THE WHO - Pinball Wizard | REACTION

Is This A True Story😳
Here’s the video link • The Who - Pinball Wiza...

[@TwitchyMcgee0]

“Tommy”. Is a rock opera. This song that is part of this opera. Needs to be heard in its entirety. During the quarantine. You can probably find the movie somewhere. Happy searching....

[@Caseytify]

Oh, Lord, don't bring up the movie! The original album only.

[@thebiglebowski8591]

Yep, album end to end

[@JamieZoeGivens]

Tina Turner is the Acid Queen in the movie

[@stephcol23]

Bought this album when I was 12 cause my mom wouldn’t let me see the movie. Thanks, Mom! You did me a great favor.

[@TwitchyMcgee0]

Yeah the movie is kind of goofy. But it could give some context to Jamel.

[@dougstrong1750]

"Tommy" is traumatized, as a child, when he witnesses his father's murder by his mother and her lover. Afterward, he is berated by them as they tell him "You didn't hear it. You didn't see it. You never heard it, not a word of it. You won't say nothing to no one, never tell a soul what you know is the truth." He is so traumatized that he shuts down, and becomes, effectively, deaf, dumb, and blind. Listen to the entire rock opera, "Tommy". It's a masterpiece!

[@monteporche5552]

Oddly enough....in the stage version of the show, it's the father who kills the mother's new fiancee'.

[@dougstrong1750]

@@monteporche5552, it's entirely possible that I have the two men mixed up, as I have never watched the movie. I didn't like hearing the other artists performing the songs.

[@monteporche5552]

@@dougstrong1750 no, in the movie, the fiancee kills the father. They changed it for the Broadway version.

[@andyhoustonrest]

Not to mention "wicked Uncle Ernie" who would "Fiddle About".

[@cricket778]

Monte Porche I only know the album version. Dad kills the fiancé

[@jansenart0]

Jamal, "Dumb" also means "unable to speak" or "mute". So the dude in the song (Tommy, from the rock opera) is mute, deaf, blind, but somehow absolutely dominates pinball.

[@brupic8968]

jansen...i had this conversation the other day, but not about this song. words can change over time and i used the 'dumb' in deaf and dumb as an example. something that was offensive for whatever reason once upon a time might not be anymore or, more likely, is offensive now.

[@jansenart0]

@@brupic8968 The fact is, over time, any word describing any disability will eventually become a slur. Look at retarded, slow, moron, imbecile, disabled, challenged, etc.

[@brupic8968]

@@jansenart0 my point......

[@SteveRivendale]

Gotta see "Tommy" like the others are saying. The cool part is Elton John sings Pinball Wizard in the movie.

[@mikeremski2102]

and Jack Nicholson, and Tina Turner and Eric Clapton and Anne-Margret.

[@acidqueen6460]

Yes!

[@christopherj5780]

Acid Queen is awesome

[@tedyellacatbabb5718]

The boots that Elton John wears are worth the viewing!

[@pambinkov4069]

Took my 6 year old daughter to see Tommy when it came out, she didn't ask to go to the bathroom or anything until the movie was over. She absolutely loved it. The lead singer of The Who play the deaf,dumb and blind kid. You should definitely try to watch it

[@michaelbriefs9764]

PW is from “Tommy”, The Who’s Rock Opera. Fictional character. Legendary album!!

[@MickAv8r]

Can’t cherry pick this one man, gotta take Tommy as a whole, then this song makes sense.

[@nickshane9314]

See I've loved this song for years and never knew it was something bigger also I think Pinball Wizzard can stand by its self as a good time that being said I really want to see this rock oppra

[@nickshane9314]

Tune not time dang auto correct

[@franklinrwful]

Pinball Wizard was released as a single quite a long time before the album Tommy came out. It was still quite a big hit at the time though.

[@jacobjones5269]

I agree with this.. Listen to the entire album, it’s worth it..

[@jwaldhelm]

From “Tommy”, a double album, the first rock opera. You have to listen to the whole amazing, fantastic album and this is a part of the whole story. Written by Pete Townshend of The Who, a music genius. Do yourself a favor and get the album, one of the classics.

[@JackTheGinger4]

The human mind is amazing. I spent 3 years working at a facility for the developmentally disabled and we had a client named David that was completely blind and couldn't hold a conversation with anyone. he could understand basic phrases and reply with one to two word responses, but musically, he was a genius. he would listen to the radio and sit at his piano and listen to songs ONE TIME and could play the entire song as well as sing it word for word at the same time. even if the song had no piano parts at all, he would play the guitar or synthesizer parts on his piano.

[@jayscollops]

its from The Who's rock opera Tommy. when they made it into a film Elton John sings it. he done it good too

[@mancbiker17]

Yeah you have to see the film to get the full context. I think I prefer Elton Johns version as well. Has a bit more kick to it 😊

[@larrybutler4964]

And with Tina Turner as the Acid Queen.

[@kevinkeys1155]

A young Tina Turner as the acid queen was crazy.

[@MatroxMillennium]

@@mancbiker17 I definitely prefer the Elton John version.

