Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band The Who, a double album first released on 17 May 1969. The album was mostly composed by guitarist Pete Townshend, and is a rock opera that tells the story of Tommy Walker. Tommy is traumatized from witnessing his father's murder his mother’s lover. Tommy’s parents compound his trauma by denying the experience. In reaction, Tommy becomes dissociative (“deaf, dumb and blind”). Tommy then experiences the trauma of being sexually abused. As a way of coping with his trauma, Tommy dissociates further through playing pinball. He gains a following because of his skill at playing pinball. After numerous misguided attempts to heal Tommy, a doctor prescribes him a mirror so he can confront himself and his experience. Instead, Tommy becomes self-absorbed and comes to think of himself as a messianic figure. When the mirror is eventually broken, Tommy comes out of his dissociative state. Tommy then tries to lead his followers to believe that the only path to healing is through him. His followers eventually reject him and his teachings. Townshend came up with the concept of Tommy after being introduced to the work of Meher Baba, and attempted to translate Baba's teachings into music. Recording on the album began in September 1968, but took six months to complete as material needed to be arranged and re-recorded in the studio. Tommy was acclaimed upon its release by critics, who hailed it as The Who's breakthrough. Its critical standing diminished slightly in later years; nonetheless, several writers view it as an important and influential album in the history of rock music. 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 Woodstock, the 1969 Isle of Wight Festival, the University of Leeds, the Metropolitan Opera House, and the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. The live performances of Tommy drew critical praise and revitalized the band's career. Subsequently, the rock opera developed into other media, including a Seattle Opera production in 1971, an orchestral version by Lou Reizner in 1972, a film in 1975, and a Broadway musical in 1992. The original album has sold 20 million copies and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. It has been reissued several times on CD, including a remix by Jon Astley in 1996, a deluxe Super Audio CD in 2003, and a super deluxe box set in 2013, including previously unreleased demos and live material.
@bobblethreadgill4463 Жыл бұрын
Excellent analogy boss.
@gidion4004 Жыл бұрын
@@bobblethreadgill4463 Thanks dude|
@magicbrownie1357 Жыл бұрын
The Overture introduces all the important musical themes on the album, just as might happen in an opera or a symphony. Tommy is considered to be the first "rock opera." Tommy was a big, big hit and the mainstay of The Who's concerts for decades.
@mikemcadam3724 Жыл бұрын
This.
@justinatest9456 Жыл бұрын
I would recommend taking a look at wikipedia to see how the album was broken up by the band on record. The fans are used to the album starting and stopping in those same spots, and it will make it easier to figure out where the album divides up evenly, as each side of an album was a half (or quarter in this case), and sometimes counting the songs doesn't work out. For instance this album has 6, 4, 8, and 6 songs per side. Side 2 has a 10 minute song, and Side 3 has a couple of 25 second songs. Just a thought.
@helenespaulding7562 Жыл бұрын
Wow, Silas: When you hit a brand new band you don’t just dip your toe in, do you. I don’t know as I ever bought an album by an artist before hearing at least ONE song by them! I was expecting “Who Are You” or “My Generation”…..but you go all in with Tommy! Brave lad! 👍. Good on ya!
@nattijeff Жыл бұрын
One of colorful sounds in many of those early Who records is John Entwistle's french horn. We all know him as the great bass player but he did master other instruments.
@KateSuhrgirlPlays11 ай бұрын
The story of Tommy is so tragic but such a good album. Like amazing and the songs intertwine with each other so perfectly quite often.
@tedsmith7814 Жыл бұрын
The brass instrument is a French horn played by the bassist John Entwhistle
@helenespaulding7562 Жыл бұрын
Cool. Thought I was a trombone but now that you mention it …..
@roundhousenetwork Жыл бұрын
Ted is correct :)
@craigcondon2035 Жыл бұрын
Roger Daltrey is the main singer, but Pete Townshend, the guitarist also sings a lot. Keith Moon is a phenomenal drummer. And John Entwistle is quite possibly the greatest rock bassist of all time. He's on another level. You'll start to hear the bass featured prominently in many songs (check out the song "The Real Me" at some point - the bass guitar is basically the lead guitar in that song. Keith Moon died in 1978 and John Entwistle died in 2002.
