alternatehistory.com

New York City, September 2005

Pete and David were seated comfortably outside the cafe. A position, Mr. Wenner noted, they were probably quite used to. David lit a cigarette and offered one to Pete as they idly joked and rubbed their exhausted eyes. They had had a hell of a year but of course, they had had a hell of a life.

Wenner was looking forward to getting some good interviews out of the pair later in the month to talk about their newest project, a collaboration with two other rock 'n' roll gods that resulted in an album and a world tour, both were among the highest selling of all time. This however, was not at all the time. Just three friends having a few drinks and a bite to eat.

"Superego" was the product of obviousness. The Hype had lost their drummer in 1978 and their bassist in 2002. The Beatles had lost one guitarist in 1987 and the other in 2001. Which made two halves of one whole band entering an era where they were respectively more influential and popular than ever before. While a series of shows in '03 had at first seemed like a wonderful idea, the demand for a tour and the inspiration for an album of new material had created something a little unstoppable... that is if they could stand one another for any length of time.

The trio of old friends and colleagues was briefly interrupted only once for autographs and Jann Wenner was of course left out and unrecognized. This he didn't mind. The men sitting with him were international megastars. David Bowie and Pete Townshend of the sensational hitmaking, record breaking, trend setting machine that was The Hype.

David: "I saw Brian the other day... Jones. He looks very well indeed."

Pete: "Yes, I spoke to him not long ago and he seems to be doing well."

Jann: "Well, gentlemen, I have some questions for you before our interview this month..."

Pete: "Oh Jann, for fuck's sake... I thought this was a social dinner!"

David: "Can't you save it, Jann? I want another glass at least before you start in with the questions..."

Jann: "No, no I'm not taking notes... As a fan, gentlemen, I have always wondered where it all really began. There's plenty of interviews and biographies out there and we've known one another for years but you guys have been together since you were teenagers, you know? David, Pete, what did you think about one another when you met? How did this whole thing start? Tell me what I don't know about the Hype."

Pete: "You just can't give it a rest can you?"

David: "Actually, Jann, that's a very interesting story..."

(Coming soon...)
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