[@iDEATH]

I mean, Sir Elton... 'nuff said.

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

My man, the legendary Bill Withers has died. Would appreciate you giving some tributes today. 'Who Is He (And What Does He Mean To You)' is one I recommend. 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'Use Me' are good too. By the way, 'Pinball Wizard' is a fictitious song. It was a part of the concept album, 'Tommy,' and even got a movie baring the album's name.

[@RraMakutsi]

Yes... please do a video series on this late, great soul singer soon (Grandma's Hands, Lean on Me, Use Me, etc.)... . Peace and love :-)

[@beerguy6490]

@@RraMakutsi You two beat me to it. Was going to request it myself. He was definitely legend. Cheers and a toast to you both and RIP Mr. Withers.

[@jimponton693]

Agreed. Reaction to Bill Withers would be great. "Use Me" is my personal favorite.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Oh man! That is sad...everyone dying.

[@primeminister66]

Aint No Sunshine....CLASSIC

[@LearnToRefine]

I watched the movie "Tommy" at far too young an age. It freaked me out for a while. But the music is Amazing!.. The Who - *"See Me, Feel Me / Listening To You"* Live at the Isle of Wight Festival

[@andrewfischer8564]

me too. my brother and friend too. we were on a vacation and the camp took us to this. we didnt know what to think..

[@bluetopguitar1104]

On of the most creative guitarists,sometimes not given enough credit. Tommy is one of 2 great concept albums,the other being Quadraphenia.

[@deanpd3402]

In all my life I have never known Pete Townshend to not get enough credit. He was always ranked up there alongside Clapton and Hendrix. But all three of them regarded Robert Fripp as the greatest.

[@cade9173]

@@deanpd3402 he’s rarely ranked with Clapton and Hendrix but he is probably better than both

[@rhettboy1]

This song is from a rock opera called Tommy. Tommy is the “deaf, dumb and blind kid” referenced in the song. It’s a really great movie. Well worth a watch if you can find it.

[@johnenock1198]

I was an extra in the Pinball Wizard sequence with Elton John. Great Experience!

[@kennylloyd7645]

@@johnenock1198 wow, I am from Brighton, and this tune is an anthem

[@rhettboy1]

That’s so cool John!

[@johnenock1198]

Why so, Kenny? It was filmed in Portsmouth where I was a student, by the way. Pinball Wizard was the second 45 I ever bought; still have it. One of the best records ever. The B side is as mental a thing as The Who ever recorded.

[@quentinmichel7581]

The album should be listened to in its entirety before seeing the movie version. Kick back put your feet up close your eyes and go for the ride as the story of Tommy unfolds. Contains some of the most iconic music from The Who..

[@arladicey]

Jamel, this song comes from The Who's iconic rock opera album, "Tommy", which was made into a cult classic film in the 70s, and a hit Broadway musical in the late 90s. Lead guitarist Pete Townsend wrote the fictional rock opera in the 60s, and it was a hit album. In the movie, Elton John played the reigning Pinball Wizard, and sings this song... as he loses to Tommy. MOVIE SPOILERS: FILM SYNOPSIS BELOW In the movie from the 70s, which starred the Who and many famous stars, Tommy was the deaf, dumb(meaning non-verbal) and blind lead character of the rock opera. He was played by The Who's legendary lead singer, Roger Daltrey. Tommy had no disabilities at all, as a young child... until he saw his biological father, presumed dead in WWII, accidentally killed when he suddenly reappeared without warning... by Tommy's stepfather. He saw the reflection of the deadly confrontation in his mother's bedroom mirror. His parents kept trying to convince him that he had heard and seen nothing, and that he shouldn't speak about it. His shock and trauma were so bad, that he went practically catatonic: deaf, mute, and blind. In the ensuing years, Tommy's desperate mother and step-father looked everywhere for a cure, where Tommy often was left in the "care" of people who abused him, without the parents' knowledge. However, the parents really didn't show great judgement in who they turned to for help. Tommy in the movie was completely fixated on a large mirror in his mother's room, even though he was blind. He had visions in his mind after every failed attempt to cure him, after every experience of abuse. Tommy grew to manhood, still uncured. His mother turned to alcohol. In his mind, Tommy longed for release, and often sang the phrase, "see me, feel me, touch me, heal me" in his head, though he was unable to communicate beyond himself. One good thing that happened was that he became famous, and the family rich, when it was discovered that he had a natural gift at playing pinball, even though he was deaf and blind. He won many tournaments, and made a lot of money... including the one in this song, where he became the new Pinball Wizard. He gained scores of fans. But he remained deaf, dumb and blind. His doting mother became so frustrated, and alarmed by his yearslong obsession with the mirror, that she shattered it, and he fell through it, into another dimension. And when that happened, his vision, hearing, and voice were restored to him. He was freed from his prison of silence and darkness, and he became spiritually aware. He became a prophet of sorts, a spiritual guru; and his fans from his pinball days became his ardent followers. His mother and stepfather stayed at his side. But eventually, his believers became disillusioned, and destroyed the compound/holiday camp he had built to teach them in. In the chaos, his mother and stepfather were killed. After that, a shocked and grieving Tommy wandered into the wilderness, and found his peace to begin again. There were some differences in the album, the film and the Broadway production, though several things stayed pretty much the same. The Broadway show, with assistance from The Who themselves, changed several elements. However, it kept the music and basic story of the rock opera as central to the show. The film version, a cult classic, was pretty wild, but it's iconic. You should try to watch it during this quarantine.

