PETE TOWNSHEND’s GRAND DESIGN

Orchestrating the legend of Tommy. By Chris Welch

Tommy was the grand design that boosted The Who’s career and gave rock music enhanced self esteem. 2009 is the 40th anniversary of the birth of the mighty ‘rock opera’ that was the culmination of composer Pete Townshend’s quest for artistic fulfilment. It’s also 37 years since the release of another, orchestral version of Tommy that also caused a furore in its day.

Tommy was a palpable success when first released as a double album by The Who in 1969. The controversial story and hit songs Pinball Wizard and The Acid Queen were a sensation. The ‘opera’ also spawned a plethora of related works, including a film, a stage musical and perhaps the grandest Tommy of all featuring the London Symphony Orchestra.

Respectfully packaged as an elaborate slipcase double vinyl album, Tommy, by the London Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Choir and guest artists was a chartbusting bestseller back in 1972. This enterprising extravaganza, produced by the late Lou Reizner, is now being reissued by Repertoire, remastered with the original full colour booklet containing the storyline, lyrics and illustrations of the cast of characters.

The original Tommy was, of course, solely performed by The Who, with Roger Daltrey tearing into the hit songs with combative vigour, and John …

by Chris Welch
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