I must have either been stupid or didn’t listen closely enough when this single came out in 1980 because I had no idea it had a gay subtext even though I actually bought a copy of it.
Townsend dedicated the song to the Sex Pistols and it was seen as a tip of the hat from an old rebel to the new generation which I thought was all there was to it. But lines like “Rough toys, under the sheets” and “Tough boys come over here, I wanna bite and kiss you” not only play up the homoerotic undertones of many youth cults — all those peacocks preening in their sharp suits and leather jackets — but apparently also Townsend’s own sexuality which he has been a bit ambiguous about regarding this record. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Whatever it’s about (and it doesn’t have to be about any one thing) it’s a terrific record and was his biggest solo hit. The video is rather great too, Pete cavorting with Mods and Rockers in a snooker hall.
Download: Rough Boys – Pete Townsend (mp3)
Photo by George Plemper.
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