The song is part of their Rock Opera Tommy. The character Tommy is blind, deaf, and dumb (can’t speak) but somehow he has a remarkable skill at pinball which makes him (and his family) rich and famous. In the film version the opposing pinball player (whose perspective the song is sung from) is played by Elton John.
The movie was directed by Ken Russell and -- because of his reputation for driving the budget up by experimenting during filming -- the producers hired a guy, who's only job was to say "No, Ken. We can't do that. It's too crazy." -- wonderful trivia that was mentioned by different members of the Who in interviews around the time of the film's release. 😺
Can’t go wrong with “Behind Blue Eyes” & “Love Reign O’re Me.” The lead guitarist, Pete Townsend, is a master composer. He’s one of the 20th Century’s great musical geniuses.
To really understand this song, you have to take the album Tommy as a whole. It's about a kid who sees his father being murdered by his stepfather and becomes deaf, dumb, and blind as a result of the trauma of what he witnessed. And the album is about his life, what he goes through and how, he becomes the pinball champion even though he is deaf dumb and blind. It's an incredible album. Ahead of its time
So true. This is a musical play or rock opera. The story advances track by track. I was probably 9 the first time I experienced this and it was shocking but amazing how everything was done
The Force is strong with Tommy, “that deaf, dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball.” One of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history. So fricken good! 🔥🤙
No kidding Chris, that acoustic guitar strum is one of the most recognized riff in rock music. Great song. I regret never getting to one of their concerts.
Amber nailed it when she called it rock opera. This song is key to the album "Tommy" which is an actual rock opera telling the story of a young boy traumatized in his youth which left him deaf, dumb, and blind. You definitely need to see the movie which features musical guests singing various tracks. Elton John sang this in the movie. Tina Turner was also great singing "The Acid Queen".
The movie version is a trip, filled w/ unforgettable performances. The stage production did a better job of the storytelling but not as psychedelic. Love them both. This album is phenomenal.
Tommy is the Rock Opera. It's been done in movie form, and on Broadway. Listen to this double album in the context of the story. Pete Townsend is a genius.
The WHO are Brilliant, without a Doubt! Most of the songs were written by: Pete Townshend (the Guitarist). Pete is the Genius behind the WHO. ALSO Keith Moon was the BEST Drummer in Rock n Roll. RIP Keith! ...Newk from Kentucky
The Who is one of the “Five” greatest bands in history: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Can’t go wrong with any of them!
@Vern Sherris Agree. All excellent choices. The Kinks are criminally underrated. As for the Yardbirds, I think their greatest period was while Jeff Beck was a member, who ironically is overshadowed by their other premier guitarists Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. Beck played on Train Kept A Rollin’, I’m A Man, Mr. You’re A Better Man Than I, Heart Full Of Soul and Shapes Of Things. What a collection of great songs, especially since he was only with the Yardbirds for only 18 months.
I played no telling how many growing up as a teenager starting around 1967 or so at the bowling alley, not to mention the Bally pool tables! No video games back then, and we all freaked out when the price jumped to 10 cents from a nickel, or 3 games for a quarter! Took less than a couple minutes to grind down a penny, on the concrete, to the size of a dime, but we ultimately got busted by the owner!
My boyfriend used to drag me to play pinball all the time during the 70s and the Bally machines were king, with all of the bells and lights! .It took skills to master those machines! You had to know a little geometry, and your timing had to be on point. Far simpler times ...
Pinball Wizard isn't intended as an analogy or metaphor, it was literally the story of a fictional character called Tommy. Their album Tommy tells the life story of a fictional person and this song was one chapter of his life.
Pinball Wizard was the last song added to the story of Tommy. The record company wanted a single, and the rest of the songs on the album didn’t really stand out on their own. So they went back in and created the story of the Pinball Wizard.
@@beatmet2355 Yes. PW was something of accident in context of the original concept which very usefully tied the wider story into a more easily identifiable image
Just an FYI: As other people have observed, this is part of a groundbreaking rock opera by the Who? entitled "Tommy". I urge you to do yourselves a favor and get a hold of the entire rock opera. Every song is a masterpiece. You'll love it!