[@blackfuel1]

Excellent synopsis!

[@scherado01]

I was asked to play a song on drums for a private gig for relatives of my friend. He asked me to pick a song that I wanted to play "solo," while he rested. I said, "Pinbal Wizard." He said ok, and put on this song. I said, What the bleep is this? I ONLY knew Elton John's brilliant cover at that time. John's version is spectacular imo.

[@arladicey]

@@blackfuel1 thanks!

[@oldedominion8782]

Remember, that was the era when bands were experimenting with full album concepts, every song telling a story that leads into the next song. Rush did it with '2112', Pink Floyd did it with 'The Wall', etc. This was the era of rock music expanding far beyond it's little 45 single track roots, every band that had it in them, was experimenting, pushing the envelope. Some of these, you just HAVE to hear the entire album (and bear in mind that these were two-sided formats) to understand the story.

[@scottwocher9812]

Tommy was the first of such full concept albums. In my view if Tommy hadn't been made the other bands concept albums probably would never have been created. Townsend is a genius.

[@davidsoares9128]

@@scottwocher9812 Sgt Peppers was the first concept album--of course the Beatles weere pioneers in everything.

[@ArgonTheAware]

Genesis also did it with The Lamb lies down on Broadway

[@brianmusson1827]

Tommy is a fictitious character from The Who’s album ‘Tommy’ Brilliant Song and album .

[@NoelVento]

You gotta see Peter Townsend playing with his signature “windmill” strum

[@patsstuffclark9522]

Do you ever swing your arm around when you hear The Who on the radio??

[@SpaceCattttt]

TownsHend.

[@NoelVento]

Pat's Stuff Clark That’s “Air guitar.”

[@johnenock1198]

@@patsstuffclark9522 I'd probably dislocate my shoulder now that I'm in my 60s but Pete still seems to manage it and he's 10 years older!

[@xgman9846]

And listen at proper volume, "Who Volume"

[@thatashgirl83]

This song makes little sense out side the context of the Tommy the Musical. And yes....he's deaf, mute (that's what dumb means....they don't mean stupid) and is blind. In the movie, Elton John sings the song.

[@theothertonydutch]

I'm sure you meant "mute" but "muts" is dutch for "hat", particularly something wintery like a beany, so I had a laugh.

[@tracybarber-kier1669]

...and Elton John does the best version... 😁

[@aafjeyakubu5124]

Basically came here to say this. Pinball Wizard is a great song on its own, but given the context of Tommy, it makes much more sense. And it's one of my favorite scenes in the movie.

[@josephbradshaw4092]

Dumb is deaf and mute together.

[@jameskirschling7887]

Ok I'm going to say it, I don't much care for Elton John's version. Just my opinion.

[@cyndybensema7189]

We had this album. My son is visually impaired and was born around the time this was popular. He's older than you by a few years, and is doing well, but I ended up working with blind children due to his issues. I've worked with deaf and blind children, and no, there is no way someone who is deaf and blind could be a pinball wizard. They need a lot of help to learn. Think of Helen Keller. But we loved this album (33 1/3 RPMs) and yet, it always made me sad to hear it. The movie they made out of the "rock opera" was entertaining. The Who/Pete Townsend is/are amazing. I thought you'd have recognized this one! Great reaction! I love your optimism that there could be someone with those sensory issues that could actually be a pinball wizard. :)

[@johnmcbarron7282]

As a kid, this jumped out of the radio! I kept my AM radio under my pillow at night and would wait for it. Pure excitement! Great memories! The whole story is a lark but a great story. Check out the whole TOMMY work. It made a great play that ran in various cities simultaneously. Also, a good reaction video might be See Me Feel Me/Right Behind You.

[@ffjsb]

"Bally table" refers to Bally, who was a leading manufacturer of pinball machines. Same company as Bally's in Vegas.

[@peterblood50]

The company had strong "mob" connections during the '60's and 70's.

[@danareynolds1786]

I wonder what they used for "Bally" in the British radio version of this song. I ask that because the BBC didn't allow use of brand names in songs - advertising laws or some idiotically typical British thing. That's why in the Kinks song, "Lola", the British version said "cherry cola" instead of "Coca Cola".

[@loudonrebel]

😱

[@Kohoutek67]

Dana Reynolds which, also, is why Paul Simon’s “Kodachrome,” a #2 hit in the States wasn’t released as a single in England.

[@julioquancy7317]

Glad you posted this info. I was going to do the same. We had a Bally when I was growing up. Spent countless hours playing that pinball machine in the backroom.

