Credit: Terry McGough
The Who‘s Pete Townshend previously has written an autobiography, a novella and a collection of short stories, but now, he’s finally putting out a full-length novel.
Called The Age of Anxiety, the book is described as “a great rock novel,” which “captures the craziness of the music business” through the eyes of a narrator who is, “cultured, witty and unreliable.”
A description of the book on Amazon is a bit more detailed; according to that, it “explores the anxiety of modern life and madness in a story that stretches across two generations of a London family, their lovers, collaborators, and friends.”
And, as with all of Townshend’s ambitious attempts to tell a story — from Tommy and Quadrophenia to Psychoderelict and Endless Wire — there’s also a musical component.
In a statement, Pete says, “Ten years ago I decided to create a magnum opus that would combine opera, art installation and novel. Suddenly here I am with a completed novel ready to publish. I am an avid reader and have really enjoyed writing it.”
He adds, “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.”
The Age of Anxiety will be published on November 5, and is now available for pre-order via Amazon.
Townshend also is working on a new album with The Who, some songs from which he and Roger Daltrey may showcase on the band’s upcoming Moving On! tour, which kicks off May 7 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and will feature the group accompanied by an orchestra at each stop.
Pete’s short story collection, Horse’s Neck, came out in 1985. His novella, The Boy Who Heard Music, was published online in 2005. His autobiography, Who I Am, came out in 2012.
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