@iDuckman Жыл бұрын
"basically the the lead guitar" I'm so glad you said that. I've been saying it for years. Entwistle was like Bonzo -- the foundation of the band. Without him there wasn't a band. As phenomenal as Moon was, he could be replaced, albeit never equaled. Lose Entwistle or Bonzo and you might as well throw in the towel.
@completecharleston7142 Жыл бұрын
Thx, Silas! Great choice - this album (actually 8-track) was the soundtrack for my group of friends in the summer of 69, many memories of driving around / singing along with. The Who was the first or second concert that I ever attended, circa 1967, they were the OPENING ACT for a one-hit wonder band 'Blues Magoos' and headliner 'Hermits Hermits'. Needless to say, The Who stole the show, destroying their instruments and amps for their finale song! I know that the tendency after this album is to go forward chronologically, but I recommend checking out the "Who Sell Out" album. It has a somewhat formatted approach (has radio commercials in between songs, has songs that relate to the 4 individual pictures of the band on the album cover, and also contains one of their hit songs "I Can See For Miles" that 'put them on the map'.
@phillipharrison7283 Жыл бұрын
A 'concept album' before the phrase was coined re Pink Floyd. Its a full story same as 'The Wall'. To get the emergence of The Who you do need to hear quite a bunch of songs before this album. Go with 'My Generation', 'Substitute', 'I'm a Boy', 'Pictures of Lily', 'Happy Jack', 'I Can See for Miles' and 'Magic Bus'.
@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 Жыл бұрын
Not Baba O’Riley?
@jeffjohnson8697 Жыл бұрын
You need to see The Who "Won't get Fooled Again" Live at Shepperton Studios 1978. Amazing performance
@davidlincoln78240 Жыл бұрын
I cannot say how much I appreciate you reacting to this album. It was the first I ever bought and I still love it all these years later.
@alleneh Жыл бұрын
Very cool. Look forward to what you're about to experience in discovering The WHO...but good luck. The WHO are known to be blockers. Tommy was the first Rock Opera... and Keith Moon is regarded as one of the all time great drummers. He was a wild man and so fun to watch
@MW-ni6zp Жыл бұрын
The drumming in this song always gets me! Been jamming to this album for 44 years now.
@troyhyre8043 Жыл бұрын
I foretell that you will grow to really love this band. Each member was very unique in their approach to playing music. Some of their later work really kicks A**! But there are great cuts on this album or should I say "Opera"!
@jaquestraw1 Жыл бұрын
Got the chills hearing the opening of this. It's been a while since I've heard this in its entirety ❤ Thanks Silas! You're jumping in the deep end with "Tommy" young brother. Quintessential concept album
@jean-pierreyot5871 Жыл бұрын
Been a while for me too and I thought I knew this album inside out, but probably my first listen through headphones … a whole new experience !
@ballyastrocade5672 Жыл бұрын
No matter how many times I hear this album, I get goosebumps when that Hammond organ comes in during the "Overture." 🙂
@Janeilander13 Жыл бұрын
Just set up old record player found this at local thrift store love that your doing this one
@cityhonors1 Жыл бұрын
Whoa! The Who! 👂🏻 Tommy can you hear me? 🤗 Been a minute or two! 🥰 This should be fun! 😁🤭🐰
@philipdickey6460 Жыл бұрын
If you ever saw CSI, all three themes are by The Who, (Las Vegas, Miami, and New York)
@lawrencesmith6536 Жыл бұрын
One of the most memorable concert experiences of my life was seeing The Who play Tommy when it first came out.
@KrisAdell Жыл бұрын
Hey there , I am so happy that this music lives on. I would love to see you react to the movie. Tommy, is a rock opera and has alot of stars including Tina Turner, Elton John, Eric Clapton, you would love it and you can see what you hear
@LordEagle Жыл бұрын
The Who are FANTASTIC. Who's Next is their best album,,,please don't stop until you've reacted to it. 💥💥💥🙏👍😎
@davidpeters44 Жыл бұрын
Entwistle (bassist) plays the French horn parts on the opening track.
