Pinball Wizard - The Who | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
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Can we get a #Take2 down below?! 🔥😂
Which The Who track we gotta check out next?!
Make sure to head to Instagram to try and get that HOODY!! 🔥🤟🏻
Check Halloween helloween 13 min version..
You. Have to See the Movie Tommy...that's What🎶🎸🎸🎸🎸😎😎😎😎😎🍻Cheers🍻
"My Generation" rawks!!!! (still chuckling about how pinball was the height of gaming for my generation, before the birth of those amazing first computer video games that are now easy, lame, and cheesy!) Great reaction, guys!
@@peck404 Yes exactly. Time for the full experience
@@sandrosarunic9486 I agree also Keeper of the Seven Keys and I Want Out by Helloween.
"Tommy" is a Rock Opera - based on a story about an abused child - "Tommy Walker," who after a traumatic experience, becomes deaf, dumb and blind. He becomes a world sensation in his incredible mastery of pinball. The movie starred Roger Daltry as Tommy. Ann Margaret plays Tommy's mother, Nora. Oliver Read plays Tommy's stepfather, Frank - a rather shady dubious character. Tina Turner plays the "Acid Queen." WHO Drummer, Kieth Moon, played Tommy's Uncle Ernie. Paul Nicolas played Tommy's cousin Kevin - who regularly abuses Tommy for kicks. Elton John plays the part of the "Pinball Wizard" - who has a gigantic pinball machine, and wears these monstrously tall platform shoes, along with his golden pinball crown. Eric Clapton plays a preacher. Jack Nicholson plays "the Specialist. The movie is surreal.
um, spoilers much?!
;)
It likely lingers in the clouded memories of people who could be excused for disregarding it as a bad Chinese takeout-induced wacky dream from years ago
@Lanta ChiDc It was great :-)
The Who - great. Tommy the album - great. Tommy the movie - not so much.
William Lucas It was okay. Album is king but the movie had a few moments. Tina Turner nailed Acid Queen. It’s a pretty tough challenge to film. I pictured it differently before the movie and now some parts have blended in my mind. Daltrey nailed that part.
"There's got to be a story behind it." I literally did a spit take and shot soda through my nose. lol
^^^THIS^^^
@@somersetcace1 yeah, hardest things here is they have no clue.....
Lol!!! Alex had one helluva great thought there on Pinball Wizard. Loved your response!!
God I am old. Tommy is a Rock opera & is Quadrephenia. Both must be listened to in their entirely.Sir Elton John played the Pinball Wizard in the movies, his version is better than the Who's IMO.
😂
It's fucking crazy that this could be anyone first time hearing this song, it's only on the album Tommy; one of the greatest albums ever made.
Tommy is a rock opera. The song really needs to be heard in that context, as with all the songs on the album.
Lol. Welcome to the Rock Opera, "Tommy."
Yes, there's a story here, you're kinda jumping in the middle lol.
This may be one you need to do start to finish.
Their concerts was a rock opera titled "Tommy" they made a movie of it (I have no idea how similar the movie is to the live performance)
www.imdb.com/title/tt0073812/
@@LeannWebb61 In the movie, Elton John sang this song,
EXACTLY
From Toronto. Yup correct guys. Nicholas the 64 year young guy will smoke my fatty while listening.
@@LeannWebb61 The album came first, then they played the album live in the middle of their set, eventually dropping a couple short bits. The movie is based on the album with Guest musicians playing various parts. There is the movie soundtrack and a second rare soundtrack from some performance with a different cast.
The Real Me. You will punch the air when you hear that bassline.
The entire album is a masterpiece - Pete Townshend is a genius and all the other members of The Who are tremendous.
This album was epiphany into rock music. I heard it, I was 11 years old at my friends house and her brother had just bought the album when it came out in 1969. I was like in a trance and begged my mom to buy it for me. Great story and I still know all the words to all the songs.
The Real Me has to be one of the greatest Who songs and the bass is just...WOW
Entwistle really shines on that track!
Disagree. It's a mash up with little structure. Yes, some of the instrumentation is interesting, but as a song, it's not very good.
WASP does a surprisingly good cover of The Real Me, check it out if you haven't heard it. It was a single, so there's a music video for it as well. Have always loved Blackie's voice, and Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot) was on drums. Strong cover from my youth...
The Real Me.... John Entwhistle..... Great bass
also My Wife has a great bass line!!
The coolest bass line ever.
