New Who album almost finished

A new album from the Who is just about ready. That's the word from guitarist Pete Townshend, who's been working hard with singer Roger Daltrey to get the new project finished before their world tour starts next month. A message on the official petetownshend.com website reads, "Yeah, we have some progress. I've been working almost constantly in my home studio writing music, or at Oceanic Studios... (to) complete tracks for the Who album planned for release in September.... 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... I am certain of one thing: the Who have a new record in the can -- almost finished, and it will be a good one."

The guitarist also said that finishing the record has been hard, but not for creative reasons. He wrote, "(Daltrey) 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."

The Who tour starts June 18th in Brighton, England. There will be a "mini-opera" called Wire & Glass released in conjunction with the dates, but not here in North America. Townshend wrote, "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."

As for the tour itself, Townshend said, "Creatively speaking, we have more ideas than in recent years... we have the resources to be a little more ambitious than in the recent past."

The classic rock band will be on tour in Europe through July 29th. North American concert dates will likely happen later this year, but the itinerary hasn't been announced yet.
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