The Yardbirds’ New Guitarist Godfrey Townsend
The Yardbirds’ New Guitarist: Godfrey Townsend
(Look for US Fall Tour with A Who’s Who of Great Musicians)
GODFREY TOWNSEND is the new guitarist for the Yardbirds. A favorite in the Classic Rock World, Godfrey has played with a range of greats from John Entwistle to Jack Bruce.
In fact Eric Clapton’s guitar technician, Lee Dickson commented to John Entwistle, “Hey John, come listen to this guy…he’s got Clapton down better than Clapton!” Entwistle replied, “You twit!…that’s MY guitar player!”
Godfrey Townsend joins a lineup with innovative and legendary musicians— notably, of course the Yardbirds’ leader/drummer/singer/co-founder Jim McCarty, bassist Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Hall & Oates, Billy Idol, Derringer, Joan Jett), singer/harpist/percussionist Myke Scavone (Ram Jam, The Doughboys), and lead singer/guitarist John Idan (who is on their 2003 CD “Birdland” album which features guest appearances from both Steve Vai and Slash).
Godfrey plays guitar, keyboards, sings, and is the music director of countless live performers, most notably his own “Clapton is God-frey” show and the Happy Together tour.
A favorite in New York City’s Max’s Kansas City and the China Club scenes, Godfrey’s been the guy that got famous rockers on stage to jam with the bands. After a stint in Las Vegas working with Mitch Ryder, Spencer Davis, and Joey Molland of Badfinger, he was recruited by John Entwistle of The Who, with whom he performed a half dozen tours, a studio album, and a live album. Godfrey went on to play with Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson of Heart, Jack Bruce, Mark Farner, Christopher Cross, Flo and Eddie, and Dave Mason.
Since the Yardbirds’ birth from 1963 to 1968, and then its 2003 reformation, the group has been known for its incredible guitarists. In addition to Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, plus rhythm guitarist/bassist Chris Dreja have contributed to the band’s history.
Jim McCarty continues to lead this innovative British rock band that provides the crucial link between British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzztone, feedback and distortion. The drummer/singer/songwriter is responsible for its haunting sound.
The Yardbirds are exclusively represented TCI (Talent Consultants International) for booking concerts. Stay tuned for an announcement soon of U.S. Tour dates for this November.
Goldmine Magazine stated, “the band’s hallmark of top-notch musicianship remains. There are no passengers in this band.”
http://theyardbirds.com
http://yardbirds.us
https://www.facebook.com/BlueswailingYardbirds/
downloadable photo at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8320698@N05/43653754002/in/album-72157611847817960/
12 Comments
The amazing thing about Godfrey is his humble approach to greatness. He’s a fan of the people he plays with. He has no idea that he’s one of the greats he boasts about. If you have a chance to see him, go. You’ll thank me.
Excellent player! I played bass with him a few times and it’s always a great experience very humble guy! Beyond excellent player! The Yardbirds will definitely profit from this relationship all the best Godfrey!
Congratulations Godfrey!
I saw you a few weeks ago in Orange County, .CA. w/ the 2018 HTT.
The band sounded really good.
Paul Beach: Alumnus, 1984 Happy Together Tour.
Also …
Bass: Gary Puckett, Spanky & Our Gang, The Association, The Mamas and The Papas
Wishing you the best of luck with your new gig.
Good luck Godfrey ,you are truly one of the greats,can’t wait to see you every year at wi state fair,with the happy together tour,hope to see you soon with your new venture with the all time greats the yardbirds,
Last Time I’ve seen my friend was at Great Guilder Sleeves In NYC I always known he was destined for fame, God Bless Him Always !!
Always knew u were going places with your talent, I’m Glad when u get up to Albany NY I”ll finally Get to see u play again, I think the last time I’ve seen u play was at Great Guilder sleeves Iin NYC on my birthday LOL
Can’t wait till u play in Albany NY I’m thinking the last time I seen u was at Great Guilder Sleeves On My birthday !!
A totally approachable guy with a class A grade of humility and class…
His talent speaks for it self…. An example for many, many others…!!!
Saw The Yardbirds at The Tin Pan in Richmond, Virginia March 30th. Godfrey
Townsend and the rest of the band blew the roof off of the sold out show !!!
I thought he was playing thru a small Marshall amp (Solis state?). His playing
and tone were fantastic thru the entire show. If you get a chance, don’t miss these
guys, RokNRoll doesn’t get any better….
It’s a shame my father, the original lead guitarist Top Topham (lesser known but equally talented as those who became famous) has been omitted here. He isn’t at all well these days, so I feel I need to give him a little shout-out. Best of luck Godfrey!
I am aware of your father’s greatness at a very young age. You can be very proud that he was the first of a pretty impressive list of guitar greats in the fabulous Yardbirds! Thank you Leanie for standing to recognize him. Wishing him well from Southern California! Corky
When I got to hang backstage with the Yardbirds back in 1966 Chris Dreja mentioned Top and his love of the blues. I was so young (17) I really didn’t understand the comment. Peace and love to you and your dad.