@@patrickrichichi6602 Love MY WIFE!!! Entwhistle sings that one too!
Yes please react to the Real Me
The Real Me. The best bass line in rock history. You guys love bass, it will blow your minds.
Strangely entertaining, and addictive, watching these young guys discovering the great music those oldies among us grew up with in the 70s.
I was 65 when I found your site. Im 65....I love that your sharing our love of the 60s,70s,to your generation. Makes me extremely happy. Keep up the fantastic work/music....
Watch the Rock Opera “Tommy” the first ever Rock Opera. You will understand the song better.
The Real Me” Entwistle on lead bass. Blistering!
And Moon on lead drums.
Fantastic song. The one they never used as a CSI theme but should have... Can you? CAN YOU?
He lays down a sick bass line on Another Tricky Day too
Yes, you must listen to the whole album. It's a united concept. A story. Personally I prefer Quadrophenia, the Who's other rock opera, but Tommy is also a work of genius.
"Pictures of Lily." The drums will SLAY you.
The Real Me, without hesitation.
The Who "The real Me" next. Absolutely!!! 🤘
Hi dad
It's a short song and it is part of a whole Rock Opera which was was filmed with people like Tina Turner playing the "Acid Queen" and Elton John singing "Pinball Wizard" (Roger Daltrey played the deaf, dumb and blind kid) and Keith Moon as the unsavoury 'wicked Uncle Ernie'. Great Fun!
The whole album is a Rock Opera. It was HUGE and culture changing, with kids who appreciated music knew this Double album was a pace-setting trend, helping to end the sixties to a new era.
The Real Me is from their other Rock Opera, Quadraphenia. Like Tommy it's a masterpiece from the first to last note. Oh...and Join Together is also an amazing song!
I can't believe you haven't heard the concept. As a small boy Tommy's dad is reported KIA, when he shows up unexpectedly at night Tommy witnesses him being killed by his mother and new SO. They scream and berate him that he didn't see or hear anything resulting in traumatic blindness and deafness.
... and that's just the beginning of how fucked up this story is. Roger Waters's recollections in The Wall are Leave It To Beaver by comparison.
Spoiler! Cooler to let them find out😉😃
Wasn't the other man the Uncle? His Father's Brother?
@@DrNothing23 Uncle Ernie?
The Who's Tommy: A Rock Opera is a classic concept album, it tells a story. Other songs by The Who are "Magic Bus" & "Happy Jack" are classic Who.
The Great Rock Opera “Tommy”
Also Elton John does a great cover 👍
for great read shite
"I'm Free" from this album is my favorite. And as others have already told you, it is a rock opera. You have to listen to all of it.
“5:15,” “The Real Me,” “Eminence Front”
Eminence Front....please
yes!!!
A must! The real Who!
yes!! Eminence front!!!!
5:15 !!!!! Definitely! And check out the video!
"Tommy" is a fictional character. The most far out, mind bending track on the album is "Amazing Journey/Sparks" check it out! You might want to take a look at some of The Who's live recordings where you can seeTownsend do his windmills and Keith Moon really goes to town!
Elton John did a great version of this song in the movie Tommy.
Yeah, I love his version.
Yes indeed!
I agree
Elton John’s version is better imo
@@fallofcamelot I agree. I prefer Elton's version of Lucy In The Sky as well.
Yeah, you have to listen to the whole album. It's a rock opera.
Karen, you hit it on the head! It's from the rock opera Tommy!
Yep, gotta listen to the whole album to get the full picture. This song just introduces the concept: a "deaf, dumb and blind boy" who, despite his many physical challenges, becomes a "pinball wizard.". The rest of the rock opera depicts the people in his life who either abused him as a child, or who now seek to exploit him as some sort of Messiah. Great lyrical development throughout, but best listened to in its entirety.
Yeah, it's like Pink Floyd's The Wall, you got to listen to the whole thing from beginning to end because it tells a whole story.
This was made into a movie called, "Tommy" with Roger Daltrey playing the lead. Elton John sings Pinball Wizard (his version is great). Was SO excited to hear your reaction to it! SQUEE!
if they ever get around to doing Elton John here, I would suggest they add his version of this to the list. best version imo. and he kills it in the movie. hilarious!
@@flubblert I have yet to see the movie! But I believe that Elton John actually does the best version of this song!
What was striking as he E. John is playing the pinball and singing this song.. his big platform shoes was striking in the movie "Tommy " also like Tina Turner part in the movie.
