Thunderclap Newman
Although singer/composer Speedy Keen (b. John Keen, 29 March 1945, Ealing, London, England) wrote much of this short-lived group's material, its impact was derived from the quirky, old-fashioned image of pianist Andy Newman. Guitarist Jimmy McCulloch completed the original line-up responsible for Something In The Air, a soaring, optimistic song which was a dramatic UK number 1 hit in the summer of 1969. The song was produced by Pete Townshend. HOLLYWOOD DREAM, bode well for the future, highlighting Keen's surreal vision and Newman's barrelhouse piano fills, but a long delay in selecting a follow-up single undermined the band's standing. The eventual choice, Accidents was another excellent composition, but lacked the immediacy of its predecessor. Despite the addition of two new members—Jim Pitman-Avory (bass) and Jack McCulloch (drums) -Thunderclap Newman were unable to achieve a satisfactory live sound and, bereft of chart success, split up. Speedy Keen and Andy Newman began solo careers, while Jimmy McCulloch joined Stone The Crows and, later, Wings.