The Who’s Pete Townshend announced Tuesday that he will soon release “a magnum opus” – a debut novel and accompanying opera and art installation involving “manic genius and the dark art of creativity.”
The famed rock guitarist’s book will be called “The Age of Anxiety” and released in the fall, the Guardian reported. The opera and art installation will follow.
“I am an avid reader and have really enjoyed writing [the book]. I am also happy to say the majority of the music is composed, ready to be polished up for release and performance. It’s tremendously exciting,” Townshend said.
Coronet publisher Mark Booth said, “The novel captures the craziness of the music business and displays Townshend’s sly sense of humor and sharp ear for dialogue.”
“First conceived as an opera, ‘The Age of Anxiety’ deals with mythic and operatic themes including a maze, divine madness and long-lost children.”
Townshend, 73, and his bandmates are also currently in the studio working on their first album in more than a decade.