Pete Townshend tells Music News Johnny Rotten was his first choice for Quadrophenia

After an acoustic performance at the Royal Albert Hall for The Prince's Trust Rock Gala concert to raise funds for disadvantaged young people Music-News.com managed to get an exclusive interview with Pete in his dressing room just below the main stage.

On Johnny Rotten being his first choice for Quadrophenia he said:
“I knew him as he’d been using my studio in Soho, what a f**king diamond, and so smart but unfortunately we went out with the director...

“Johnny Rotten liked to drink and so did I, and we went out and got pissed and I drove my car the wrong way around a roundabout. We went to Camden Palais together and I got stopped by the police and they hauled us out.”

“Anyway I think he decided not to do it I don’t think it was us. I really wanted him. I don’t know how good he would have been, but he’s very very intense he could have been good.”

Talking about the economy he said:
“When Won’t Get Fooled Again was written there were 3 million unemployed in Britain, there are 2.4 now but 40% of those are young people. So 1 million young people unemployed now it’s not a good place to be.”

The guitar legend also told Music-News.com “In my loo it says I’ve got to wear ear defenders, while I’m on the loo because its below the stage.”

Pete Townshend was at last night’s Prince's Trust Rock Gala concert at to raise funds for disadvantaged young people.

Watch the whole uncut interview below.