Pete's Progress Report

[Brian Cady]

http://www.petetownshend.co.uk/diary/display.cfm?id=265&zone=diary

13 May 2006 
Progress Report 

Yeah, we have some progress. I've been working almost
constantly in my home studio writing music, or at
Oceanic Studios helping Myles Clarke, Billy Nicholls
and Bob Pridden complete tracks for the Who album
planned for release in September. The condensed Mini
Opera is now with Polydor for release in June, and we
are batting sleeve ideas around. We were hoping to do
some kind of video - Sam Mendes was mentioned to
direct - but as exciting as that prospect is, I'm not
sure we have time now. My daughter Minta is helping
out by tracking down video directors and interfacing
between The Who's management, Polydor and Roger and
me. 

We start rehearsals in a week from now, by which time
Roger must complete six vocals on tracks I've
prepared. He called me yesterday very positive about
three new songs I just sent him. He has been working
very hard on a number of charity projects he committed
to before we arranged the tour - it has meant we have
had to grab at time to record wherever we can.

There is only one familiar name one might notice is
missing here - Universal Records. We do not yet have a
U.S. deal settled, and that is not for lack of love or
drive on either side. It just hasn't happened yet. I
am keen that the Mini-Opera (Wire & Glass) is released
in the U.S and Canada at the same time as the rest of
the world, but as things stand, it doesn't look
likely.

Plans for the tour structure look good. Creatively
speaking we have more ideas than in recent years, this
being our first proper World Tour ever, we have the
resources to be a little more ambitious than in the
recent past. However, time is against us, certainly it
seems to be against me. When I started preparing
tracks in December of 2005 I was picking up work I'd
had to drop at roughly the same time a year before in
late 2004 when Zak went off to tour with Oasis. Even
so I felt I had plenty of time. But it sluices away. 

Even so, today I am certain of one thing: the Who have
a new record in the can - almost finished, and it will
be a good one.

- Pete


-Brian in Atlanta
The Who This Month!
http://www.thewhothismonth.com

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