About Simon Townshend

SIMON TOWNSHEND was born with music in his blood, the son of England’s top big-band reed man, Cliff Townshend, and younger brother of The Who legend Pete Townshend, Simon has been recording and performing since the age of nine, when he was recruited to add vocals to The Who classic Tommy.

Although the Townshend name is familiar, Simon’s music has its own original sound and his song writing, plunders great depths and reruns with unique compelling narratives set against haunting melodies. Simon has a strong loyal fan base which includes a number of fellow musicians such as Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), who has followed Simon since his 1983 release ‘I Am The Answer’.

Simon, a multi instrumentalist and singer, has released 8 acclaimed solo albums and one with the band Casbah Club (featuring Bruce Foxton/The Jam & Mark Brzezicki/Big Country), these all on his US label STIR MUSIC.

Simon has now launched his own label in the UK, STIR RECORDS and will be releasing re mastered versions of his last two US releases, LOOKING OUT LOOKING IN and DENIAL with bonus tracks, later in 2016. Both these albums, well received when originally released in the US, contain some of Simon’s most personal and inspirational work to date.

In addition to his own music, Simon has been guitarist and vocalist in The Who since 1996, playing sold out tours around the world, including monumental performances at the 2010 Super Bowl and the closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics.

Simon, referred to by one U.S. newspaper as The Who’s “secret weapon”, was an integral part of the 2012/2013 Who’s Quadrophenia and More Tour, playing guitar, supplying backing vocals and taking the lead on “Dirty Jobs” every night.

In 2004 Simon served as producer for The Who’s first new, original studio recordings in more than 20 years and contributed his talents to their 2006 album Endless Wire. Simon has also performed with numerous other established acts ranging from Jeff Beck to Pearl Jam and Dave Grohl. He continues to work closely with Roger Daltrey and elder brother Pete on a variety of projects.

He can regularly be found interacting on his web site, www.SimonTownshend.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.

Simon’s Bio PDF

Official Website:  www.simontownshend.com
Facebook (Official Page) : SimonTownshendOfficial  ( www.facebook.com/SimonTownshendOfficial )
Twitter (Official News) : @TeamSimonT  ( twitter.com/teamSimonT )
Twitter (personal profile) :  @simont40000  ( twitter.com/simont40000 )

"he's brilliant" (Pete Townshend to Daily Mail)

"buoyant melodies ... soaring vocal harmonies, …irresistible chorus hooks pushed and pulled by the refreshing optimism of Simon's voice" (The Washington Post)

“The strong, supple voice wrapped itself around emotion-filled lyrics, and was bolstered by a deft hand, especially on the 12-string guitar.” (Ottawa Citizen)

"Wonderfully crafted songs performed with the confidence and maturity that only comes from possessing considerable talent and exercising it in public for years and years. Brilliant opening set. “ (iePentincton)

"wonderful melodic punch...truly enjoyable listening" (Goldmine)

"… a fresh, compact sound and style all of its own… there is a restless energy about these songs which is utterly compelling… a genuinely original talent. 5/5” (London Sunday Express)

"He plays the guitar (both six string and twelve string as well as mandolin) with furious abandon and fleet fingers; he pumps his fist and throws picks into the audience; he sings with the high, clear, powerful tone we associate with classic rock bands. Townshend sells all of this so convincingly, you can practically hear the band that isn't there." ( Rob Cline, Hoopla)