The Who’s Pete Townshend backs album in support of Parkinson’s disease charity,Independent report.
The Who star Pete Townshend has opened up about the “pain” Parkinson’s disease has caused for those close to him as he threw his support behind an upcoming charity album.
British rockers from Dire Straits and The Waterboys are among those who have contributed to the record, titled Think Loud 4 Parkinson’s, which is raising funds for the charity Cure Parkinson’s.
Speaking about the cause, Townshend said: “My interest in Parkinson’s arose because my beloved father-in-law Edwin Astley, composer, died in great distress of progressive supranuclear palsy which is loosely related to Parkinson’s.
“Then, a very close friend, James Morgan, another composer, revealed he has Parkinson’s.”
Speaking about the album, Grant said: “To quote the words Pete Townshend said to me ‘Ian, it’s not easy asking for favours for charitable stuff. It can be demeaning. But when it all works out, it makes it feel worth it’.
“I was determined to put this project together. It hasn’t been an easy journey but the contribution I’ve received from the talented people involved has kept this alive.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and Cure Parkinson’s have been unwavering in their support.”
The charity album Think Loud 4 Parkinson’s is to be released on February 14.
Singer songwriter Leo Sayer fronts three tracks on the compilation which also features punk-poet John Cooper Clarke, Shadows guitarist Hank Marvin and singer Marcella Detroit of Shakespears Sister.
Townshend, who does not feature on the album but has made a donation to the project alongside The Who, added: “Since then, I have tried to help raise awareness around this awful illness and the really terrible side effects of the large amount of necessary drugs every day, and the incredible pain they ameliorate.
