Pete Townshend, the iconic guitarist of The Who, reflects on the bittersweet journey of Thunderclap Newman, the one-hit wonder band he orchestrated for three close friends in 1968. His foreword to Mark Ian Wilkerson’s new book, Hollywood Dream: The Thunderclap Newman Story, offers a poignant look at the band’s brief but impactful existence, highlighting the creative spark that ignited “Something in the Air” and the subsequent paths of its members.
Townshend’s involvement with Thunderclap Newman began years before their chart-topping success. He first encountered the multi-talented Andy “Thunderclap” Newman at art college in 1963. Recognizing Newman’s potential, Townshend, with the assistance of The Who’s manager Kit Lambert, began assembling a band around him. This included the young and prodigious guitarist Jimmy McCulloch, who would later join Wings; John “Speedy” Keen, a frequent Who collaborator and future Motorhead producer; and Mark Brzezicki, destined to become the drummer for Big Country.
Townshend’s Vision for Thunderclap Newman
Townshend envisioned a larger ensemble for Thunderclap Newman, a collective of unique musical personalities. He had hoped to include Arthur Brown, known for his theatrical hit “Fire,” among others. However, the core group solidified around Newman, McCulloch, and Keen. “Andy, with the very young Jimmy McCulloch and John ‘Speedy’ Keen, ended up in Thunderclap Newman, a band I created named after Andy, which — had I had my way — would have had a few more members,” Townshend explains in his foreword. While his grand vision didn’t fully materialize, the trio proved to be a potent combination. “Speedy wrote the divine ‘Something In the Air,’ and became the lead singer and studio drummer for the band – the only three I could keep my grip on, that is.”
A Creative Playground: “Something in the Air” and Beyond
Townshend describes Thunderclap Newman as “a great adventure and one I try to relive often.” The success of “Something in the Air” propelled each member toward new horizons, some marked by triumph, others by tragedy. The song’s impact resonates with Townshend: “‘Something In The Air’ saw each of them move on to new lives, and new adventures, some wonderful, some tragic. Who knew that great music could be created this way? Well, I did, even if the three members of the band were unsure at first.”
He praises Wilkerson’s book, Hollywood Dream: The Thunderclap Newman Story, as a testament to the power of play in the creative process. He intends to reread it regularly, emphasizing its message: “This book says it all – that creativity and even hit records, sometimes, can be more about play than work. Musicians play, and when the hard work begins as it must, they sometimes fall by the wayside.”
The Single Album and its Lasting Legacy
The band’s sole album, Hollywood Dream, holds a special place in Townshend’s memory. Recorded entirely in his home studio, a space originally intended as a small bathroom, the album encapsulates the band’s unique sound and creative energy. Townshend laments their short-lived career: “The tragedy … is simply that there was only one Thunderclap Newman album, the beautiful Hollywood Dream, recorded entirely in my home studio, which was in a room meant to be a small bathroom. The saddest part of it all is that they don’t exist today.”
Townshend’s Philosophy of Collaboration and Eccentricity
The Thunderclap Newman experience profoundly shaped Townshend’s approach to music. He continues to champion “waifs and strays and eccentrics of the music world,” recognizing the value of collaboration and the spark it ignites. “My dedication, to help the waifs and strays and eccentrics of the music world together, continues to this day,” he affirms. He finds that working with other artists provides invaluable learning experiences: “I must admit that I learn more from working with other artists than I do working alone; and through them all have, like Rick Rubin, produced a philosophy of recording studio craft that sustains me every day.” He celebrates the unique qualities of artists, observing: “Creativity sparks creativity, and eccentricity in an artist is sublime – look at the list of chart-topping superstars of the past: they are all slightly nuts. They are all slightly brilliant too.”
Remembering Thunderclap Newman
Hollywood Dream: The Thunderclap Newman Story, available now via Third Man Books, offers a deeper dive into the band’s history and the individuals who brought “Something in the Air” to life. It’s a story of creative collaboration, fleeting fame, and the enduring power of music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What other bands were members of Thunderclap Newman involved in?
A: Members of Thunderclap Newman went on to play with bands like Wings, Motorhead, and Big Country, demonstrating the diverse talent within the group.
Q: Where can I find more information about Thunderclap Newman?
A: Mark Ian Wilkerson’s book, Hollywood Dream: The Thunderclap Newman Story, is a great resource for learning more about the band’s history and the impact of “Something in the Air.”
Q: What was Pete Townshend’s role in Thunderclap Newman?
A: Pete Townshend was the creative force behind the formation of Thunderclap Newman, bringing the members together and facilitating their musical collaboration. He also provided the recording space for their album Hollywood Dream.
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