Townshend on The Who, heavy metal and Led Zeppelin

Townshend was asked whether The Who has a place in the heavy metal narrative. He said heavy metal was almost a religious philosophy rooted in darkness, often ironically.

Townshend said many heavy metal players cited the Live At Leeds album as giving them permission to go nuts and jam. He said Live at Leeds is probably as explosive as The Who got.

Townshend said the only heavy metal he really listened to was AC/DC. He said he never really got into Led Zeppelin and did not like that Led Zeppelin seemed to be trying to take The Who's audience.