#190 The Who, 'Tommy' (1969)

Previously #96

The fourth album by The Who is by far their most epic. In fact, it’s epic in its own right. ‘Tommy’ is a rock opera about a “deaf, dumb and blind boy.” A 75-minute story about a boy who was born shortly after his British Army Captain father went missing, presumed dead. He returns home a few years later and upon learning that his wife has a new lover, he murders him. Young Tommy witnesses this, but his mother brainwashes him into believing it didn’t happen. This caused him to become deaf, dumb and blind. Tommy’s parents begin to neglect him, his Cousin Kevin tortures him, and his Uncle Ernie molests him. A quack doctor claims he can cure Tommy and his wife gives Tommy LSD. Later on, Tommy realises that he can feel vibrations and manages to become a ‘Pinball Wizard.’ Eventually Tommy regains his senses and becomes a powerful cult leader. After expanding it into a holiday camp, his followers reject him and he retreats inward. The end.

I’ve listened to this album so many times, but never actually listened to that extent. What a crazy story and an album that could only be released in 1969. The theme of ‘See Me, Feel Me,’ reoccurs frequently throughout the record, tying it together. The major hit on the record was ‘Pinball Wizard,’ which later became a hit for Elton John too. But this album is not about the hit, it’s about the sum of all its parts. It’s a true album. An opera in the true sense of the term. Within the space of a year, the band had played iconic performances at Woodstock, Isle Of Wight x2 and the University Of Leeds (#327). The album was later adapted into a film and a show on Broadway. I’m glad that this time around I followed the story. It was a unique and rewarding listen.

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