Biography
Who is Devin Townsend?
Early life and background
Devin Garrett Townsend was born in New Westminster on May 5, 1972. His parents are of Irish and British descent, and his father worked in the restaurant industry. He picked up the banjo when he was five years old and began playing guitar when he was twelve. As a young teenager, he befriended Brian Waddell, who later played guitars in the Devin Townsend Band and bass on the Devin Townsend Project.
How Devin became famous
Devin recorded a Noisescapes demo and sent copies to various record labels. Relativity Records responded with a record deal and introduced him to musician Steve Vai. Impressed with his vocal work, Vai offered him the role of lead vocalist on the album Sex and Religion. After recording the album, Devin accompanied Vai on a world tour in support of the release. He soon landed a second tour with the opening band, the Wildhearts, playing live across Europe in 1994.
Career highlights and bands
In 1994, Century Media Records offered Devin a contract to make extreme albums. He began recording material under the pseudonym Strapping Young Lad to avoid using his real name after his high-profile gig with Steve Vai. He produced and performed nearly all the instruments on the debut studio album, Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing, released in April 1995. Following this release, he recorded a rock opera in 1996 entitled Punky Bruster - Cooked on Phonics under his own independent label, HevyDevy Records.
Personal life and musical style
Devin's solo albums feature a varying lineup of supporting musicians and a mix of hard rock, progressive metal, ambient, and new-age music. In 2002, he formed the Devin Townsend Band, which recorded and toured for two of his solo releases. In 2007, he disbanded both Strapping Young Lad and the Devin Townsend Band, taking a break from touring to spend more time with his family after experiencing the pressures of the music industry.
Birthday and age
Devin Townsend was born on May 5, 1972, which makes Devin 54 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Devin shares the date with 34 other famous people.
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