Pete Townshend has launched his web-based software which will allow fans to make their own music at the click of a button.

The Who star has developed the programme, titled Method, to automatically produce music from voice recordings, digital images and rhythms clapped into a microphone.

Townshend, who has been a fan of technology since pioneering the synthesizer in pop more than 35 years ago, said it was ideal for amateurs.

He commented: "You can put data in and get a piece of music out. It's as simple as that."

The website, www.lifehouse-method.com, will be free for three-months from May 1 then go subscription-only. It was developed with mathematician and composer Lawrence Ball and programmer Dave Snowdon.

Townshend and Ball plan to use tracks and samples from the site to create their own more complicated pieces. Ball explained: "It represents a whole new level of rock integration, blending rock and psychedelia with classical and experimental music."