@@catbutte4770 yes. and the visuals are great as well. btw, you can rent/stream this film right on youtube.
@@irishgrl yeah Uncle Ernie was a perv..lol
Townshend playing Pinball Wizard live is one of the most attractive things I have ever watched. I highly recommend a watch.
You've just gotta review Young Man Blues from Live at Leeds. It's recognised as the best live album ever recorded.
Saw them live for the first time in 1973, my ears are still humming, buzzing and whistling to this day. They're the loudest band I've ever seen.
Young Man Blues. Live at Leeds. You won't believe your ears!!!!!
Kiss was the loudest band I've ever heard.
The Isle of White performance is incredible
I think the who were the loudest band their ever was.
My Generation and Magic Bus are amazing as well!
The next Who song you do should be "The Real Me" or "Magic Bus"
young people learn that concept albums must be listened to as a whole in a single sitting.
Agreed; listening to a single song out of context is like reading a single chapter from the middle of a book and skipping the rest.
Right, you wouldn't just jump right to the middle of Pink Floyd's The Wall for example. The whole album tells a story that if you listen in parts doesn't make much sense.
The Moody Blues "Knights in White Satin" was also a concept album and the entire album should be listened to understand the last song - "Knights in White Satin".
@@jameskoralewski1006 NIGHTS in White Satin. 😉
@@robertburke5354 No , it is knights in white satin,,,,,,,
The song always reminds me of a time when my neighborhood friends and I road our bikes to the 7-Eleven to play pinball. There were some older kids there who had a powerful magnet. They had us line up to help shield the view of the clerk. They would use the magnet to lift the ball and drop it where they wanted.
I’ve started following your channel and you’ve reintroduced me to some of the music I used to love but haven’t listened to in a while. The Who are definitely up there as one of the great British bands.
Definitely "The Real Me"
You guys need to "Join Together With The Band"! 🤘
OH MY YES!
Good one! Almost forgot about it.
I really lucked out because I have an aunt who loves classic rock and introduced me to a LOT of old music at a very early age. She also loved Tommy and when I was (truthfully) too young to even try to understand it, I read basically the whole book she had that detailed the story of Tommy. I was SO invested in it even if I didn't really get it till I was older. But as I watched you guys react to this I was CRACKING UP because I was trying to imagine listening to this with fresh ears and could only imagine the confusion you guys must have felt! Still, whether you know the whole story or not there's no denying this song is so damn good. It gets me hyped every time I hear it!
Also, I just found this channel today but I feel like they should totally do some research after they listen to the song and before/during their review of it. Like check the lyrics, brush up a bit on the story, and get some context. I just came from a review they did on Springsteen and they said: "I dunno what year this came out." Like? You can google it right on your phone, hun! How can you fully review a song if you don't know the context of when it came out, etc?? I dunno, just my two cents! Either way, it's always super enjoyable to watch people hear classics like this for the first time!!
Saw them in '76 with Keith Moon. Loudest show I ever saw. My ears rang for days.
The Real Me
The entire album Tommy is a rock opera. Every song tells a part of the story.
You have to do My Generation! I love The Who and all those recommendations are great, but my generation is the oldest one among them. It’s the song that started it all. Classic who!!
From the rock opera Tommy. They even made a movie about this album., roger daltrey played Tommy Tina Turner was the acid queen. Ann Margaret was the mother. Etc
My Generation
You have to do "A Quick One" live on Rock and Roll circus! You'll see Keith Moon in action and you'll love him even more.
Yep, these guys haven't seen Moon in action. He must be seen. No other drummer moves like him. People argue about when he started deteriorating. For sure he was fantastic in 1967-1971.
Townsen doing the windmill on his guitar is fantastic.
Agree. Absolute crime they haven't seen it or other Who fans aren't thinking this is the best thing to check out.
Here is how I describe Moon in that video. Its like an adorable black puppy married a ballerina and they gave birth to an axe murderer.
Hey guys! It's fun for this old geezer to hang out with you. It's amazing that 50 Yr old music still moves you like it did us. I almost wish I could be young again and hear these (now ancient) songs for the first time. The Who really hit their peak with Tommy, Who's Next, and Quadrophenia. Plenty of great stuff before and after also.
“He’s got one gear.....and it’s 10” - a great description of the magnificent Keith Moon, bravo
PLEASE do "The Real Me", that and "5:15" are from "Quadrophenia", the next rock opera after "Tommy". A lot of people are asking!
