Simon Townshend at the Boom Boom Room
A familiar name with an original sound, Simon Townshend is straight from the lineage of one of British music’s most famous families. The son of England’s top big-band reed man and baby brother of Who legend Pete Townshend, Simon has been recording and performing since the age of nine, when he was brought in to add vocals to The Who classic Tommy. He went on to successfully self-produce six well received solo CDs on the Stir Music label, releasing Among Us (1997), Animal Soup (1999), Bare Bodies Bare Assets (live acoustic)(2000), Ages (2000), simontownshendis (2002) and Something New! (EP)(2011). In 2002 Simon added to his musical arsenal by creating a stylistic alternative to his distinctive rock sound with an alter ego, .bom, for live performances in New York, Los Angeles and Boston. In 2005 Simon joined Bruce Foxton (The Jam/Stiff Little Fingers) and Mark Brzezicki (Big Country) in forming The Casbah Club, releasing Venustraphobia (2006). Simon is back in 2011 with the EP entitled Something New. The 4 track sampler is a preview of material from what may be his best and most impactful solo recording to date, the forthcoming 2012 release, Looking Out Looking In.
In addition to his own music, Simon has produced artists both in London and New York. He has performed with numerous established acts ranging from Jeff Beck to Pearl Jam, and including elder brother Pete Townshend, with notable song writing and vocal contributions to Iron Man and Psychoderelict. Other credits include 15 years as guitarist and vocalist in The Who, playing sold out tours of Europe, Asia and North America, and a monumental performance at the 2010 Super Bowl. He was referred to by one U.S. newspaper as The Who’s “secret weapon.” In 2004 Simon served as producer for The Who’s first new, original studio recordings in more than 20 years and in 2006 contributed his talents to their highly anticipated album, Endless Wire. Since 2009, Simon has accompanied Roger Daltrey on tours of the United Kingdom and North America, including a stint with Eric Clapton. A highpoint of these shows features Simon’s electrifying performance of The Who classic, Goin’ Mobile, which consistently brings the cheering crowd to their feet.
Simon Townshend’s own music is his priority and it has made a significant impact. As brother Pete Townshend told London’s Daily Mail, “he’s brilliant.” British and American papers have variously described his songs and performances as …
“supercharged hard rock…Mr. Townshend pushes the band to climax upon climax” (The New York Times)
“buoyant melodies…soaring vocal harmonies,… irresistible chorus hooks pushed and pulled by the refreshing optimism of Simon’s voice” (The Washington Post)
“impressive” (Billboard)
“really pushes the envelope and is highly recommended” (Amplifier)
“wonderful melodic punch…truly enjoyable listening” (Goldmine)
a “catharsis” (The Los Angeles Times)
In short, as London’s Gig Guide said, “you would be a fool to miss them.”
