The Who – Announce First Studio Album in 25 Years – “Endless Wire” – Out on October 31
Universal Republic Records will release new music from the legendary rock band THE WHO, it was announced today by Mel Lewinter, Chairman and CEO of the Universal Motown Records Group, and Monte Lipman, President of Universal Republic Records. The historic signing with Universal Republic will include the first studio album by the band in 25 years, Endless Wire, scheduled to hit stores October 31st, 2006.
“We are thrilled beyond words to welcome THE WHO to Universal Republic,” stated Mr. Lewinter. ”They are truly one of the quintessential rock bands of all time. Larger than life, never compromising THE WHO’s profound insight and willingness to push the musical envelope embodies everything vital about the indispensable music culture they helped spawn.”
Stated Mr. Lipman: “THE WHO not only defined their generation, but every generation of artists that followed with their genre-defying mixture of rock, R&B, and conceptual breakthroughs. We’re honored they’ve chosen Universal Republic and are certain their new album is poised to reinvigorate the music world all over again.”
Commented Doug Morris, Chairman and CEO of the Universal Music Group: “I join Mel and Monte in welcoming THE WHO to the Universal Republic family, and look forward to the next great chapter in one of the most indomitable and innovative legacies in the history of rock n’ roll.”
Universal Republic will inaugurate the new pact with the release of the first new THE WHO studio album since 1982. The disc will include all new songs, as well as music culled from a 29 minute operatic work, described by THE WHO’s co-founder Pete Townshend as “A Mini-Opera inspired by his novella The Boy Who Heard Music.” Townshend has made the book available online here.
A recent EP, Wire & Glass, (available only on import in the U.S.), which includes music from the mini-opera, and one full length song, “Mirror Door,” all of which will be available on the new studio album, has garnered rave reviews, proving the venerable band has not lost their magic touch.
The multi-talented Townshend, who along with vocalist Roger Daltrey has been the long-standing dynamic force behind THE WHO (drummer Keith Moon died in 1978 and bassist John Entwistle died in 2002) indicates that the new material is definitely on par with what THE WHO fans have come to expect from the legendary band.
The formidable duo also recently described themselves as “fit and ready to rock,” as they announced their first world tour in almost 20 years. THE WHO will embark on a whirlwind trek that will find them hitting the U.S. in September, kicking off in Philadelphia on September 12th, with more shows to follow in U.S. and Canada in October and November, as well as South America, East Asia, Europe and Australia in 2007. The band’s touring lineup is also to include Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr’s son on drums, and Simon Townshend, Pete Townshend’s brother on guitar, Pino Palladino on bass guitar, John Bundrick on keyboards.
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