I wonder if they are ready for "Boris the Spider"?
Yes, either of those would be great.
@@heathcliff8624 - And Happy Jack.
How about "A Quick One While He's Away"
There's also a version of this song with Elton John on vocals, and it accentuates the piano rather than the guitar. It's really good too.
It's in the movie. Here it is. My god, those boots!
ruclips.net/video/EK33CY68s1w/видео.html
Tally Kev - I agree, it's also a little longer I think
@@hrafnhildurblondal341 I heard this version before I ever heard the Who's version. I've always been kinda partial to it.
You really need to see "Tommy" the rock opera. Pinball Wizard is a very important part of it. Great musicians play many parts in it! You could even do a reaction to it right after watching it.
This is from the Rock Opera Tommy. It was made into a movie with director Ken Russell. Tommy was played by Roger Daltry, Tommy's stepfather by Oliver Reed and the Pinball Wizard by Elton John.
So far you've only heard their up tempo stuff, to get a different Who flavor check out, "See Me, Hear Me" , and "I Can See For Miles And Miles". It will seriously expand your appreciation of their abilities.
Elton John sings it in the movie. "Tommy"
Yeah... I hate to say it, but I really prefer Elton's radio version of "Pinball Wizard". One of the few remakes of an original that I feel is better.
Yes guys, please check out the movie Tommy with Ann Margret and Jack Nicholson. It’s a real time capsule with several artists at the top of their game.
Pinball WAS the BOMB for 1-2 years in the 70's
Love it! That was the first rock album ever owned! I knew NOTHING about the Who! I just thought that the album cover looked cool and begged my mom to buy it for me, and I made her regret it every day since cause I played it over and over again!!
Listen to the album, then see the movie.
Probably worth seeing their film Quadrophenia too.
This ^
Since The Real Me is on Quadrophenia, and that's one that's been correctly recommended quite a bit, that'll take care of that as well.
And while I'm not a Patron(tm) yet, it strikes me that full-album and/or movie reactions would make good bonus content ...
Before I even watch this video, don't you dare ask what Pinball Wizard is about!
I gave you young'uns fair warning at least a month ago that you needed to see the rock opera, Tommy to understand the songs from the album!
You would have to understand what turned Tommy into the pinball wizard... You have to know why he is deaf dumb and blind... It's a very tragic but very powerful Opera.
Indeed. Like picking a song off Pink Floyd The Wall and wondering what the hell they're talking about lol
Bossy, I like that
@@seekfirst817 (I'm old...I can get away with it lol! I've seen the rock Opera "Hair"! Also tragic.)
@@metalmark65 Exactly! Trying to explain the videos is even more difficult, plus ,they're missing all the little, intros and outros (or don't understand them when they do.)
It's like that with everyone that gets into a certain band but doesn't know there's an order to it that evolves track after track.
If a song is part of an actual storyline, then that story should be told in it's proper order or none of it makes sense.
If they'd listened to "I'm Free", they wouldn't have understood what kind of freedom it is and why it's so powerful.
@@deannacrownover3 was lucky enough to see Jesus Christ Superstar twice, in London and NY way back when. throw in Hair and then throw in Tommy and Quadrophenia , there was some awesome breakthrough stuff goin on. true some def better, sonetimes much moreso, than others. But sure was alot of good stuff round if you were lucky enough to get to it.
I remember when this album first came out. Everybody was blasting it through my college dorm.
My favorite Who song is ‘Love Reign O’er Me’. By the way, back to Tommy... you really should watch the rock opera movie Tommy 😊 after you know WHO’s playing what character.
I suggested on another video " A Quick One" live from the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus video to see one of the best live performances ever. I am surprised more Who fans didn't demand this yet. Knowing what we know about it.
Absolutely agree!! I remember the exact moment that I first heard this version of "A Quick One (While He's Away)". It predates "Tommy" by a few years and gives us a glimpse of Pete's genius for story telling. PS...Keith Moon takes it to "11" in this song just to upstage the fellow rockers who would have to follow The Who. A must listen and a must see!!!
@@KnancySame here. It was definitely one of the moments in my youth that was transformative, I was blown away and immediately obsessed with them as a band and just bad asses and felt instantly cool that I was listening to them.
This guy's not kidding. If you can find this video, please react. It's amazing.
