Pete Townshend, publicity shot in 1972. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
The statesmen of rock and roll have been giving us all a lesson in old-fashioned work ethic of late. The Who’s, Pete Townshend is one of the most iconic guitarists of all time. With a lifetime of accomplishments under his belt, at 73 he could easily kick back and enjoy a well-earned Rockstar retirement. But no, he’s written a novel instead!
Coined as a ‘rock novel’ – apt from the man who helped invent the ‘rock opera’ – Townshend’s publisher, Hachette Books, has announced that The Age Of Anxiety will be released on November 5th, describing it as an exploration of the torments of creativity and the music business, it “deals with mythic and operatic themes including a maze, divine madness, and long-lost children.”
In a statement issued through his publisher, Townshend said he hopes to expand the story into a multimedia opera and art installation.
“Ten years ago, I decided to create a magnum opus that would combine opera, art installation and novel,” he said. “Suddenly here I am with a completed novel ready to publish. I am an avid reader and have really enjoyed writing it. I am also happy to say the majority of the music is composed, ready to be polished up for release and performance. It’s tremendously exciting.”
In addition to astounding talents and achievements in music, Townshend has held longstanding connections to the literary world. He worked as an editor at the publishing house Faber & Faber, which in 1985 published his short story collection, Horse’s Neck, and has previously written numerous scripts and novellas, not to mention his contribution to the revolutionary rock opera’s Tommy and Quadrophenia.
Pete Townshend’s The Age Of Anxiety is set to be released on November 5th. The Who are also reportedly working on their first new album since 2006, although details are still quite scarce, it appears Pete has no plans of taking it easy any time soon!
Unapologetic individuality has steered the course of popular music for decades, and the Brits are famous for it. Get into the spirit of breaking the mould with our Influential Brits playlist.
