I need to read more e e cummings...

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.

When I saw those photos of Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey at the Kennedy Center Honors a few weeks back, I couldn’t help but think how uncomfortable Pete looked in his formal wear. I wondered if he really wanted to be there at all. I didn’t question his appreciation for receiving the honor, but I just wondered if he approached appearing at this event as he has sometimes approached touring with the Who – “This is boring – I’d rather be at home!”

He and Daltrey certainly enjoyed the musical tribute to Morgan Freeman, with back to back appearances by Blues legends Koko Taylor and B.B. King bringing wide grins to the faces of these American blues aficionados. Townshend gleefully participated in King’s ‘let the good times roll’ call-and-response, cupping his hands while yelling the chorus.

The Who tribute started off with Jack Black setting a suitably silly but reverent tone before Joss Stone kicked off the music with My Generation. This and the ensuing Dave Grohl-led Who Are You, both frustratingly abbreviated takes on the originals, brought smiles and waves from Daltrey and Townshend.

The tone shifted significantly for the next act though, as singer Bettye Lavette delivered a stunning, emotional take on Love, Reign O’er Me which left Townshend visibly moved, emphatically mouthing “wonderful, wonderful” to Lavette as she took a bow. The camera work during the song was priceless, showing Townshend transfixed as he alternately nodded and shook his head, lost in Lavette’s interpretation of his work.

When Rob Thomas sang the first words of Baba O’Riley, the emotional edge established by Lavette’s performance appeared to dissipate, but not for long. The ‘teenage wasteland’ chorus was abetted by a sizeable contingent of New York firefighters and police officers, a powerful tribute to the Who’s triumphant appearance at the Concert For 9/11. Townshend and Daltrey were again floored, Daltrey grinning widely while Townshend warmly patted his chest before raising his hand in salute.

Did Pete want to be there? I have no idea, but I know I (cynical to a fault) was distinctly underwhelmed when I heard that he and Daltrey would be honored at this event. I didn’t expect to find anything particularly emotionally moving when I tuned in to watch this event a few nights ago. I certainly didn’t expect to feel tears welling up in my eyes when witnessing Pete’s reaction to Bettye Lavette’s incredible performance, or when watching his response as the backdrop rose during Baba O’Riley to reveal several dozen of New York’s finest.

The emotion I’m left with? Pride. I’m proud of him. He’s my fucking hero.

Feeling Good (Newley/Bricusse, 1965)

Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom on the tree
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun
You know what I mean
Butterflies all having fun
You know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean
And this old world
Is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know how I feel
Freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

I'm feeling good.