That's the one I keep recommending, it historical.They shamed the Stones into shelving the project for nearly 30 years because the Who's performance was so incredible.
Moon is ridiculously great in it.
Who-wise: The Real Me, Behind Blue Eyes, Join Together, Song Is Over, Amazing Journey/Sparks, Young Man Blues (from Live @ Leeds), I Can See For Miles, Gettin In Tune, Bargain and I Can't Explain.
absolutely all of the above, must listen
Chris DeLisle 👍
Long Live Rock, Reign o’er me, Squeezebox, Slip Kid, you better you bet, Bors the Spider, Magic Bus , Summer Times Blues, I can see for miles, pictures of Lilly, happy jack, etc.
Check out The Who at Woodstock-See me, Feel Me
Yes, you have to listen to this one in one sitting - the entire album. Same with ELO, the songs are all united in the experience. This was a rock opera so it's like going on Broadway to see the show and yes, I think you can see it and yes, you have to see it. Ya gotta do See Me Feel me and carry on with this whole rock opera.
The Real Me will blow you away. Family, am I wrong?
So right, Keith Moon at his insane best
This version will! ruclips.net/video/Rr0DB29tEKM/видео.html
You're absolutely not wrong. Quadrophenia is light years better than Tommy
@exodus21v20 you are so right, and Daltrey not too shabby either, Entwistle and Townsend are legends not just as musicians but as song writers and arangers too.
@@EgoShredder a mere pale imitation of the original, a bit too one dimensional compared to the complex arrangement of the original.
“Goin Mobile” - banger
Pure and easy
Going Mobile was recorded live, if you can believe it.
I am old school and from Canada and love your show bringing back a lot of great songs thank you
Love these smart young dudes!
"The kids are all right" is one Who tune, I don't see in the comments maybe I missed it.
Ok boys I think your ready. Time for UFO. German rock. Insane guitarist. Start with their ballad Love to Love, with a beautiful chorus then the bangers like rock bottom and doctor doctor, you will NOT be disappointed
THE REAL ME!
Come on guys, thumb up all comments with the Real Me. Don’t you want to see these guys absolutely blown away?! I agree with all the other suggestions, but they can wait- the Real Me can’t!
Yep, this is a jump out of your seat song.
111RockNRoll111 Yes, but must play I am the Sea before it to get the full appreciation of the song.
@@whogrl Yes we must amplify so the guys get it!
@@whogrl THANK YOU! say it loud and string, send them private messages! This is the one we want to see the reaction
Late 60' S, early 70' S.... Three bands were introduced at concerts as "The Greatest Rock and Roll Band In the World:" The Stones; Zepplin; and The Who.
that's what we did in the 60s, rode round on our scooters, mod gear, and played pinball. happy memories.
"BELL BOY" written and sung by Kieth Moon. From Quadrophenia, which is another story album.
The Real Me ..... one of the greatest bassist songs of all time.
In '66 or so I heard Hermans Hermits were going to appear in Dallas. Big yawn until I found that the Who were to open for them. Peter Noone was a big fan of the guys, and was jealous of the sort of music they played and he'd never be able to. The Who were amazing. Toward the end of their show Pete said, "we're gonna do a song now from a rock opera we've been working on," and he started the Pinball riff. We loved the song, but thought he was joking about the opera part. They closed with My Generation, and for many years one of my prized possessions was a six inch shard of the Stratocaster Pete smashed over the edge of the stage. A year after this I was drafted and on my way to Vietnam. Love the Who, and you boys are great.
Hello Andy and Alex, I'm a subscriber and I love what you're doing. I get the premise of your channel, you're musicians who are discovering great music from the past. I subscribed to your channel because the music you play is the soundtrack of my youth, and watching someone listen to this music for the first time and fall in love with it is a rediscovery for me. Thanks.
One Way Out
One Way Out
One Way Out (live Fillmore East)
THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND !
PLEASE !
/ AGREE )))
You should do Eminence Front. With a metronomic drummer like Kenny Jones it sounds like a totally different band. Townshends later penchant for bitter and sarcastic lyrics is in full swing too.
Pretty sure the reason it sounds totally different is because it is Pete's solo album, technically NOT the Who.
@@kenthunter6850 Uh no Kent, it's on the Who album It's Hard.
@@peterquinones3522 I was thinking it was on Pete's Album, Cowboys have Chinese Eyes... same year, right? Like 82?