[@baskervillebee6097]

It's the rock opera "Tommy." If you haven't seen it or the hilarious Elton John video, there is a chunk out of your life. The Who are Legends.

[@davidhoward2487]

I'd like to recommend, Roger Daltrey, singing "See Me/Feel Me/Listening To You"....also from "Tommy"

[@dantallman5345]

Thx. I was hoping somebody would mention this part of Tommy. For me this was the climax of the album. First time using good headphones was that song....blew my mind.

[@jenniferwintz2514]

Go to the mirror, boy.

[@pauldpa6359]

You gotta follow this up with "See Me, Feel Me " comes after this

[@bluesaloon]

All I can say is Pete Townshend is a genius and can tell amazing stories through his music.

[@user-ht7qq2uc3n]

Add the Ox on bass & Keith Moon on drums....

[@doplinger1]

This REALLY needs to be heard in context of the whole Tommy album. As a standalone song it doesn't mean near as much if you don't know the whole story.

[@vic70ria]

Dave Oplinger I’ve never heard the whole thing. But I have always loved this song. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@badwulff]

@@vic70ria Same, the tune and everything is on-point. Such a classic song edit: I mean, I ended up listening to Tommy in full, but many years after I discovered this song

[@doplinger1]

vic70ria - you’d love it!

[@TheCornishCockney]

as with EVERY rock and prog album from the 70's but kids today want it and want it NOW,no patience for a whole album. just skip,hear a short snatch.....skip,skip....

[@doplinger1]

@@TheCornishCockney - well, for the concept albums true, but this one in particular. You saw how he struggled to figure out the lyrics, and thought it was a true story of someone, and he couldn't quite put it together.

[@eryn0807]

I just wanted to say thank you. watching the joy you get from discovering the music is so wonderful and I think you are very insightful. I'm enjoying hanging out with you during these truly bizarre times. please stay safe and well

[@cherylcercopely5496]

The Who wrote this rock opera Tommy and it was made into a movie with Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Elton John (he sang Pinball Wizard in the movie), Tina Turner, Jack Nicholson, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey as Tommy and the rest of The Who have parts in it, too.

[@threewing]

Listen to the entire album to understand the sad introversy Tommy is hiding in. Because of abuse he has withdrawn from reality and can only see himself in the mirror. The balls of the pinball machine are little mirrors and that's all he can see. When it comes to story telling the concept albums of the late sixties and early seventies are magnificent. Tommy is a masterpiece. You're in for a ride to cover a lot of the rock tunes. Keep it up. I like...

[@floorticket]

Tommy was released in 1969. However the film was 1975.

[@threewing]

@@floorticket thnx

[@merlinsclaw]

You do need to understand it in context, Jamel. The entire album needs to be listened to (or you can watch the movie) 💛

[@robertcartier5088]

@@merlinsclaw I really like the Elton John version of this song, in the movie!

[@AwkwardAnxiousJennifer]

You should definitely react to the entire movie of "Tommy." Your brain will explode. Used to watch it about once a year with my dad.

[@melissarieger1898]

Man all theses songs your reacting to is so bringing back memories and just so happy your touching on all theses great legendary classic song

[@BobG127]

I was fortunate enough to see these guys in perhaps the best two concerts they ever put on -- and they had the reputation for being the best concert rock band in existence. They were a 3-instrument band: one guitar, bass, and drums. All Roger Daltrey ever did was sing (but BOY, did he sing!). Two of the highlights of my life. In-freaking-credible.

[@MrDDiRusso]

The kid playing by sense of smell is a joke. He's got crazy flipper fingers. The point is the narrator can't figure out why the kid is such a great pinball player. Elton John sang this song in the movie.

[@kenwelch198]

Another part of the Tommy story is See Me, Feel Me. Check it out for of his life.

[@tracieh215]

YES THIS

[@hawaiivolcanosquad3322]

Elton John as the Bally table king in Tommy was just amazing. Elton starting playing piano at years old and performed live since that age.

[@dlibera27]

Hey Jamal. It's great that you are listening to the greatest rock band. To truly appreciate The Who, you need to check out some of their early live performances. They will totally blow you away.

[@scoonman]

Still have to do The Real Me just for the drums and bass...

[@sandmanlogan5ran149]

I been pushing that too, I think we're wearing him down....

[@sassmcg2606]

Yes! So good, just listened to all of Quadrophenia today.

[@watsonroadster3707]

The Real Me is a must do here!!!

[@bassplayerfunk]

John Entwistle was a legendary bassist and The Real Me, shows it

[@laurapennington4498]

My favorite! Played correctly you can really feel it!

[@metheus108]

There is a lot of great Who to explore. Thanks for piping some entertainment into the sanity center, its been a journey for sure!

[@proudarmymom8657]

Can’t listen to The Whos “pinball Wizard” without hearing this entire album which is called Tommy it’s a rock opera album and it tells a story! You have to hear it from song one straight through to the final song and pinball Wizard is somewhere near the middle so to really understanding the story you have to hear it from the beginning! All the songs are lined to tell a story and this is probably one of the best rock albums of all time it’s up there for sure!!

