Thunderclap Newman single "Something in the Air", was a 1969 UK Number One hit, remains in demand for television commercials, film soundtracks, and compilations.
In 1969, Pete Townshend, The Who's guitarist, helped create the band to play songs written by former Who roadie, drummer/singer John 'Speedy' Keen (miscredited as "Keene" on the single's label). Townshend produced the single, arranged its strings, played its bass under the pseudonym Bijou Drains, and hired for it eccentric GPO engineer and jazz pianist Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman and 15-year-old Glaswegian Jimmy McCulloch.
Originally titled "Revolution", but later renamed because the Beatles released a single of that name, "Something in the Air" captured post-flower power rebellion, marrying McCulloch's sweeping acoustic and glowing electric guitars, Keen's powerful drumming and yearning falsetto, and Newman's felicitous piano solo.
The single was No. 1 after just three weeks, holding off Elvis Presley in the process. The scale of the song's success surprised everyone, and there were no plans to promote Thunderclap Newman with live performances. Eventually a line-up, augmented by Jim Pitman-Avory on bass and McCulloch's elder brother Jack on drums, played a handful of gigs. Personal records say the band played live only five times, although Keen referred to a two-month tour, playing "everywhere".
"Something in the Air" appeared on the soundtracks of the films The Magic Christian (1969), Almost Famous (2000), The Girl Next Door (2004), and The Strawberry Statement (1970); the latter helped the single reach No. 25 in the United States. In the UK, a follow-up single, "Accidents", came out only in May 1970, and charted at No. 44 only for a week, and an album, Hollywood Dream, peaked in Billboard at No. 163.
Separate ways
Newman recorded a solo album, Rainbow, in 1971, whilst McCulloch had stints with a dozen or more bands, including Stone the Crows (after the death of Les Harvey), and Wings. McCulloch died of heart complications due to a heroin overdose in 1979, at the age of 26.
Keen reappeared with a solo album, Previous Convictions, for Track in 1973, and began recording a double album as a follow-up. Frustrated at his lack of progress at Track, he took the demos to Island Records, which pared it down to the single album Y'know wot I mean? and released it in 1975. Its single, "Someone to Love", received plenty of airplay but failed to sell.
Discouraged, Keen ceased recording after one more single in 1976. He tried the producer's seat, working with punk band Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers on their debut album L.A.M.F. in 1977, and also produced Motörhead's first album before leaving the industry. He suffered from arthritis for several years, but by the time Y'know wot I mean? came out on CD in 1996, he had planned to record his third solo album. However, Keen died unexpectedly at the age of 56 on 21 March 2002.
Fast forward to 2010
A chance conversation between the owner of the relaunched Track Records, Ian Grant, and Andy Newman last year, led to rehearsals with a band that drummer Mark Brzezicki (managed by Grant during their time with Big Country) had put together. The rehearsals impressed everyone involved and it was decided it was time to 'test the water' with a couple of live performances which took place in February. They were very successful (quotes and reviews below) and more are being scheduled. The second of the two was recorded and there will be a cd and download released shortly and Hollywood Dream is being revisited with the view to release a Deluxe Edition shortly.
Mark was a founder member of Big Country. He played drums on all Pete Townshends solo albums and was also a member of Procul Harum for 20 years. His association with the Townshend family is such that he also played in On The Air with Pete's younger brother Simon (and Tony Butler who was also a member of Big Country) during the early 80's and continues that association with Simon's son Josh being in the new lineup of Thunderclap Newman.
Andy Newman says “I have to say I am excited by this new project and I have to say it is fascinating with another member of the Townshend dynasty involved”.
The new line up consists of -
Andy Newman – Piano, Woodwind and vocals
Mark Brzezicki - Drums and lead vocals
Josh Townshend – Guitar and vocals
Nick Johnson – Guitar and vocals
Tony Stubbings . Bass Guitar
"The Lewes show last Friday was a great one . the line up is terrific - so good to see The Mighty Thunderclap in top form - looking for sure as one of Edward VII 's direct descendants. Andy's percussive work so sharp & original still - guitarist [lead] is stunning - young Josh T. & bass / drums as well - great slow tempo - which is the acid test of music - with all the dynamics & energy boiling inside & pushing out - What was also great was the band 'cooking' together perfectly - you can see they're happy & it washes through the audience like warm waves - I know when it's real from being on stage myself [Temperance Seven ] Thank you again for this really FRESH presentation of our dear friend Speedys' 40 years old works".
- John Edwards.27/02/10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FFsrcGmqRE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaGshXTY1oA
