Tommy was the fourth studio album by The Who, a double album first released in May 1969. The album was mostly composed by guitarist Pete Townshend as a rock opera that tells the story about a deaf, dumb and blind boy, including his experiences with life and his relationship with his family.
Track listing
1. “Overture”
2. “It’s a Boy”
3. “1921”
4. “Amazing Journey”
5. “Sparks”
6. “The Hawker”
7. “Christmas”
8. “Cousin Kevin”
9. “The Acid Queen”
10. “Underture”
11. “Do You Think It’s Alright?”
12. “Fiddle About”
13. “Pinball Wizard”
14. “There’s a Doctor”
15. “Go to the Mirror!”
16. “Tommy Can You Hear Me?”
17. “Smash the Mirror”
18.”Sensation”
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Deaf, Dumb and Blind Boy Photo By: Chris Morphet/Redferns/Getty Images
The Who started recording Tommy on September 19, 1968. There was no firm title at this point, but it was referred to as Deaf, Dumb and Blind Boy, Amazing Journey,...
Meher Baba Photo By: Chris Morphet/Redferns/Getty Images
Pete Townshend came up with the concept of Tommy after being introduced to the work of Meher Baba, an Indian spiritual master, and attempted to translate Baba’s teachings into music
23-May-69 Photo By: Steve Wood/Express Newspapers/Getty Images
Tommy was released on May 17, 1969 in the U.S., and May 23 in the U.K., because of delays with the cover. The original double album was configured with sides...
The album artwork was designed by Mike McInnerney and included a booklet including lyrics and images to illustrate parts of the story. The cover is presented as part of a...
Tommy Live Photo By: Chris Walter/WireImage/Getty Images
The Who promoted the album’s release with an extensive tour, including a live version of Tommy, which lasted throughout 1969 and 1970. Key gigs from the tour included appearances at...
We’re Not Gonna Take It Photo By: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
We’re Not Gonna Take It” was written by Pete Townshend and also contains the “See Me, Feel Me” anthem that is central to the structure of Tommy. According to Townshend,...
1975 Film Photo By: GAB Archive/Redferns/Getty Images
Directed by Ken Russell, the 1975 fantasy drama film based on Tommy featured a star-studded ensemble cast. It included band members themselves with lead singer Roger Daltrey playing the title...