@Chatta-Ortega Жыл бұрын
Pete Townshend is a creative genius. A true force of nature.
@tokyosteve5187 Жыл бұрын
Prepare to leave Bloomington now and you can catch them live at the United Center in Chicago (October 12). Otherwise your last best chance, maybe ever (they are getting up there in age), will be at the Enterprise Center in St Louis on October 14. Catch one of those two concerts and you can thank me later.
@tokyosteve5187 Жыл бұрын
By the way, I had tix to the concert the night of the tragedy in Cincinnati but couldn't go because one of my professors (at IU) changed the date of a semester final. Did catch them in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1982. One of the best concerts I ever saw. Edit: Here's a link to a recording of the opening of that Biloxi concert.kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqe6mpKChKiEh6c
@ButternutGOLD Жыл бұрын
Nice choice kid ! You’ll love it !
@farmersteve661 Жыл бұрын
Tommy ? Wow I could not believe it or get here fast enough . You will love the movie and it’s soundtrack as well . Thank you & congratulations! 🎸👍
@gavinblenkinsop6250 Жыл бұрын
Hey Silas Interesting that you went right in at the deep end with Tommy haha The Who had been around since 1963/64 and were mainly known for their singles and their on stage antics (smashing guitars etc) Pete Townsend is the lyricist and sings on some songs. He’s the lead guitarist and plays piano too. Roger Daltrey is the lead singer John Entwistle plays bass (and horns and trumpets) And you have Keith Moon on drums…known as Moon The Loon because he was nuts. There are plenty of videos on KZbin telling his wild stories
@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 Жыл бұрын
Joe Walsh tells the story that when The James Gang opened for The Who, the scariest words he ever heard were “Keith likes you”. He knew he was in for a wild ride.
@simply_psi Жыл бұрын
So far Silasnyou have oh heard Pete Townsend on vocals, Pete is the main songwriter and guitarist for fhe band, the lead vocalsist is Roger Daltrey and he has an epic voice, as others have said the bass player was John Entwistle (RIP), and thr drummer was Keith "the loon" Moon (RIP), Keith was not only onenof the greatest drummers of all time, was was insane, you should Google some of the stories about his antics.
@philipdickey6460 Жыл бұрын
Tommy was I believe the first rock opera, The Who first came out in 1965, songs like My Generation, Magic Bus, on this album songs like Pinball Wizard are amazing
@brewstergallery Жыл бұрын
It´s a matter of opinion but the first Rock Opera was a 1967-1968 album by The Pretty Things " S.F. Sorrow " which tells whole life of the title character through birth, childhood trauma, world war 1 experiences, personal tragedies, an attempt to deal with his demons and the loneliness of old age. A very different record and band but SF Sorrow is excellent in it's own way.
Haven't revisited this ROCK Opera, in 30 years...and feel like I'm hearing it , like you for the first time. Good Show ole chap!..carry on , Cheerio! ..👍✌️
@chuckrowland8362 Жыл бұрын
Yea it is Townshend singing mostly here..Usually roger Daltrey is lead vocals..check out their other albums man..a great experience.
@KateSuhrgirlPlays11 ай бұрын
That one sound you werent sure of but assumed another trumpet i think is actually a french horn if i remember right. Reminds me of elephants lol.
@bella-xp7qd Жыл бұрын
They actually made a movie of this album, it was classified as Rock opera.
@marymargaretmoore9034 Жыл бұрын
Tommy is their rock opera, not typical of all their work. It's great though. Keith Moon on drums. I hope you also react to their album "Who's Next."
@mikemcadam3724 Жыл бұрын
And this is structured like an opera, would be worth just doing a quick background search on how operas are structured, with the overture etc...
@reneelyons6836 Жыл бұрын
Fantastic young man!! On so many levels.
@io2467. Жыл бұрын
this is probably my favourite album of all time.