[@mikefannon6994]

I saw the Who play "Tommy" in Atlanta, 1970 or 71 (long time ago). Still remember Townsends windmill guitar chords and Moon pounding the drums!

[@bigs6566]

Here’s the truth, John Entwistle is a freaking beast!

[@JoeHamelin]

This

[@ekgrafix]

Basically any band you can think of that has a top tier drummer -like The Who- they also have a badass on bass

[@kevinheintz4046]

Yes

[@keithlordofalbascotland3371]

Where's the book?

[@GruncleRick]

The Ox had a handle on the bass.

[@kevinwallace8517]

When you watch "Tommy", and you will watch...keep an "eye" out for Gypsy.

[@widdershins5383]

KEVIN Wallace keep an eye out for the acid queen lol

[@lorinwold6473]

They have not only made a movie out of this rock opera but it was also made into a Broadway musical! This is also one of those where you should take the time to listen to Tommy as a whole to understand this as well as many other great songs on the album.

[@buckleymordecai9605]

Here's the deal Jamal, here's why I watch/listen to you: you actually engage the video emotionally and visually, AND you look at us in the camera! Too many other reaction videos don't do either! You show your 'virginity' to a given video...i.e. you show what you don't know, that's freaking key Sir!

[@plk5520]

The lyrics tell the story, but don't let the words distract you from the music, the musicianship and the fact that Keith Moon actually existed in real life and could play the drums with such an amazing, utterly unique sense of rhythm.

[@namechangedtoprotecttheinn6051]

"put in your ear plugs, put on your eye shades, you know where to put the cork"

[@Quadeus1]

"Hey you smoking mother nature, this is a bust!"

[@Beamer1969]

And freedom tastes like reality

[@swinde]

We're not gonna take it, We're not gonna Take it, Never did and never will, don'r want no religion and as far as I can tell.... We're gonna Ra-e you, forsake you, let's forget you better still.

[@ianmcgeehan4627]

The 'kid' who (being described so genuinely accurate lyrically)they are singing about, was in all actuality a certain well known British subjects' father. Twas from the papers (known as 'rags' or 'fish wrappers' ) back in the late '80s' early '90s', which often featured front cover stories about a mercurial 'lobster boy' who had a genetic deformity. It was this very same defect -passed on via the paternal side of the family genome- that gave him 'flipper like fingers' or in this case ' lobster claw' looking phalanges (or fingers). However it isn't he, 'Lobster Boy' that's at the heart of this ode, but instead it be his father. His see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil dad, that the song memorialized. Known around the tri county area for his obvious deformity. Having only one apparent skill, guided by intuition and a keen sense of smell, he managed to use those flipper shaped fingers to twiddle and twaddle that magic button, replay after replay until the shaking, pulsating and vibrating was more than he could bear, as his body spastically jerking and thrusting in and out and out and in. Until the last and final burst from the ball launcher brought forth the climax that first crowned about 8 or 9 months later, even making it into that weekly world news if im not mistaken. Everyone has heard the stories by now. Also, the guy was a wizard at pinball.

[@jamesgray3785]

I am 68 years old and lived through this era. The story behind this song goes back to the album. This was The Who's rock opera album. Every song on the album is part of the opera. A movie called "Tommy" was made from the story and songs staring Jack Nicholson and Ann Margerett. Check it out.

[@staceyfelice4386]

Pete Townshend wanted Stevie Wonder to play the pinball wizard in the film “Tommy”. Jamal, you may like “We’re Not Gonna Take It/ See Me Feel Me” from the same album.

[@fishingforcompliments9779]

Recommending Neil Young 'southern man'; 'the needle and the damage done'; 'ohio'(live at Massey Hall); 'my my hey hey(out of the blue) '

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

And after you listen to Southern Man, listen to 'Sweet Home Alabama' from Lynyrd Skynyrd....one is an answer to the other....

[@robertcartier5088]

@@CorneiliusLibowitz Yeah, well... not a true answer... Basically, he calls them out and they say, mind your own damn business. They do not address the facts in Neil's song at all. So, as much as I love the song, Sweet Home Alabama as a retort to Southern Man, is laughable at best!

[@Coolrockndad]

Tommy is the fourth studio album by The Who, a double album released in 1969. The album was mostly composed by guitarist Pete Townshend, and is a rock opera that tells the story of Tommy Walker, a "deaf, dumb and blind" boy, including his experiences with life and his relationship with his family. It hit #1 in the U.S. and is one of their biggest selling albums alone with the album "Who's Next".

[@stanleyteriaca2184]

The song is about Tommy, who was struck deaf, blind, and dumb when he caught his mother and who would be his stepfather in bed together. This is a part of a wider narrative. The blindness and deafness are psychological in nature...he might actually be seeing his reflection off the pinball. Also, like everyone is saying, watch/listen to Tommy the rock opera. The entire record/film/musical is about at the whole Tommy, a hippie savior.