This is another song that is related to a "rock opera" movie that you may enjoy on your movie reaction channel. The movie "Tommy" (1975) stars Roger Daltrey, but also features Elton John as the Pinball Wizard, Tina Turner as the Acid Queen, Eric Clapton as the Preacher, Keith Moon as Uncle Ernie, Ann-Margret as Tommy's Mother, Jack Nicholson as the Mental Health Specialist and many others. Editing the songs for copyright might be quite tricky since it is a "Rock Opera" and virtually everything is sung, so if you are unable to post it on TH-cam that is completely understandable. Regardless, you might want to watch it just for yourselves. Be aware there are many adult themes and disturbing images in the movie, but it is one of those films everyone should see at least once in their lives. I've seen it multiple times on film, and when our local theater group performed the live stage production many years ago, I took my (then) teen-aged children to experience it.
@@Spinspiel While the song does indicate "that deaf, dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball," he earns the title by defeating Elton John's character who is designated on the IMDB cast list only as "The Pinball Wizard". So I see your point and we are both correct. Roger Daltry's character is listed as Tommy, but Elton John's character has no other name listed except "The Pinball Wizard".
“Tommy” was the first rock opera. Originally Tommy was about a rock star, and Pete Townshend sent what what he had written so far to a rock critic in a London newspaper. The critic said it was a very good record, and he would probably give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. At the time there was a pinball craze going on in London, and Townshend asked the critic what if the opera was about someone who played pinball instead of being a rock star. The critic said, oh that would definitely be a five star rating, so Townshend changed Tommy’s character to a pinball wizard, wrote the song in one night, and the critic did give the album 5 out of 5 stars.
Tommy was not really the first Rock Opera. Pete has always said a Quick One was Tommy's parents. Besides The Who's mates, The Small faces came up with Happiness Stan on the second side of their album Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake. And the pretty things came up with SF Sorrow in the last part of '68 (But The Who *did not* plagiarize it. You could make the same argument over the kinks 'Arthur" as well.)
Roger Daltry does such a fabulous job on this tune! The hook is unforgettable 'sure plays a mean pinball', you just don't forget it. Thanks Amber and Jay
The story of Tommy was he was a deaf, dumb and blind kid who became a pinball savant. I saw the Broadway touring show Tommy in about 2001, and then saw The Who concert in 2015, both shows in Austin. The touring show in 2001 is the best stage production show I've ever seen, and the 2015 Who show at Frank Erwin Center was my favorite concert ever.
You were talking about Richie Havens. There's a lot of intricate instrumentation going on in this song. That's what was so great about 60s rock and 70s rock. Musicians exercised great creative freedom. The songs could be very simple or very complex.
My Dad was a genuine pinball wizard. He was amazing to watch. That's why I always loved this song. I didn't get to see Tommy til years later, I was a little too young when it came out. thanks for the memories with this one.
Jay/Amber, you'll love their "5:15" and "Love Reign O'er Me" !!! Must hear bangers!! edit- Pinball Wizard was used in the movie 'Tommy' sung by Elton John, in which Tina Turner plays The Acid Queen! Elton John plays the Pinball Wizard!
Thanks for another great video. 1. Amber had it right saying it had a Rock Opera Vibe. This was the original Rock Opera. 2. I agree with the others; to fully enjoy this song, listen to the whole album. It’s amazing. 3. Pinball is the only way Tommy can communicate and this earns him a messiah-like following. His family sees this, profits by it and is eventually destroyed by the greed. 4 Listen to Quadraphenia. Love Reign O’er Me, 5:15, I Am One are just a few of the amazing songs on it.
Quadrophenia is insane. My favourite album from The Who, and the film is great too. Jon Entwistle is in fine form on bass, although to me, he always is. Overlooked, though I have no clue why. I'm a bassist, and he is in my Top 5 of influences. When I first heard The Real Me, I was blown away. WASP actually did an excellent cover of it. Agreed 100% on 5:15 and Love Reign O'er Me as the standouts, but whenever I listen to the album, I find it harder to say any song is better than the last.
Love Reign O’er Me is a must. So many layers of vocals and musicality woven into a rock masterpiece. And as usual, The Who (namely Pete Townsend) show their mastery of transitions here. They make it sound easy, but very few bands do this so well (Pink Floyd comes to mind as another).
Correct, Quadrophenia, their 3rd ‘rock opera’, and another level of album other groups could only aspire to. “5:15”, “The Real Me” are stand outs worthy of a 1st (or repeated) listen(s)!
You must remember that Tommy wasn't Physically deaf ,dumb or blind. He had experienced a horrible scene that left him refusing to use his senses, except for pinball. The pinball machine was his safe place where nothing could reach him. The problem was that he was trapped in that place. He couldn't get out and nobody could reach him to guide him out.
This takes me back to seeing the movie , " Pinball Wizard." Great times. And he was " deaf, dumb and blind." I kept waiting on you guys to get it. Yes, it was pinball.