"Another Tricky Day" 👍👍🔥
@Joan In Florida Not even CLOSE!
Tommy is utterly superb - some of Moon’s drumming in it is just insane.
A great day as well as a great life! A wonderful opening especially during this tragic time in this crazy world! Thanks guys for opening the minds of young people to the amazing music of my younger years! Love your channel so much!
I'm going on a campaign to get Andy & Alex to listen to some Who Live at Leeds. Until they do, they have no idea of what this band was capable of. Young Man Blues, Amazing Journey/Sparks, Magic Bus. Take your pick.
I'm joining the campaign! But they NEED to see video. They've never seen Moon.
Lucie Melahn They’ve never seems Moon play? Ugh. A wrong that must be corrected!
@@daveparker839 That's what I'm saying! It's a crime at this point. He's a fucking animal. Either Isle of Wight or A Quick One from Rock and Roll Circus.
The version of My Generation of Live at Leeds is off the charts incredible! Sadly there is no video of that performance but there is a video of The Who performing My Generation from that same tour recorded at the London Coliseum in December 1969 that sounds very close to the Leeds version. I love it when Pete starts kicking Keith's drum cymbals: ruclips.net/video/wuxsGrxhqEE/видео.html You should react to that A&A!!!
Count me in. They just have to give it a listen.
Pete Townsend thought "I Can See for Miles" was the best single he'd written to that point, and when it didn't perform to his expectations in the charts he changed his writing strategy and focused on long-form rock opera projects for several years. So if you want another Who Single I'd go for that.
I thought "I Can See for Miles" was their only top 10 hit.
@@saytr4 It was their first US top 10, but didn't do as well as several of their previous singles in their native Britain. It peaked at 10 in the UK, where they'd made it up to #2 with "My Generation" and "Pictures of Lily," and had several other top 10 hits as well.
Absolutely agree I can see for Miles does a fantastic song
I believe that “i can see for miles” inspired McCartney’s “Helter Skelter”
A friend of mine has a "game" we often play. Basically you are asked "If someone has never heard of band/artist X and you can play them only one song to "demonstrate" this band/artist to them, what song do you play?" We do this with any band we can think of. Anyway, my friend is about the biggest Who fan on planet earth. He once met Townsend, the conversation went this way: "I'm a huge lifelong fan. Can I ask you one question?" Townsend said, "Ask away." My friend played the game with him - "If someone had never heard of The Who, and you could play them only one song to say, "This is The Who" what song would you play?" Townsend says, "Great question." (so at this point my friend feels he can die happy) and without skipping a beat he replies, "I Can See For Miles." I think Pete was right.
FYI there used to be pinball machines everywhere like in the back of Delis, Diners and other neighborhood stores (in 60's and 70's). Three games for a Quarter (more if you "got a replay" from score or match). There were real pinball legends down on the boardwalk in AC and in Vegas. Imagine playing while rocking to this. This was before Pong.
This is from the album Tommy. The album was a rock opera that was adapted to stage and film. Rod Stewart played the Pinball Wizard on Stage. Elton John did it in the movie. You should find the movie. Tina Turner is the Acid Queen. It's kinda dark. Tommy had some not-to-fun days.
Tommy was deaf, dumb, and blind. He could feel the pinball better than the Pinball Wizard could see it and react to it. I wore the soundtrack album out.
THE REAL ME! (It's a 10 ... hands down. You'll call it the second it starts!)
Keith Moon is such a unique drummer. I can't think of anybody else that's anything like him.
The song was written by Peter Townsend specifically as a Rock Opera. Not just a song. It's meant to for a Opera format".
The song 1969.
In its day, it became a huge hit. But it was really recognized when Introduced through the take-off movie.. The record/Album.
Kind of like Queens "musical" (not a movie) but a Rhapsody. "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Rodger & Peter wanted to take it further and create a movie dedicated to a dear friend who loved Pinball Machines.
"Tommy" The movie carried the "Pinball Wizard" for it gave the character "Tommy" life... So to speak. written Rock Opera. And thus Tommy was made.
Tommy is the name of the "Pinball Wizard" which Rodger Daltry stared/sang, created with Peter ( again, he wrote the song,) that was then placed in the movie, along with superstar at the time "Ann Margaret." if I remember correctly, she played Tommy's mother. Way to long to explain
So check out link below. Pinball debut 1969-1970.
www.guitarworld.com/artists/acoustic-nation-whos-pete-townshend-shares-story-behind-pinball-wizard
The film was made in 1975. Here's more info from online.
