Thunderclap Newman, a band brought together by Pete Townshend of The Who, may have been short-lived, but their influence and story endure. Known for their 1969 UK chart-topping anthem “Something in the Air,” the trio’s legacy has been revisited in a new book by Mark Ian Wilkerson, Hollywood Dream, the Thunderclap Newman Story, published by Jack White’s Third Man Books.
Pete Townshend’s Vision
The mastermind behind the band, Townshend, assembled an unlikely group of musicians:
John “Speedy” Keen: A singer-songwriter and drummer who penned the band’s hit song.
Jimmy McCulloch: A 16-year-old guitar prodigy who would later join Paul McCartney’s Wings.
Andy Newman: A jazz pianist whose unique style gave the band its name.
Townshend himself played bass and produced their one and only album, Hollywood Dream, in his home studio.
“I think the fact that they were far-flung is what makes it so intriguing,” Townshend said of the group. “That Thunderclap Newman album… is so extraordinary. I still think it’s one of the best pieces of work that I’ve ever been involved in. I love it.”
“Something in the Air” and the Band’s Legacy
Released in July 1969, “Something in the Air” became an instant classic, resonating with the countercultural movement of the era. Its success cemented Thunderclap Newman’s place in rock history despite the band’s brief existence.
A New Perspective on an Old Dream
Wilkerson’s 400+ page book dives deep into the peculiar dynamics of the band, the creation of their music, and their lasting impact. With insights from Townshend and detailed accounts of the band’s formation, the book offers a comprehensive look at this fascinating chapter of rock history.
Thunderclap Newman may have burned brightly for only a short time, but their story and music continue to captivate audiences more than five decades later.
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