of all time (March 2003).

Kicked hippie leader Abbie Hoffman off the stage at Woodstock when Hoffman interrupted The Who`s performance to complain about the festival and to make a speech about imprisoned radical John Sinclair.

Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of The Who) in 1990.

Best known songs penned by Townshend include "My Generation", "Pinball Wizard", "Tommy, Can You Hear Me?", "See Me, Feel Me", "Won`t Get Fooled Again", "Behind Blue Eyes", "Baba o` Riley", and "Who are You?"

Overcame serious drug and alchohol addictions in early 1982, in what was called a "miracle cure."

Officially left The Who in late 1983, one year after the band completed its "farewell" tour. At the time of the tour, the band had said they would continue to record and play live sporadically, but after rehearsing new material the following year, Townshend decided it was time to pack it in. They continue to play live and even tour on occasion, as bands often do after breaking up.

Longtime companion is musician Rachel Fuller.

When he was a young boy, his parents separated and left him with his maternal grandmother, who was clinically insane.

His father-in-law Edwin Astley composed the theme music for "The Saint" (1962).

His mother Betty was a singer.

His father Clive was a saxophonist with The Squadronaires Royal Air Force dance band.

Daughter, Emma, is now a recording artist in her own right.

Pete Townshend is the lead guitarist with The Who (rock band) along with Roger Daltrey and the late John Entwistle and Keith Moon.

Has three children: Emma (born in 1969), Aminta (born in 1971) and Joseph (born in 1989).

Smashes his guitars after great live performances.