A FAMILIAR name with an original sound – Simon Townshend from The Who – is coming to rock Grimsby.

The one-off gig not to missed will be on Thursday, February 16, at the Yardbirds Rock Club.

Simon is the son of England's top big-band reed man and baby brother of Who legend Pete Townshend.

He is back stronger than ever this year and the rocker is set to release his new album this February titled Looking Out, Looking In.

He describes himself to the Telegraph as confident, fit and thoughtful.

Simon said: "I'm very much looking forward to coming to Grimsby, I haven't played in a small club in such a long time.

"I will be on for an hour-and-a-half and I can't wait to have a real connection with the audience.

"I will be performing songs from my new album, which has a mix of rock, ballad and upbeat stuff.

"I will be playing my single Still Love, which is about imagining my wife dead – this isn't her favourite song! I will also be playing Who classics because I think it is important to play a variation.

"It was a strange phenomena when I went to the Super Bowl with The Who, and played to 200-million people.

"It was just a roar – so this is why I prefer playing to smaller gigs.

"By the end of this April I will have done 40 gigs. Energy drinks keeps me going on tour, as well as the pay cheque!

"Music is in my blood and genes – even my grandparents were entertainers and played the trumpet.

"If I wasn't a musician I think I would be a golfer or a snooker player.

"I like mathematical sports – but music has bitten me! People now have access to music so easy on the internet, it's strange.

"But it does mean they can surf the web and listen to a range of eras."

Simon has been recording and performing since the age of nine, when he was brought in to add vocals to The Who classic Tommy.

He spent 15 years as a guitarist and vocalist in The Who, playing sold-out tours of Europe, Asia and North America, and a monumental performance at the 2010 Super Bowl.

We explained to Simon how famous Grimsby is for it's fish and chips.

He continued: "I do love fish and chips and I can't wait to try them out in Grimsby. A chip shop has opened near where I live, so I'm pleased I can pop out and grab some."