"It wasn't just about flashing lights and pinball machines blowing up and things like that. It was about using encores, bringing back the good songs and using techniques that I knew about from rock performance"

In this quote, Pete Townshend, the renowned guitarist and main songwriter for the rock band The Who, assesses the essence and depth of live efficiencies, drawing a distinction in between shallow showmanship and genuine musical storytelling. Townshend stresses that concerts should transcend the mere phenomenon of "flashing lights and pinball devices blowing up", suggesting that while such theatrics have their place in producing an entertaining live experience, they need to not overshadow the core function of an efficiency-- delivering music that resonates with audiences.

The phrase "flashing lights and pinball machines exploding" stimulates the age's rock concert extravaganzas, where visual impacts often matched musical acts to improve the audience's experience. However, Townshend suggests that these components need to not be the centerpiece. Rather, the heart of a compelling performance depends on the music itself and how it exists.

Townshend discusses "using repetitions" and "restoring the excellent tunes", which highlights his focus on the setlist's tactical curation. Repetitions can act as a powerful tool to reconnect with audiences, leaving a long lasting impression by ending efficiencies on high notes with beloved tracks. It is about engaging the audience mentally and creating an unforgettable experience through music that talks to them, which exceeds the surface-level phenomenon.

By stating "utilizing methods that I knew about from rock performance", Townshend reflects on the craftsmanship involved in curating a show. This underscores his gratitude for the art and ability involved in forming a live musical journey that is engaging and authentic. Methods could refer to dynamics of pacing, audience interaction, and producing narrative arcs within a show-- components that Townshend, with his deep-rooted experience in rock music, mastered to engage audiences meaningfully.

In essence, Townshend supporters for a balance in between visual theatrics and musical substance, emphasizing that the enduring power of live performances depends on their capability to link profoundly with listeners through the music itself.