Angus Young Calls Out Pete Townshend: A Clash of Rock Philosophies
AC/DC’s Angus Young has always been known for one thing — keeping rock ’n’ roll simple, loud, and full of energy. Dressed in his signature schoolboy outfit, jumping around the stage, and delivering some of the most recognizable riffs in history, Angus believes that rock music should do one thing above all else: make people move.
So when he recently took aim at The Who’s Pete Townshend, fans weren’t too surprised by his bluntness. Angus didn’t hold back, saying, “I look at it as a band. I think Pete Townshend is rotten without Roger Daltrey and The Who. He’s quite boring actually. To me, it’s not the same.”
This comment quickly made waves among rock fans. Some agreed with Angus’s direct words, while others felt he went too far against one of rock’s greatest legends. But as usual, Angus wasn’t trying to start drama — he was making a point about what rock ’n’ roll means to him.
Band Over Individual
For Angus Young, the magic of rock doesn’t come from one person alone. It comes from the band — the chemistry between the members, the rhythm, the power of playing together. He said it himself: “I like it as a band, as a unit. You should hear me on my own. It’s horrendous.”
He believes that no matter how talented a guitarist is, they’re nothing without the band that backs them up. In his eyes, Pete Townshend’s solo work lost that spark — the tension and balance that made The Who so great.
The Power of Simplicity
Angus has never been a fan of overcomplicated music. He doesn’t care for long solos, fancy effects, or technical “show-off” playing. For him, the best kind of rock is raw, simple, and hits hard. He’s even criticized progressive rock bands in the past, saying they rely too much on light shows and gimmicks to make up for boring performances.
In one interview, he even admitted he found some big-name bands like Led Zeppelin “boring” when they played too long or too slow. To him, the goal is always to keep the audience fired up and having fun.
A Rock ’n’ Roll Philosophy
Angus’s comment about Townshend wasn’t just an insult — it was part of his bigger philosophy about music. He’s said many times that rock ’n’ roll was never meant to be complicated or intellectual. “Rock ’n’ roll was never meant to go that deep all the time,” he once said. “The job is simple — make them move. Make them feel.”
That idea defines everything AC/DC has ever done. Their songs are built around straightforward riffs, strong rhythm, and pure energy. And for decades, it’s worked — stadiums still erupt every time Angus and the band hit the stage.
What Really Makes a Legend?
Angus Young’s comments make people think: what truly makes a rock legend — the individual musician, or the band as a whole? For Townshend, his genius is tied to The Who. For Angus, his success is tied to AC/DC’s tight, no-nonsense teamwork.
At the end of the day, both guitarists shaped rock in their own way. Townshend brought storytelling and structure, while Young kept the spirit wild and simple. Their clash of styles shows that rock ’n’ roll can be many things — but for Angus Young, it will always be about that one mission: make people jump.