In 1976 he was recruited as keyboardist to replace Mickey Lee Soule in the Ian Gillan Band. Over the time he developed an increasing interest in composing, and Gillan credits the Towns-penned 'Fighting Man' as pointing the direction in which Gillan should go. Gillan dissolved the band, with its jazz-rock leanings, and retained only Towns, putting together the rockier Gillan.
In 1976, he joined Ian Gillan's band as a keyboardist to replace Mickey Lee Soule. Over time, his interest in composing increased, and Gillan credits Towns' song "Fighting Man" for influencing his musical direction. Gillan disbanded the jazz-rock band, keeping only Towns and forming a more rock-oriented version of Gillan.