@@Shrykespeare Reminds me of the John Lennon quote. A reporter says, "People say the Beatles are really bald and wearing wigs." John says "Yeah, we're all deaf and dumb too".
The Who only has 2 of their original members left alive, but Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr's son) now plays drums for them. So glad I got to see them in 2000. Also glad I saw them when Keith Moon was still alive, back in 1976.
As some (male) kids at a local young offenders institution (Borstall) said when given the chance to atttend The Who rehearsals for a show and they played BBE - It was exactly their own story and feelings. 'I can't explain' was also understood that way by young male friends of the band when they were young.
Pinball Wizard. Another legendary rock anthem. Easily in the top 25 most memorable guitar riffs ever. If you ever see the rock opera live the second the guitar starts the place alway goes nuts. Lol
I think Pete Townshend is an arrogant jerk! He made fun of the Beatles saying that they put out nothing but "rubbish" Really Pete? Well let's do a comparison here, shall we? The Beatles have sold over 1.3 Billion albums (of rubbish) all around the world. They still outsell everyone in the history of rock/pop music (rubbish) to this day. Some 52 years after they broke up as a band. And this is my favorite part Pete! The Beatles had 20 number one singles in only 7 years. Guess how many number one's the Who have? That's right Pete. Not one! Nope, not one damn number one single since 1964. Now let's talk about who puts out "rubbish" Peter ..You cocky fool!
@@juliemnm8273 Recording machinery much developed by the time the film was made compared with 1960s recording for 45rpm record to play on radios and Dansette record players with no bass. Listen to later recordings of The Who live shows or watch TH-cam videos for a full immersive experience! I have some great DVDs
"Love, Reign O'er Me" is a must. (Really, so is all of Quadrophenia, since it tells a story, but that's the pinnacle. I prefer Quadrophenia to Tommy, but it couldn't have happened *without* Tommy, nor the wreckage of a second rock opera that mostly became Who's Next.) "Slip Kid" is also a good one - they gave Keith Moon a cowbell. You know you want it. XD
You've now done six Who songs (seven if you count "Baby O'Riley" twice), but you've got a LONG way to go before you exit this rabbit hole. "I Can See For Miles" is a banger, as is "Magic Bus", "Squeeze Box", and my personal favorites, "You Better You Bet" and "Eminence Front". I would also love to hear you react to Pete Townshend's solo hits "Face the Face" and "Let My Love Open the Door".
And "Slip Kid," "Let's See Action," "Relay," "Join Together," "Goin' Mobile," "Bargain," "Substitute," "The Seeker," "Pictures of Lily," "Magic Bus," the entire Quadrophenia album, and so many more!
Been waiting for this reaction, cuz I love this song. Can we possibly get a Bee Gees reaction with Robin singing lead, his voice is beautiful, something about it gives me the feels. “I Started A Joke” or “Massachusetts”
Pete Townshend (guitar) of The Who felt by 1968 that the band needed a new idea to carry them forward as a rock band... He came up w/ the first 'rock opera' which he called 'Tommy'. The songs he wrote made a concept album, depicting a boy who was born deaf, dumb & blind, but can 'hear' music... 'Pinball wizard' was written at the last minute because the album was a dark one, portraying the difficult life 'Tommy' had - so they made him a champion pinball player to liven up the record. Roger Daltrey (vocals) heard the tapes Townshend was writing, and he wanted to portray 'Tommy' on the record... Daltrey put in great emotional vocal performances to bring the character to life in the songs. Townshend even admitted that Daltrey truly became a great singer doing that album. Released in 1969, The Who spent months on tour promoting 'Tommy' and the record became a platinum success and made them a truly legendary band... The Who was able to transcend the 60's and dominate the 70's after most of the 60's British bands (including The Beatles!) ended their runs.
It’s the song around which the first rock opera, Tommy, was written. It is a vinyl masterpiece two disc record about a child made blind by trauma who becomes a phenomenon before his fall. The gatefold album cover is also a beautiful visual treat worth having when you do a Tommy marathon and learn his story. See Me Feel Me, was a brilliant part of their Woodstock performance. Now, my favorite Who song isn’t a radio hit, but it kicks. And, it has a Baba O’Reily, Eminence Front rhythm element that you guys will feel. It gets my old butt up every time.
