Townshend writes old age musical

Townshend is a prolific songwriter

The Who's Pete Townshend is writing a musical about the ageing process.

The 64-year-old guitarist and songwriter is in talks with theatrical producers in New York to put Floss on the stage in 2011.

Townshend - who once wrote "I hope I die before I get old" - hopes to address the issue of mortality facing people of his generation.

Songs from the musical are expected to feature on the veteran rock band's next album, due to be released in 2010.

The musical will tell the story of an ageing pub musician called Walter and the troubled relationship he has with his wife, the Floss of the title.

In his blog, Townshend said the new work was "an ambitious new project" in the style of his previous outings.

Townshend's credits include Quadrophenia and Tommy, which went on to have success on stage and on the big screen.

"I now want to take on ageing and mortality, using the powerfully angry context of rock'n'roll," he added.

The Who, who were formed in 1964, last released an album three years ago.