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Musician Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman dies aged 73
Belfast Telegraph ^ | 3/31

Posted on 04/01/2016 12:53:37 PM PDT by nickcarraway

The pianist for British band Thunderclap Newman, founded by The Who's Pete Townshend, died at his home in London.

His band mate and close friend Mark Brzezicki confirmed the news to the Press Association.

Brzezicki, the drummer for Big Country and Thunderclap Newman, described him as an "unsung musical genius" who will be greatly missed.

Writing on Facebook, he said it was "an honour both knowing and working with you Andy".

The Who also reported the news on their official Facebook page, writing: " It is with great sadness that we report the death of Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman, who passed away yesterday age 73. Rest in peace." The band had their biggest hit in 1969 with the track Something In The Air, from the album Hollywood Dream which was produced by Who guitarist and song writer Townshend.

The song spent three weeks at the top of the UK singles chart, fending off the likes of The Beatles and Elvis Presley.

According to Brzezicki, seeing Newman play the piano at art college was what inspired Townshend and producer Kit Lambert to form the band in 1968.

"He was an incredibly talented musician. He had his own unique, very individual piano-playing style", Brzezicki told the Press Association.

"He was also incredibly intellectual, he knew a lot about everything. He was very wise and intellectual, but also a very quiet and private man." He and Newman were due to go back into the studio in April to work on more music.

The original line-up of the band included Newman, John "Speedy" Keen and Jimmy McCulloch. The band broke up in 1971 but was then re-formed by Newman some years later.


TOPICS: Music/Entertainment
KEYWORDS: andynewman; bigcountry; markbrzezicki; music; obituaries; obituary; thunderclapnewman
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To: nickcarraway

One of my all time favorite albums. If all you know about Thunderclap Newman is ‘Something in the Air’, you need to give the entire album a full listen.


21 posted on 04/01/2016 2:11:16 PM PDT by Company Man (I've got a Princess Bride quote and I'm not afraid to use it)
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To: nickcarraway

I’m sorry to hear this. Rest in peace, Mr. Newman.


22 posted on 04/01/2016 2:14:35 PM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: dfwgator

Great song.


23 posted on 04/01/2016 2:14:56 PM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: V K Lee

I loved all those shows. Another was The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin.

CJ was my favorite character.


24 posted on 04/01/2016 2:19:10 PM PDT by wally_bert (I didn't get where I am today by selling ice cream tasting of bookends, pumice stone & West Germany)
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To: nickcarraway

I still have his LP.


25 posted on 04/01/2016 2:25:07 PM PDT by Seruzawa (If you agree with the French raise your hand. If you are French raise both hands)
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To: nickcarraway

RIP.


26 posted on 04/01/2016 2:33:24 PM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (Resist We Much)
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To: wally_bert

Yes, that one forgotten, along with others, I assume. They did have these airing in the states on PBS every Sunday evening. A time when families watched ‘refined’ British shows. They were very enjoyable when seen, even though there were times when one tended to scratch his head attempting to understand British humor. Fawlty Towers is yet another comedy which was failed to be mentioned. :-))


27 posted on 04/01/2016 2:40:05 PM PDT by V K Lee (uTRUMP TRUMP TRUMP to TRIUMPH Follow the lead MAKE AMERICA GREAT)
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To: dfwgator
thank you... RIP

that song always puts my mind back to days now so long ago

28 posted on 04/01/2016 3:10:38 PM PDT by Chode (Stand UP and Be Counted, or line up and be numbered - *DTOM* -w- NO Pity for the LAZY - Luke, 22:36)
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To: nickcarraway

Rest in peace Mr. Newman.


29 posted on 04/01/2016 3:18:49 PM PDT by Liberty Valance (Keep a Simple Manner for a Happy Life :o)
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To: dfwgator

Thanks for the link - damn, I’m gettin’ old.


30 posted on 04/01/2016 3:35:30 PM PDT by Psalm 73 ("Gentlemen, you can't fight in here - this is the War Room".)
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