[@GaryHall1071]

It’s from a rock opera which is a group of songs with a common theme. The rock opera is called Tommy, and it’s about a boy who was traumatized by his mother and a lover who became deaf dumb and blind from the incident. You really need to listen to the entire thing in one listening and then you can understand the story. It is a story. It’s not based on a true living person.

[@klasseact6663]

Jamal, "The Real Me" from the Who is AWSOME! Also check out "Eminence front" from the Who also. If you wanna go a little deeper check out Pete Townshend, the guitarist, solo work...its GREAT! Roger Daultry did solo work as well, check out "Under a raging Moon", about the Who's original drummer Keith Moon, it's a GREAT GREAT song!

[@RossJDubin]

I has been trying get him to react to "the real me" as well

[@cherylhurst7093]

Love Daltry's vocals on The Real Me.

[@owenladner6496]

@@cherylhurst7093 DOCTA, DOCTA?!?!?!

[@Mimi-sf5sq]

Tommy is a Rock Opera. The Who, Elton John, Tina Turner (the Acid Queen) Ann Margaret and a lot of stars are in it.

[@sdgakatbk]

First, congratulations! You are now listening to the best rhythm section in rock history, with Keith Moon on drums and John Entwistle on bass. I will repeat what others have written, listen to the whole album Tommy, (NOT the movie). It is a rock opera and where this song was taken from. And yes, it was about a deaf, dumb, and blind boy. It is EXCELLENT from beginning to end and well worth a listen. Another Who song you may want to check out is Young Man Blues, either the version from Live at Leeds or a live version of it from 1970 on youtube. And they were a GREAT live band! The original Who was really were a super group with Roger Daltry singing, Pete Townshend playing guitar and doing a lot of the songwriting, John Entwistle playing bass, and of course Keith Moon on drums.

[@jeremydraper733]

Tommy The lamb lies down on Broadway The wall All need to be heard in full. You can listen to some songs alone but those albums are meant to be heard in full

[@curunduraj]

You need to listen to the whole rock opera album "Tommy" to get the whole story. Masterpiece.

[@cuebj]

It's one song in a double album called . Townshend was challenged by their manager to write an opera and it is as weird as any classical opera but there is a story to it and "Pinball Wizard" fits loosely into that story. The story is soldier goes in missing in action, becomes PoW, wife has affair, soldier returns and kills the lover (some later versions have it the other way round). Young son witnesses it and is traumatized to lock down as deaf, dumb, and blind. Isolated and powerless, he is bullied by his cousin Kevin and abused by Uncle Ernie (Townshend has some memories of being bullied and abused as a child). Eventually, Tommy realises his hightened awareness (like superpower in Marvel comics) that lets him play pinball brilliantly. This builds up a following resembling religious fervour the sort of thing we saw in Beatlemania. Eventually, he breaks through into a realisation and healing of himself. In the film (mostly rubbish), Tina Turner plays the Acid Queen brilliantly so The Who subsequently have similar singers play that part on stage, eg Patti Labelle. Elton John does a great version of "Pinball Wizard" playing the part of the pinball champion who is defeated by Tommy. The story plays with a range of themes. The whole generation who were traumatized by WW2 and their children who grew up in such an emotionally locked down and financially bankrupt country. There's child abuse representing not just the individual character but all children who have noone to hear their concerns and fears (baby boomers but not the side of the boom that usually gets talked about). There's the superpower and Marvel comic theme where powerless children and teens dream of being significant in an able-bodied and able-minded world. There's the perhaps uniquely British concept of the holiday camp where mostly working class blue collar families would go for a week or two in the summer to a fixed price, entertainment provided, and almost bullying everyone to drink up and have a great time - think of the final song, "Always look on the bright side of life", in the later Monty Python film crossed with an LSD-laced water supply and a Russian Gulag prison work camp. Wow - that might be accurate, to an extent, but it's also unfair and patronising to a business model that served a very useful purpose before cheap air flights to the Mediterranean and package holidays to Spain. With all his fans, devotees, followers, at the holiday camp. Music gets through to him and, then, he can express himself in the vibrations and instincts of pinball (perhaps a parallel with more recent obsessions with online gaming?). Tommy himself has an illusory mirror image of himself which is not the real him and eventually smashes the mirror to understand his real self (think distorted mirrors in a fairground). The unity of performer and devotees appears in the final song group "Listening to you"/"See me, feel me" which The Who were performing as the sun came up at dawn at Woodstock or the Isle of Wight (I'm not sure which).

[@Philar72]

Saw the touring Broadway show Tommy. It's the best production show I've ever seen. In Austin, however many years ago, the band was so good that the audience crowded down to the orchestra pit and gave the band a standing ovation. The guitar soloist on Pinball Wizard was so enthusiastic when playing this song, it was a marvel to see.

[@nikosgrekos]

Different age, brother! Positive message.

[@Sturm01]

1:03 that look of "shiz just got real"

[@joshuamichael8345]

Love see people enjoying my favorite band. You have got to check out My Generation from the Live at Leeds album. One of their many amazing live performances. It's a mini opera all in one song.

