Pete Townshend Admits He Has Suicidal Thoughts Every Day


Pete Townshend has shared his personal struggles to maintain mental health.

During a recent conversation with The Sunday Times, the Who rocker admitted he suffered from “chemical depression.” As a result, he finds his mind going to dark places on a daily basis.

“When I first wake up I’m suicidal, actually suicidal,” Townshend confessed, adding that waking up extra early — between 2 and 5AM — helps slightly, as he’s “still in the state that I was the day before”.

Most mornings it takes the musician about 30 minutes to climb out of his dark mindset. Townshend further revealed that having a morning routine and regularly journaling has helped him immensely.

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“I have a couple of cups of tea, two digestive biscuits — apparently equal to 17 sugar lumps — and I feel happy,” he explained. “If I start my journals before I have my cup of tea, I’ll paint a very bleak picture of my life. Despite the fact that I have everything that I want and everything that I need … And I have had a really extraordinary life.”

Why Pete Townshend Quit Therapy

At one point, Townshend tried therapy, but he found the experience unfulfilling.

“After the third year, I realized that the woman counseling me had only said about three words. I was just listening to myself,” the rocker noted. “So now I just write journals. Every morning I rebuild myself in a sense with tea and coffee, and a few vitamin pills.”

READ MORE: Pete Townshend Albums Ranked Worst to Best

Despite his experience, Townshend recognizes that therapy helps many people with their struggles. He also noted that it was not his place to tell people how to manage their own well being.

“I think because of social media in particular, the way that we carelessly share not only our anxieties but also perhaps our solutions,” the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer explained. “We’re a bit careless about that because what works for me won’t necessarily work for you.”

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Gallery Credit: Michael Gallucci





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Wesley Scott

Wesley Scott is a rock music aficionado and seasoned journalist who brings the spirit of the genre to life through his writing. With a focus on both classic and contemporary rock, Wesley covers everything from iconic band reunions and concert tours to deep dives into rock history. His articles celebrate the legends of the past while also shedding light on new developments, such as Timothee Chalamet's portrayal of Bob Dylan or Motley Crue’s latest shows. Wesley’s work resonates with readers who appreciate rock's rebellious roots, offering a blend of nostalgia and fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving scene.

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