Pete Townshend celebrates his birthday today (May 19.)
From his songwriting to his stage presence, Townshend has been incredibly influential to musicians for generations.
In honor of his birthday, check out the gallery below full of classic images of Townshend on stage, behind-the-scenes and everything in between.
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
Share10th December 1968: Peter Townshend of The Who at the Interlet Studios where the Rolling Stones where shooting a TV spectacular. (Photo by Mike Lawn/Fox Photos/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
Share1975: Pete Townshend, songwriter and guitarist of the British rock band The Who, seen in flight, whilst playing with the band on stage in 1975. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
Share1975: Pete Townshend songwriter and guitarist with British rock group The Who, performing on stage. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
Share1968: Pete Townshend, songwriter and guitarist with British rock group The Who, prepares his costume for the 'Rolling Stones' Rock And Roll Circus', a rock film project. (Photo by Keystone Features/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
Share10th December 1968: Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, chatting with the drummer of the Who, Keith Moon (1947-1978, left), and the band's chief songwriter and guitarist, Pete Townshend, during the filming of the Rolling Stones 'Rock 'n' Roll Circus' at Internel Studios in Stonebridge Park, Wembley. (Photo by David Cairns/Express/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
Share10th December 1968: Members of the Who and the Rolling Stones at Internel Studios in Stonebridge Park, Wembley, during the making of the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, (from left) Pete Townshend, Keith Moon (1947-1978) and Charlie Watts. The Rolling Stones bassist, Bill Wyman, is stood behind them. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
Sharecirca 1970: Roger Daltrey (left) and Pete Townshend of The Who playing in concert. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
Share1968: Pete Townshend, guitarist and songwriter of British rock group The Who, on his wedding day with his wife Karen Astley. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePortrait of British rock group, the Who, (L-R): Guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle (1944 - 2002), drummer Keith Moon (1946 - 1978) and singer Roger Daltrey, 1969. (Photo by Steve Wood/Express Newspapers/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareBritish rock group The Who, comprising of, from left to right; Keith Moon (1947 - 1978), Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle (1944 - 2002). The group are currently working on a film, 'The Kids Are Alright', which looks back at fifteen years of The Who on the road, in recording studios and interviews. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareEnglish rock group The Who, during their 1966 German/Swiss tour, from left to right; drummer Keith Moon (1947 - 1978), Roger Daltrey (vocals), John Entwistle (1944 - 2002, bass guitar) and Pete Townshend (guitar). (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePete Townshend, guitarist and songwriter of British rock group The Who, performing on stage. Original Publication: People Disc - HM0128 (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareBritish theatre director Frank Dunlop, Young Vic's artistic director, and English multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Pete Townshend of rock band The Who, UK, 10th February 1971. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareBritish musician and songwriter Pete Townshend of rock band The Who performing live during the concert tour supporting 'The Who By Numbers' at Wembley Arena, London, UK, 24th October 1975. (Photo by Wood/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareBritish rock band The Who performing live during the concert tour supporting 'The Who By Numbers' at Wembley Arena, London, UK, 24th October 1975. (Photo by Wood/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePete Townshend of The Who pictured playing an acoustic guitar with his father Cliff Townshend (1916-1986), saxophone player with the Squadronaires, at home in London on 30th March 1966. (Photo by Larry Ellis/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePete Townshend of The Who pictured playing an acoustic guitar with his father Cliff Townshend (1916-1986), saxophone player with the Squadronaires, and mother Betty at home in London on 30th March 1966. (Photo by Larry Ellis/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePete Townshend, lead guitarist with 'The Who', marrying Karen Astley, May 20th 1968. (Photo by Carpenter/Express/Getty Images)
Pete Townshend: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePete Townshend, lead guitarist with 'The Who', marrying Karen Astley, May 20th 1968. (Photo by Carpenter/Express/Getty Images)
