The Who's Pete Townshend has apologised after telling a seven year old fan to 'fuck off'.
Pete Townshend has always had a confrontational manner. The Who's personal dynamic is born from speaking their mind, leading to all manner of bust ups and rows. It seems that the guitarist still has his edge.
The Who were performing in Ontario, Canada, when Pete Townshend spotted a sign saying 'Smash your guitar, Pete!' Held by seven year old Jenny Costello and her father Eric, the pair were stunned when Townshend said: "Go away with that sign please, just go away with it, just go away with it. Don't bring your children, use them. I want to tell you two words but I can't because you've got a child there."
He then mouthed the words 'fuck off' – a moment which was caught on camera. Watch the incident below at the Toronto Sun.
In response, Pete Townshend penned a personal letter of apology to the family. "Apologies and condolences from my side, and very best wishes to you and your family," he said, before asking if they could "meet and be friends and put this behind us".
Later insisting that "I was in rock star mode, the big mouth" the guitarist apologised profusely for his actions. "I could have handled it differently. I thought of sending someone to find you both and telling you I was not upset, but we were flying to New York straight after the show, and had no time to spare. I wish things had been different. It would have saved you from all this furor."
"I thought your placard was fun," he continued. "I had a job to do and I didn't want to lengthen the show by trying to deal with you directly and in detail. I was also worried that your daughter looked a little frightened as the crowd started to follow you down the aisle. The ushers should not have let you leave your seats and walk forward. All that said, you did nothing wrong."
Read the full letter at Sun New Network. (via NME)
