Somebody Needs to ‘Slap Rick Rubin,’ Says Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend expresses strong discontent towards critics who purport to understand the intricacies of creativity. He emphasizes that the creative process is highly personal and cannot be easily defined or prescribed by others.

In a recent episode of the Rockonteurs podcast, the iconic guitarist from The Who discussed his views on the creative journey and pinpointed producer Rick Rubin for his seemingly contradictory advice on songwriting techniques. Townshend pointed out that it’s common to encounter various influencers on platforms like YouTube and Instagram offering their opinions on how to cultivate creativity.

“You see a lot of stuff on YouTube and Instagram, people nagging you about the way that you have to be creative,” Townshend articulated. “Somebody needs to occasionally slap Rick Rubin, because one minute he’s telling us that we need to do whatever we like, and then on the other hand, he’s telling us that we mustn’t do this, and we mustn’t do that.” This highlights the confusion that can arise from mixed messages in the creative community.

Townshend elaborated on his diverse experiences, emphasizing that he has experimented with various creative processes throughout his extensive career. He stated, “I’ve dabbled with all of those methods. I’ve carried complete big recording studios on the road with me sometimes, and then sometimes I’ve used little cassette machines.” This showcases his adaptability and willingness to explore different recording styles. “And if I fancy going into a studio with a huge orchestra, I’ve done that too,” he added, demonstrating his openness to collaboration and grand musical endeavors. “But what’s most interesting is the paper. The paper, the photograph, the writing,” Townshend concluded, underlining the significance of the foundational elements of creativity.

Furthermore, Townshend asserted that creativity extends beyond the realm of elite musicians and artists. He passionately remarked, “It’s not just about rock stars, pop stars, singers, musicians, artists, or whatever. It’s about everybody,” emphasizing the universal nature of the creative spirit and its importance in everyday life.

Numerous Musicians Voice Discontent with Rick Rubin’s Methods

Townshend certainly isn’t alone in his critiques of Rick Rubin’s approach. Other rock legends have also voiced their frustrations; for instance, Geezer Butler has referred to Rubin’s tactics as “ridiculous.” Similarly, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer expressed that he found Rubin to be “way more a hindrance than a help” in the studio. These remarks reflect a broader sentiment within the music industry regarding the effectiveness of Rubin’s methods.

Despite the polarizing nature of Rubin’s techniques, Townshend acknowledged that he aligns with Rubin on one critical principle of creativity. “As Rick Rubin so rightly says, and many other pundits about creativity, it has to be fun,” the Who guitarist emphasized. “It has to be enjoyable. It has to be something that you love to do, and it also has to be something that you like what you do. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that anybody else will like it.” This statement encapsulates the essential balance between personal satisfaction and external validation in the creative process.