(Tommy is a 1975 British operetta fantasy drama film based upon The Who's 1969 rock opera album Tommy about a "psychosomatically deaf, mute, and blind" boy who becomes a pinball champion and religious leader.[5] Directed by Ken Russell, the film featured a star-studded ensemble cast, including the band members themselves (most notably, lead singer Roger Daltrey, who plays the title role), Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Elton John, and Jack Nicholson.)
Check out the movie... Remember, it's a Rock Opera Fantasy! So expect just that!
Also try "I'm Free"... "and a MUST... "My Generation!!!!!"
There was also a movie version of Tommy released in 1975. Members of The Who played various parts. Tina Turner was the Acid Queen and Elton John did Pinball Wizard!
You got to hear Behind Blue Eyes
#I Can See For Miles
You need to watch Tommy The Who Opera. They used this opening guitar riff for the Olympics on TV. Thanks to the radio and advertising industry demanding 2:30 songs for bands to get air time.
It’s from the Rock Opera “Tommy”. In order to fully appreciate the context, you need
to watch the movie Tommy...in short the story is as follows..“After seeing his stepfather murder his father during an argument over his mother (Ann-Margret), young Tommy goes into shock, suddenly becoming psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind. As a teenager, Tommy (Roger Daltrey) stumbles upon a pinball machine and discovers he is a natural prodigy at the game. Fame and fortune follow for Tommy, as he first becomes a pinball champion and later the messiah of a religious cult who view his pinball skills as a miraculous sign of divine intervention.”
I always thought that the movie was stupid and ridiculous. It wasn't necessary to see the movie to understand the rock opera. Just listen to the complete album.
Excellent observation about the drums. They were unusual for the era, in having only one guitarist, as opposed to one rhythm plus one lead. So in their live performances, the problem was how to create a full sound. Solutions: 1) full drum sound, with Keith Moon using two bass drums, and a much higher proportion of fills-to-patterns (ornamental stuff to the basic pattern); 2) bass used as a lead instrument, with John Entwhistle innovating by plucking with all five fingers; 3) use of feedback as a sort of instrument in itself. One other observation: Townshend hated the song, which was put in as filler, but became a hit.
Overture Off the same album Tommy, excellent opener to an album, brilliant concept album and brilliant songs Live at Leeds is probably one of the best live albums of all time. Listen to Overture off This Tommy album
Yes! Overture will give you a nice cross section of the music on Tommy and it is AWESOME!
Magic Bus from Live at Leeds
Agreed 100% with Tommy Overture.
Oh, hell yes. Even after having heard the album many times for some 40-plus years now, when that Hammond organ cuts loose at 2:20 into the track, it still sends chills up my spine...
Yep, its my favorite part when the organ's power chords come in.
This is one song of the rock opera Tommy so yeah there's a story. Even with layers.
If you listen to the album ....Tommy ...it's a rock opera ....all the songs make sense if you listen to the whole album....it's so awesome!!
Sitting here with tears in my eyes...remembering the first time I dropped the needle on this album. It had just come out, and nothing was even on the radio yet. I had to take it to school and get some friends to listen to it in the AV room in the back of the Library. This album needs to be listened to in toto to really appreciate it.
"I Can See for Miles." When Paul McCartney read in New Musical Express that The Who had created the "loudest, nastiest, filthiest" song ever written, he took this as a personal challenge, and came up with The Beatles' "Helter Skelter"
And lost.
Great song guys. I have always liked hearing that one. Have y'all listened to Baba O'Reilly yet? I may have misspelled that. It also is known as Teenage Wasteland. And absolutely check out Tommy. I think Kings and Culprits should cover Pinball Wizard.
I agree, I Can See For Miles... a great rocker!
I Can See For Miles is one of my favorites!! The vibe just gives me chills. It makes me wish I was born 30 years earlier!!
I TOTALLY agree to I Can See for Miles. The drumming is killer. It was the first Who song that blew me away back when.
Tommy is one of those albums like The Wall and 2112. It's best listened to front to back. It's one of the greatest opera's.
The Album is a rock opera to be listened to in its entirety in order by design. The main character is a boy born deaf dumb and blind. In the movie Tina Turner is the acid queen and Elton John is the pinball wizard. Rogr Daltry plays Tommy himself. Like all the songs and projects the concept and music is Peter Townsend.