One of the most famous characters in rock music is Tommy. Created by The Who, the titular character Tommy is, famously. a pinball star—but that was not the original intention. In fact, in his earliest incarnation, Tommy was a different sort of star altogether.
For the Who, the idea of a concept album emerged only a few years into their career. Prior, the band had already released three albums. They became known for hits such as "My Generation." Although these first records brought notoriety, the band sought to expand their creative potential. As a way to explore narrative and themes, they aimed to develop a concept album, which would be a rock opera. The first thing they needed to do was create a character, but even when they thought they had it figured out, guitarist Pete Townshend understood they didn't after a conversation with a friend.
Tommy Was Originally A Rockstar, Not A Pinball Star
Things Were Almost Very Different
The Who released their rock opera, Tommy, in May 1969. The record was a double album that featured 24 tracks. The original idea was for the main character to be a rockstar. However, Pete Townshend's friend convinced him otherwise by stating that the idea of him being a rockstar was a tired concept. Townshend's friend was a critic and pinball fanatic, which inspired Townshend to create the "Pinball Wizard."
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During an interview regarding Tommy the musical, Townshend elaborated on his struggle writing the rock opera, stating: "I was clutching at straws." In impressive fashion, Townshend came up with "Pinball Wizard" overnight. This was an amazing feat, considering that it has become one of the band's biggest hits with over 225 million streams on Spotify. It also made Tommy iconic since this idea was completely original.
The Legacy Of Tommy Grows
This Became More Than A Rock Opera
Following the release of the rock opera, many creators wanted to acquire it. Quickly, numerous stage adaptions emerged, including its use for a ballet and a symphony orchestra production. Then, in 1975, Tommy was adapted into a film of the same name. The film retained the same concept of a boy who, after witnessing a traumatic event, becomes psychosomatically deaf and blind, realizes he can feel vibrations, and eventually becomes talented at pinball.
Tommy was also significant for featuring stars such as Elton John, Jack Nicholson, Eric Clapton, and Tina Turner. It additionally starred the frontman of the Who, Roger Daltrey. Another key adaptation came in the form of a musical, with the first successful one occurring in 1992. Things didn't stop there as Roger Daltrey toured with an orchestra and of The Who to perform the album. From this, a live concert performance was released in 2019.
The movie was also significant for featuring stars such as Elton John, Jack Nicholson, Eric Clapton, and Tina Turner.
It's truly amazing how one album turned into so many different avenues for Pete Townshend and The Who. Now, with all the history the record has, and the adaptations that have been made, it remains to be seen if anything new will come of it, but there is more than enough for fans to consume as it is. Ultimately, Pete Townshend made the right call, listening to his friend and making Tommy a pinball wizard instead of a rockstar.