Pete Townshend has released a new track about Guantanamo Bay. Called simply Guantanamo, the track was released online to celebrate the Who guitarist’s 70th birthday.
The track’s lyrics are overtly political in their critique of the US military prison in Cuba. “Down in Guantanamo, we still got the ball and chain,” sings Townshend, over bluesy guitar and organ. “There’s a long road to travel for justice to make its claim.”
In a statement, Townshend said: “I thought this song might never see the light of day. But now [that] President Obama has relaxed sanctions in Cuba, it is a happy sign he might go further.”
The song will appear on his forthcoming solo compilation Truancy: The Very Best of Pete Townshend. It will feature other Townshend solo tracks such as Let My Love Open the Door, Rough Boys and Sheraton Gibson, as well as another new track called How Can I Help You.
The Who are currently in the middle of their 50th anniversary tour and are due to play the Sunday night headline slot at this year’s Glastonbury festival.
