The Who's Pete Townshend says he has only five years left in show business career
At 80 years old, The Who's Pete Townshend still has a lot to give.In an interview with AARP, the rock band's guitarist and lead songwriter opened up about his career over the past sixty years and explained why he only has about five years left in show business."I think Im on the f---ing mountain top! You know, I just feel supreme," Townshend, who has battled many health issues over the years, said. "My brain is as sharp as a razor. Im very, very creative. Im not good with money, but Im good at doing business deals. I am healthy, and I think I probably have another five years in show business. Im not quite sure doing what. I'm very [good at] producing shows, producing artists, working with artists."THE WHO FRONTMAN ROGER DALTREY IS GOING BLIND AND DEAFTownshend, who is currently on a 17-date trek tour across North America with bandmate Roger Daltry, said that while being on the road at this age can be "lonely," he's grateful for the work."It can be lonely. Ive thought, Well, this is my job, Im happy to have the work, but I prefer to be doing something else," he said. "Then, I think, 'Well, Im 80 years old. Why shouldnt I revel in it? Why shouldnt I celebrate?""Its a brand rather than a band," he added of the band's longevity. "Roger and I have a duty to the music and the history. The Who [still] sells records the Moon and Entwistle families have become millionaires. Theres also something more, really: the art, the creative work is when we perform it. Were celebrating. Were a Who tribute band."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER"But apart from that, it does whet an appetite to think about how we should bow out in our personal lives what we do with our families and our friends and everything else at this age," he continued. "Were lucky to be alive. Im looking forward to playing, Roger likes to throw wild cards out sometimes in the set, and we have learned and rehearsed a few songs that we dont always play."Earlier this year, Daltrey gave the crowd an unexpected health update while performing alongside Townshend for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity event in London."The joys of getting old mean you go deaf. I also now have got the joy of going blind," he revealed mid-set, perSky News."Fortunately, I still have my voice, because then Ill have a full Tommy," he said, referencing the title character of The Who's 1969 album. "Deaf, dumb and blind kid."LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSWhile speaking to The Times earlier this month, Daltry opened up about his health concerns and gave insight as to what's next for him after The Who's tour wraps."This is certainly the last time you will see us on tour," Daltrey said. "Its grueling.""In the days when I was singing Who songs for three hours a night, six nights a week, I was working harder than most footballers. As to whether well play [one-off] concerts again, I dont know. The Who to me is very perplexing."However, said Daltrey, his "voice is still as good as ever.""Im still singing in the same keys and its still bloody loud, but I cant tell you if it will still be there in October. Theres a big part of me thats going: I just hope I make it through."