The Who’s Pete Townshend to play charity gig raising money for Parkinson’s UK
Who axeman Pete Townshend will perform live at a Parkinson’s UK charity night at London’s Royal Albert Hall this spring.
The 71-year-old rocker has joined the line-up at the Parkinson’s UK presents: Symfunny No. 2 event, which melds stand-up comedy and live music at the world-famous venue on Wednesday 19th April.
Pete’s late father-in-law, composer Edwin Astley with whom he co-wrote the comedic ‘Football Fugue’, passed away from a Parkinson’s-related illness in 1998. He’s also friends with the event’s organiser, James Morgan, who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s five years ago.
“I’m pleased to work with my friend and colleague James Morgan in the Symfunny concert,” says Pete. “My beloved father-in-law Edwin Astley, who helped me break into orchestral arrangements for some of my songs in the ‘80s, suffered and eventually died from Supranuclear Palsy which is a horrible type of Parkinson’s Disease.
“Together we collaborated on several songs, one very silly fugue called ‘Football Fugue’ which I will perform on the night. If I’m allowed to speak, I can be funny too.”
Also on the bill are Absolute Radio DJ Jason Manford who will host and perform, Rob Deering, Josh Widdicombe, Jack Dee, the I’m Sorry I Haven’t Got A Clue team and more.
You can find out more details and buy tickets here.