@Macdelaven Жыл бұрын
Excellent album. I saw the Who perform most of Tommy (in preparation for an upcoming HBO special) in San Diego 1989. You will definitely love the drumming throughout this opera.
@babylonsister118 Жыл бұрын
So happy to see your reaction to this album! I used to listen to it constantly in or around 1975! And I raised numerous sons and the movie was required viewing in our house. Pete Townsend is a songwriter extraordinaire IMHO! The movie is awesome and has many famous people besides The Who, Anne Margaret, who you likely don't remember, but she was a rather famous movie star, Jack Nicholson. Elton john, Tina Turner, and Eric Clapton and probably one or perhaps two I can't think of, at the moment.
@KateSuhrgirlPlays11 ай бұрын
This is their best rock opera album but another great album similar to this is Quadrophenia. Definitely worth a listen.
@allannancarrow8034 Жыл бұрын
I been listening to the who for a long time for me there best two albums where live at Leeds the Vinal version it only had 6songs but all great the other album is who's next brilliant just brilliant
@ofenomeno13817 ай бұрын
The movie is beyond amazing
@roundhousenetwork Жыл бұрын
Pete once told me a funny Woodstock story involving John and Keith. Remind me to share it with you sometime.
@dougwill8850 Жыл бұрын
French horn in the house, courtesy of John Entwistle.
@thomassanchez8956 Жыл бұрын
Fast forward 2001 Concert for New York they stole the show!!!!!!✌🏼❤️
@georgegwoolston1730 Жыл бұрын
That's a French Horn being played by John Entwistle the bass player...
@tomaleshire4145 Жыл бұрын
Keith Moon's drumming......controlled chaos. Keith Moon's life......uncontrolled chaos!😁❤️✌️
@helenespaulding7562 Жыл бұрын
As some other of your subs no doubt, I went to see this Rock Opera performed live back in 1972 or so It was quite something.
@chitownlee Жыл бұрын
That's a French Horn played by bass player John Entwistle.
@kaneikanei8173 Жыл бұрын
Listen to Tommy by the Who and London Symphony Orchestra it will blow your mind!
@Mike-rk8px Жыл бұрын
Silas, wait until you see the movie “Tommy”! It’s an experience, to say the least.
@jaydMANifistation10 ай бұрын
You have to watch the movie Tommy to understand the record. Tommy is a Rock Opera, not just a list of tunes.
@ganjiblobflankis6581 Жыл бұрын
If you have ever been in a room with one of the CSI shows on, you have heard The Who. I mean, it is possible to have never heard them, but they get used in TV shows, movies and adverts lots.
@mjwaldrep Жыл бұрын
The Who are blockers, so I'm not shocked you weren't able to include all the songs. Unfortunately, these old bands that block don't get that reactions help them stay relevant. Who's going to pirate a reaction video? It's so stupid. Anyway, I enjoyed this reaction and hope you're able to upload more of the Tommy reaction. It's such a great album!
@charlesmarkley220 Жыл бұрын
Music. Honest voices.
@KneeJerkReactions13 Жыл бұрын
New subscriber. Saw your Child in Time reaction. Had to sign up for more. I would be thrilled to see you react to a song by Cheap Trick called need your love. You would be the 2nd KZbinr to react to this song and it shows a different side of the Hall of Fame band. Make it happen please young Silas!
@JuniorFarquar Жыл бұрын
Ann Margaret (all natural, too) writhing in baked beans is the best part of this lp. Besides Reign O'er Me
@kevinbrady6075 Жыл бұрын
Reign O'er Me- wrong album
@JuniorFarquar Жыл бұрын
@@kevinbrady6075 doh! Quadraphenia, right?
@kevinbrady6075 Жыл бұрын
@@JuniorFarquar Correct.Another great song!
@Chatta-Ortega Жыл бұрын
I was in junior high when the Tommy movie was released. Ann Margaret made quite an impression on my young, innocent mind...lol.
@MrTexxan8 Жыл бұрын
Whos Next is awesome
@francoisdelpeuch8527 Жыл бұрын
Just Townshend as lead vocal on the first tracks.
