The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Stephen Presents: Pete Townshend's Colbert Questionert
Mar 24, 2026
Pete Townshend, English rock musician and principal songwriter/guitarist for The Who, and author of Horse's Neck. He answers rapid-fire personal curiosities like his favorite sandwich and pets. He recounts a vivid out-of-body LSD experience and reflects on beliefs about consciousness and reincarnation. He also shares literary ties, memorable early concerts, and a five-word life summary.
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WPA Saved The Ed Sullivan Theater
- Stephen highlights the Ed Sullivan Theater's WPA origins and how WPA arts programs preserved the theater.
- He notes the WPA funded arts like theater and post office murals, which helped this building survive until CBS took over in 1936.
Out‑Of‑Body Flight Trip On LSD
- Pete Townshend described a terrifying LSD flight trip where he left his body and floated above the airplane.
- He credited a “beautiful female voice” who told him “it's not your time” and escorted him back into his body after Owsley STP on a plane from Monterey era shows.
Pastrami With Pickle Is The Best Sandwich
- Pete named pastrami with pickle and a little mustard as the best sandwich when asked by Stephen.
- He and Stephen reminisced about New York delis like Katz's as the ideal place for that sandwich.