That part you guys were talking about where it's the fast strumming pattern on the acoustic and then the electric comes in. Something about those suspended cords on the acoustic and then the biting Edge and how up front the electric guitar is, it really always gave me the feel of a jet liner flying down the runway getting ready to take off. I think I had that feeling that very first time I ever heard this as a kid and I've heard it billions of times since and I still got that feeling again just now watching this reaction. The who was really a fantastic band in so many ways and it's one of those bands that no matter how many times I've heard their stuff and believe me they've been played so much over the decades, I never get burned out on them. It's always still sounds good to my ears.
Here we go! Enjoy! Again, "The Real Me"! Try the Moody Blues "Question" for more acoustic brilliance and strength. I think Elton John did this song in the movie version. Richie Havens. And Who's version of this from Woodstock movie has to be seen. Well, can't say too much. Spoilers. Check out the whole album or the movie.
Ritchie Havens is the Woodstock guitar player you were thinking about who sang Freedom, which was a song he wrote 5 minutes before taking the stage at Woodstock. There is a whole story about that. He did duet with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary call "The Great Mandela" written by Peter Yarrow. Unfortunately I didn't get to Woodstock, war ships don't run well on dry land.
One of the things that makes this so great is that the things Pete Townsend is doing to/with that guitar had never been done before. At the time, people were blown away by the sound. But by this point in their career, it was kind of expected that all the Who members would shine. And the thing is, they delivered on that expectation. They had achieved their fame and fortune by this time, they could have coasted on their name and their rep for a couple more albums. But not The Who. They kept bringing it, new album after new album, breaking new ground and trying new things, while still keeping that legendary Who sound, mainly due to Roger's voice and Pete's guitar. But let us never forget the rock, John Entwistle, holding it all together with that incredible bass line. And John "Bonzo" Bonham, who was on another level entirely. It's said that the puppet drummer in the TV show "The Muppets," the one they called "Animal" and had to be chained to his drum kit, was modeled after John Bonham.
I saw them at the Hollywood Paladium right after this album came out Pete was playing a double neck Gibson. In the openning part he hits a big cord sounding like an orchestra. I wondered how he was going to pull playing both parts when the bass player Jon Entwhistle stepped on a pedal and hit a chord and it sounded like the LA Philharmonic just exploded. The live version is something to hear
This is from the concept album. Tommy (The Who album).Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band The Who, a double album first released on 17 May 1969 And i still have it. Cheers both and all the best from England.
You guys should react to more The Who… "Love Reign O'er Me", "The Real Me", "I Can See For Miles", "Eminence Front", "Tommy Can You Hear Me?", "See Me, Feel Me", "Bargain", "I Can't Explain", "5.15" 🎸🤘
The rock opera "Tommy," about a boy abused in more ways than one, who at long last finds peace and salvation when he musically pleads: "See me / feel me / touch me / heal me..." Wow, 8 little words that summarize the human condition. Who can't relate to that? Much like "The Blues Brothers," you could watch the film adaptation of "Tommy" on your video channel and cover A LOT of ground. The movie features cameos by many famous musicians and actors. Included is Elton John singing this very same song, which became something of a signature song for him. Also appearing, members of The Who itself, Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson, Tina Turner, and so many others. Ann Margaret's performance was nominated for an Oscar, and she actually won a Golden Globe for her excellent performance. I was fortunate enough to see the original Broadway production back in the early 1990s; it was terrific. But the film is great too. It's possible you would conclude watching the film by saying, "what was THAT all about?" Hey man, it was the 60s. It should make perfect sense for budding hippies like you two.
Amber, well done, it from 'Tommy' which is a Rock Opera. Other 'Who' tracks to check out, 'The Seeker', 'Magic Bus', 'I Can See for Miles', and 'Substitute'.
This is from Tommy, which was a "Rock Opera". Tommy was the Deaf, Dumb and Blind kid. It was pretty groundbreaking at the time to have a whole double album tell a story through all the songs. I personally like Quadropenia better.
I've always thought the part where Townshend comes in and sings "How do you think he does it?" overlapped by Daltrey's "I don't know!" is just one of the great moments in rock music history...
Perfect segue into a movie reaction you two should do! The "Rock Opera Tommy" -- both the album and the movie -- is an absolute masterpiece! Great song choice! Thank you for this reaction! 💙✌
With Tommy, the Who invented the rock opera. This song made me buy the album. The album made me a fan. Try The Music Must Change, Getting in Tune, Athena, Squeezebox, The Quiet One, and Join Together.