@kellydelay18 Жыл бұрын
Tip of the iceberg brother
@kevinbrady6075 Жыл бұрын
Silas!!!! Are those stinky face coming before Christmas????😂This first is the Overture those a French horns,.....keep rocking Bro!
@scottzappa9314 Жыл бұрын
The Who is such a monumental band and they're still going. And if I'm not mistaken, they have considerably more albums out than Led Zeppelin for instance. And the cover you show there that's not Tommy, they just came out with that in 2018. One fairly unique quality of them is that both Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey sing, with Roger being the main lead singer. What you heard on this one is Pete. His voice is not as good as Rogers. Oh, and I forgot to mention I saw them in concert in 2013 doing "Quadrophenia." Unbelievable.
@showmoke Жыл бұрын
Keith Moon - wasn’t he the one who was famous for driving his Rolls Royce into a hotel swimming pool? 😂
@memorastАй бұрын
❤❤❤try baba O’Reilly ❤❤❤
@redmackinnon4590 Жыл бұрын
Silas, you would be so much better off watching the film 'Tommy' as you not only get the songs but also the story is fully explained as you have started The Who with a strange choice (as good as it is) Watch the film Tommy for the full experience and with artists like Tina Turner and Elton John appearing as well you won't be disappointed
@MilosDaddy Жыл бұрын
French horns. At their best!
@davebrian5455 Жыл бұрын
Not Trumpet - French Horn.
@steve55sogood16 Жыл бұрын
Watch them do "See me,Feel me" at Woodstock! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHm3laWGgZdlY7s
@scottlaughlin9897 Жыл бұрын
I’ll bet you’ve heard a song by them before.
@lynnieiapichino1121 Жыл бұрын
☮️💙💙💙🔥🔥
@endapian Жыл бұрын
Better than a Deloreane car!!!!!!
@Janeilander13 Жыл бұрын
French horn
@kevinbrady6075 Жыл бұрын
Pete and Roger,even all of them could sing,...
@mattbailey9396 Жыл бұрын
Not impressed with Part One. But, I’ll give any music a fair shake, so I’ll tune in for the rest of their stuff! 💥
@79BlackRose Жыл бұрын
Yes, very underwhelming.
@showmoke Жыл бұрын
Never got into it personally. I think the music has been pretty much been put on the back burner for many decades now. You don’t hear it talked about much these days. I just remember the cringingly embarrassing section where the uncle I think it is molests Tommy. Uncomfortable listening tbh, which is maybe why the album is not listened to much these days.
@79BlackRose Жыл бұрын
@@showmoke Jeez! 😮
@79BlackRose Жыл бұрын
@@showmoke I just read John Entwistle's lyrics to Fiddle About. WTF? How gross! 🤢
@showmoke Жыл бұрын
@@79BlackRose - Quite so! Maybe something that shouldn’t be put to music?
@79BlackRose Жыл бұрын
I wasn't going to watch this but in a weak moment I did. It just sounds so lame. I won't follow this pal.
@milldude19 Жыл бұрын
Lamest comment ever. Even if you don't like the story it's worth listening just for the drumming alone.
@79BlackRose Жыл бұрын
@@milldude19 It is an opinion. If I just want to hear drumming, I can listen to Buddy Rich.
@milldude19 Жыл бұрын
@@79BlackRose It is a matter of taste. It's OK though there's no accounting for taste.
@79BlackRose Жыл бұрын
@@milldude19 It just sounds so weak to start a concept album to me. Compared to The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway by Genesis or The Wall by Pink Floyd. Just my opinion.
@showmoke Жыл бұрын
@@79BlackRose - I’m with you on that - just my opinion.
@davidh.8798 Жыл бұрын
I like the vids, but you should branch out from stodgy 70's rock. Zepp & Who aren't aging well IMO. Not enough good songs. Not enough fun or joy in their music. Too one-paced. Not enough to inspire a young man. Even Floyd only have 2 good albums before running out of ideas. Try Bowie and the Beatles instead. Then Joy Division and the Smiths. More colour, better songs, more exciting.