Pete Townshend’s Speaker Stack Surprise

Title: Pete Townshend’s “Speaker Stack Surprise“ Date & Place: March 28, 1967, Monterey International Pop Music Festival, California It was the electrifying era of the 1960s, and the Monterey International Pop Music Festival was the place to be. The Who, known for their explosive performances, were set to hit the stage. Little did guitarist Pete Townshend know that his antics would lead to a moment that would go down in rock ’n’ roll history. As The Who began their set, Townshend’s energy was palpable. He leaped across the stage, windmilling his arm as he slammed power chords on his guitar. But it was during the finale of “My Generation“ that the unexpected occurred. In a burst of adrenaline-fueled fervor, Townshend made his way to the towering speaker stacks. With a mischievous grin, he planted a smoke bomb inside one of the speaker cabinets, intending to create a dramatic stage effect. However, in the heat of the moment, Townshend mi