The Who’s Pete Townshend announces first novel 'The Age of Anxiety'

The Who’s Pete Townshend will release his debut novel ‘The Age of Anxiety’ on Tuesday 5th November 2019.

Author: Scott ColothanPublished 5th Mar 2019

Following his 2012 autobiography ‘Who I Am’, Townshend’s first foray into the world of fiction has been dubbed a ‘great rock novel’ by publishers Coronet.

The blurb promoting the book reads: “The novel captures the craziness of the music business and displays Pete Townshend’s sly sense of humour and sharp ear for dialogue.

“First conceived as an opera, The Age of Anxiety deals with mythic and operatic themes including a maze, divine madness and long-lost children. Hallucinations and soundscapes haunt this novel, which on one level is an extended meditation on manic genius and the dark art of creativity.”

Commenting on his inaugural novel, Townshend said: “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. 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.”

Signed and unsigned versions of the book are available to pre-order now right here.

Other musicians who have released novels include Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson ('The Adventures of Lord Iffy Boatrace'), Leonard Cohen (‘Beautiful Losers’), Nick Cave ('And the Ass Saw the Angel' and 'The Death of Bunny Munro') and Bob Dylan (‘Tarantula’).

Don’t forget, The Who play a massive show at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday 6th July 2019 where they will be joined by a full orchestra plus special guest Eddie Vedder.

Together with celebrating The Who’s legendary back catalogue, the show supports their first new studio album in 13 years, which is due to land at some point in 2019.

Tickets are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.