[@tomyoung9049]

Love this song, I've always loved pinball more than the other games in the arcade. Fact that this came from a rock opera called "Tommy" and thats what all my family called me growing up(some still do). Added to the fun of this.

[@mikeblack1860]

The Who are a live band. Check out “Young Man Blues” from the Album Live at Leeds. The band Rush credits The Who for influencing their sound with just 3 people. The live album and that picticular song will blow you away of to the Power of this band live in their prime.

[@watsonroadster3707]

Young Man's Blues live at the Isle of Wight is a much better version, in my opinion...Possibly the most devastating piece of live music ever. You can see it on the movie "Listening To You"...

[@MadSlantedPowers]

Watson Roadster The Isle of Wight version is the one I know. I was visiting a friend when the movie of that festival was on TV. The clip of that song is on another platform. That was the main thing I remember from watching that concert film.

[@watsonroadster3707]

@@MadSlantedPowers Everyone talks about the Live at Leeds version. And, it's good...Live at The Isle of Wight is otherworldly!!

[@MadSlantedPowers]

Watson Roadster Indeed. I had heard about how great a live band The Who were, but hadn’t really seen them much. That performance blew me away.

[@gilmanc]

The Rock Opera Tommy. You need to check the whole thing out, especially “Go to the Mirror, Boy”

[@gilmanc]

I got $250 to your Venmo to react to the rock opera from start to finish.

[@LindaEll]

This is amazing to see them perform it live in concert! So happy to have experienced it.

[@leandabee]

Wow, I still have this on vinyl and saw the movie back in the 70s. Roger Daltry was Tommy and as a child he saw his Mother and her boyfriend murder his real Dad which caused him to become pschosomaticlly damaged🥺, so can't speak, hear or see. So many amazing stars in the movie from back in the day 💖💖

[@pmrich7035]

Classic rock opera album Tommy Tommy has a ‘rough life’. Withdraws into a shell therefore ‘deaf, dumb and blind’ This song is just one phase in his life You really need to listen to this one in it’s entirety Or better yet, find a copy of the movie. ALL the big names of the time were in that movie ( Elton John, Tina Turner etc)

[@stevenhershkowitz2265]

Tommy can you hear me?

[@michaeldubya]

Steven Hershkowitz See me eee

[@jimralston7562]

Feel me?

[@robertcartier5088]

@@jimralston7562 ...3 weeks and nobody dares to say the next line cause it's so creepy! lol "Touch me..."

[@robertwade3845]

@@robertcartier5088 Heal me

[@benrogers3311]

Hey Jamal, Great work Champion, I think ya been, The Who "Hooked", Cheers from Sydney Australia mate

[@jmj8596]

hi Jamel 👍🏻... wait for it ... mind blown 🎸 ... this is from their 'rock opera" Tommy ... also Elton John is in the film as part of the song ... with Daltry as Tommy ... damn KZbin playing tricks by not showing this to me till now 🙄🤪 ... also 'Tommy' would have heightened touch too lol

[@bundymccain2642]

The Who: The Real Me. The baseline will melt your face off. The band W.A.S.P. does a great cover of this song also.

[@V7avalon]

They are talking about Tommy the main character of the self titled Rock Opera which is also a movie. A must see feature as this is just 1 act in the play.

[@Az777]

I just wanted to tell you how enjoyable your videos are and how much your time really is appreciated. Especially right now. Keep on keepin' on, man. And I hope your wife likes the music she's been subjected to lately. :D PS: I agree with the others. Please- you must see Tommy. It's worth the 3.99 rental fee. I promise.

[@justineapril7922]

Elton John also covered this song in the movie, "Tommy", The Who's rock opera. The movie is a trip!! If you watch it, Tina Turner plays the "Acid Queen" in the movie as well. Very strange rock opera. The Who also wrote and released another rock opera, "Quadrophenia." An excellent tune off that double album is "5:15."

[@old_school_4ever]

RIP Bill Withers..... honor him by listening to Lovely Day. As I'm almost certain you know what song this is. Bill Withers -- Lovely Day

[@2869may]

"How do think he does it, I don't know, what makes him so good"

[@timcardona9962]

Great review haha....really had me crackin up! This album is full of incredible songs: christmas, acid queen, eyesight to the blind, I'm free, sensation....it's an amazing record.

[@feliciaariza27]

This is from The Who's rock opera Tommy. Tommy is not physically deaf, dumb (mute), and blind but is actually in a catatonic state after being traumatized by seeing his father kill his mother's lover through the reflection in a mirror. His parents tell him that he didn't see anything, hear anything, and is not to tell anyone about it. Pete Townshend (The Who's lead guitarist and principal songwriter) wrote the song after talking to a friend about what they thought about the album at first to which the friend said that it was a little too dark; so Pete knowing that this friend enjoyed playing pinball decided to add the idea that Tommy becomes pinball champion despite appearing as deaf, dumb, and blind. The song is sung from the perspective of someone else watching Tommy playing. I highly suggest listening to the album in its entirety.