Love both versions of this The Who and Elton John, think EJ's is slightly more ROCK.. amazing 👏 Also, Roger Daltrey (lead singer The Who, plays Tommy in the movie)
Not really. Aimee Man, Decemberists, Arcade Fire, Flaming Lips, Avette Bros, Green Day, NIN, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Janelle Monet, My Chem Romance… theres little $ in singles anymore.
In 1983, the (recently broke up) Who was my #1 band prompting me to go full metal in the 80s. I listened to the Who's "Boris the Spider " so much, I Got the nickname "Boris B. Burnt" in 1983-85 Charlotte s Garinger High School in our nonviolent gang known as the Stoners. revered by bassists of all music genres, such as Getty Lee, say the Ox (John Entwistle) Founding member of the Who was the best bassist ever.
Backstory. This came out of the "rock opera" Tommy. Story of a young disabled boy who is given an injection and gets "powers" afterward. Elton John was the Pinball Wizard, Tina Turner was the Acid Queen, Roger Daltry of The Who played the lead role of Tommy. Other parts played by Ann Margaret, Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson.
"Listen to 'Tommy' with a candle burning and you'll see your entire future.'" Quote from the movie Almost Famous, about a 70's touring rock band and a teenage boy who's given the chance to travel the country with them and write an article about them for Rolling Stone magazine. Would be great for your movie reaction channel!
The guy playing the acoustic guitar at Woodstock was the late Richie Havens. He had finished his set but the next act had arrived so the promoters asked Richie to play another song. He just winged this song.
In the musical film Tommy, Elton John is the one who performs this song and is a hit for him as well. You guys should react to that Elton John version if you don't react to the movie itself
My favourite era of The Who is the 60s, which has a more proto -punk pop sound. You've already listened My Generation from 1964. Now listen to "Subsitute", "Can't Explain", "I can see for miles", "Pictures of Lily", "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere". They have a completely different sound to their 70s stuff you've been listening to.
Released in 1969, my 14-year old self was stunned and amazed by this album. Pete Townshend is playing guitar like a wizard himself. He also wrote the entire opera. Check out the movie.
Like y'all, when I first heard this I had no idea of the backstory or that it was part of a larger story. I just got happy hearing it. I took it at face value and simply rocked out. Fantastically excellent...! *Behind Blue Eyes* is my vote for a reaction sometime soon, one hopes... Be well S.W.
I know a lot of people who hear this the first time and hear "that deaf dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball" get a bit put out, but you need to know the whole story/album. Amazing song.
Never heard of anybody getting a bit put out by the song. Maybe in USA where 'dumb' does not mean 'unable to speak' or 'tongue-tied' but means 'stupid'
I think I read somewhere that the recording of Tommy was complete, but The Who's management gave them the whole "I don't hear a single" line. So Pete Townshend was tasked with coming up with something catchy in a hurry. Someone on the road crew or one of the band's drivers said "Hey Pete, why don't you write a song about something cool, like pinball?" And that's where this came from. The interesting thing though is that he was able to incorporate the whole pinball theme into the story of Tommy. Tommy becomes a pinball messiah, hence the line "his disciples lead him in and he just does the rest." Pete kind of painted himself into a corner by essentially creating the first cohesive rock opera. After this, he felt pressure to apply a story to every album. The successor to Tommy (and I would say their best album) Who's Next evolved from a project called Lifehouse which, like Tommy, had a story that served as a framework for the album. Eventually, the concept became so unwieldy that even Townshend could no longer follow it or explain it (which may have had something to do with his addictions catching up with him) so The Who abandoned the story and just assembled Pete's best songs (including "Baba O'Riley) and John Entwhistle's "My Wife" and that became Who's Next. Speaking of Entwhistle, give "Pinball Wizard" another listen and just listen to the bass. As usual, Entwhistle's playing is stellar. He was the unsung hero of this band. So many other great Who songs, "Love, Reign O'er Me," "5:15," "Eminence Front," and "Squeezebox," which I know a lot of folks don't like, but I love it.
A major player in true classic rock. This song right here of course. You'll hear plenty of rock fans talk about this song. There are certain songs that are really famous from the great classic bands that really stand out. This is the one for The Who.
There's a case for saying The Who were the original rock band. Until then, it was pop, classical, and jazz. Pop included anything popular as opposed to specialist elitist. By mid 1960s, the pop label was too small to cater for all the genres rooted in the blues and soul. Keith Richards had a good point about rock as it developed: he said a lot of people knew how to rock but they had forgotten how to roll. The Who appealed mainly to frustrated young blue collar men (as in their version of Young Man's Blues) who struggled to find a role in the modern, more technical and educated world. Daltrey had worked in a factory from leaving school. Rock, and prog tended to appeal to males with far fewer women buying it or going to concerts. Beatles and Stones still appealed to both boys and girls and saw themselves as pop bands who took pop in new directions.