[@joehynes5452]

You need to listen to Tommy, the entire album(there's a movie too) It's a Rock Opera..........Then listen to Quadrophenia(there's a movie as well) which might be their best record other than Who's Next

[@BackyardEngineer334]

Bill Withers died today do his song “Just the two of us” please

[@TANTRUMGASM]

...died like 4 days ago..but Hell yea to "just the two of us "

[@jeremydarkeag1e85]

I did not know that...im gutted...but thanks:)

[@2869may]

And!!! "Use Me Up" That's the one for me.

[@ronhatcher7734]

that is sooo fine!

[@davegoodridge8352]

Sad news

[@johnpbh]

The very first "Rock Opera"... It's very much a concept album and this track is just part of the story. The film was directed by one of the best "out there" directors, Ken Russell. In the film Elton John sings this song and Roger Daltry plays the "deaf, dumb and blind kid"... Well worth a watch if you can cope with the '70's crazyness. Keep on rocking...

[@karenwojcik2829]

Roger Daltrey was the cofounder and songwriter of the band “The Who.” And he also played the deaf, dumb, and blind kid in the 1974 film "Tommy" . starring other famous people such as Ann Margret, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Tina Turner as the acid queen. Check the movie out on IMBD.

[@stevencantrellzenroom7383]

If you haven’t seen Tommy then you can’t appreciate this Watch the movie

[@nickshane9314]

That's not true it has been my favorite Who song since I 1st heard it roughly 12 years ago but only an hour ago did I find out about Tommy so out of context I did and do appreciate this song without having seen Tommy Ps hope your safe and happy

[@trevortamboline279]

Elton John's radio play version is by far the best of "Pinball Wizard".

[@clansome]

I hate to admit it but I have to agree. Taken as a single song mind.

[@lindawalker161]

Nice to have the lyrics for their music, but I want to encourage you to watch a video of them playing live. They are amazing to watch. Highly entertaining. It's been great listening to The Who again. See the Rock Opera Tommy!

[@type4647]

Jamal--I think Pete Townsend used "Deaf, dumb, blind kid" as a metaphor for his Post WWII generation. The kids in the UK did not have the same luxuries or rewards of victory in WWII as most did in the US. They grew up fairy poor and austere with the loses Britain suffered. The young were quiet and intimidated.

[@bradywalton1357]

React to Peter Frampton’s Do You Feel Like We Do

[@trishaurvan9439]

Elton John rocked this! You should check out his version from the Tommy movie

[@johnconway8334]

Nice sweatshirt tribute! You need to hear the whole album. It's quite a trip.

[@stevemowat4294]

Elton John sang the pinball wizard in "Tommy" and had a number of GREATS in the cast, Tuna Turner etc. The visual is AMAZING. For your own enlightenment you should watch this amazing ROCK OPERA that was YEARS ahead of it's time. The Musician that portrayed Tommy was an amazing artist and acted the role amazingly well!

[@patsow4797]

My brother, you’ve got a watch the rock opera Tommy in order to put this on into proper context 🖖😊🇨🇦

[@arimewillow4278]

Like everyone else is saying, watch " Tommy".

[@buzzwerd8093]

I'm not saying that! Get to know the original before you see the "star studded" hollyweird money American-pop-itized shallow sugar-POP movie.

[@scottwocher9812]

No don't watch Tommy. Listen to the album which is a musical masterpiece. The movie was fun and wild but doesn't compare to the original album it was based on.

[@Deathbird_Mitch]

This is from The Who's rock opera "TOMMY". A movie was made from it back in the day. Its pretty entertaining. I'm pretty sure The Who pioneered the "Rock Opera" genre. Which is a story told beginning to end with rock songs. They made another "Quadrophenia". Some other bands have done them, most notably Pink Floyd did "The Wall". (Another must watch.) In the spirit of fun I'd like to suggest you do some songs from "Rocky Horror Picture Show"...or the whole movie spread out over several videos. I think we'd all like to see your reaction to the tune "Sweet Transvestite" from that show though.

[@Kryten428]

I think I read this in one of my Who box sets. Back in the early 70's just after Tommy was released the band would do a full set at a concert then occasionally after that full set they would then play Tommy in it's entirety. Pretty nice surprise for the people who showed up for just a normal concert.

[@BaronessErsatz]

I agree with Twitchy---watch the movie. By the way, Elton John talked Rod Stewart out of the role of Pinball Wizard.

[@peterquinones3522]

Mr J - Bill Withers tribute! Lonely Town Lonely Street!!

[@2869may]

and "Use Me Up", "Will It Go Round In Circles"

[@davidfrederick6003]

I really appreciate this song not about the Tommy character BUT the how popular pinball and video games were in the 1970s and 80s. Remembering my youth playing those games.

[@tomgraham5536]

The whole rock opera Tommy is on a double album . I was left this by my older brothers when they moved out in the mid-70s.... I wore the grooves off those records.... You can catch the whole thing by watching the movie Tommy with Elton John, Tina Turner and Eric Clapton as well as most ofthe members of The Who......