The rock opera Tommy was written by Pete Townsend of the Who in 1975. It starred Roger Daltrey as Tommy who witnessed something horrific and became a deaf, blind mute. It also had Tina Turner as the acid queen and Elton John as the pinball wizard. It was music by the Who.
You need to watch the rock opera, Tommy. Elton John sings the song in the movie. You will also enjoy Tina Turner singing Acid Queen. Fantastic album, and movie. Ann Margaret was nominated for an Oscar, and won a Golden Globe, for her performance as Tommys mom.
Ha ha! A good friend of mine worked on the film 'Tommy'. Further set designs and paintings for the director Ken Russell followed. An oil painting that featured in a scene in 'Savage Messiah' with Helen Mirren- a military man on a his horse - was completed in a week and was still wet whilst they were filming! Maybe now the algorithm will pick this up and everyone will be reacting to 'Pinball Wizard'! Now no longer able to mix paint because of a tremor, he continues working by producing colourful abstracts on his IPad.
Yes the movie Tommy is an interesting visual adaptation of the album and Elton's version of this song is heavier. Early Who songs are great, I Can See For Miles, Pictures Of Lilly, Bucket T. and Substitute are some cool tunes
Pete is one of rock's best rhythm guitar players. I like his lead guitar a lot too but he's renowned primarily fot his rhythm playing. And his windmilling is great!!! Also, forgot to mention, that guy from Woodstock you saw, Richie Havens. A brilliant player/singer too. 🙏👍
Tommy was the fourth studio album for The Who and it was released 53 years ago. It sold 20 million copies which represented 1/5 of their records sold. Maybe your next movie should be Tommy. It's incredible and the music Phenomenal. Glad you enjoyed. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦
I recommend the entire rock opera as well. This was landmark stuff when it came out when I was 16. I think I wore out my first vinyl copy....all 4 sides.
Love how Pete Townsends plays with the lead in on the acoustic and then hits hard with the wind mill on the electric. I believe he got the wind mill move from Keith Richard’s been legend ever since!!
The WHO is a great band. Some of the earliest hits we'll worth listening to, " I can see for miles", "Magic Bus" " Pictures of Lily" there are so many more.
This is from the Rock Opera / Movie TOMMY. Lead singer Roger Daltrey plays Tommy... lot of other actors / musicians in the movie. You really should see it!!
Pinball was added to the album because the leading critic of the time thought that the album was too dark so Pete added Pinball Wizard to get him to give the album a good review. My personal favorite is Love Reign O’er Me.
Love love love your reaction this is one of my favorite songs ever. I actually was saving my virginity for Roger DaltreyI know it’s weird. If you get a chance listen to the whole rock album Tommy it’s a rock opera this song is in it
At 5:30 Amber asks whether there's a metaphor in "Pinball Wizard". I'd say it's that Tommy's situation - made deaf, dumb, and blind by childhood trauma, (but he isn't really, that's how he's able to play pinball, he's just internally blocked) - is a metaphor for everyone's spiritual blindness, from our own childhood (and continuing) traumas, despite which we also still function (more or less).
The reference to pinball is not a metaphor, it's literal. This is an awesome song in itself, but lyrically it only makes sense in the context of the "Tommy" rock opera. If you really want to be amazed, check out The Who performing this song at Woodstock. An un-freakin'-believable performance!
Tommy is worth a listen from start to finish.. Pete Townshend was 24 when he wrote it, which still amazes me.. Plenty of awesome tracks, and if you guys ever wanna do an instrumental reaction, check out “Underture,” from Tommy.. You won’t be disappointed..
The Woodstock guy was Richie Havens. Pete Townsend is noted for his hard strumming to the point that he would often wind up spraying blood from his finger tips all over the guitar!
This is part of the rock opera "Tommy." Tommy becomes a celebrity by doing something kind of frivolous, and leverages that into becoming a spiritual leader. I heard they chose pinball as the thing that made Tommy famous because they heard a music critic was a pinball fanatic and they thought this would make him more likely to give them a good write-up.
The song is part of their Rock Opera Tommy. The character Tommy is blind, deaf, and dumb (can’t speak) but somehow he has a remarkable skill at pinball which makes him (and his family) rich and famous. In the film version the opposing pinball player (whose perspective the song is sung from) is played by Elton John.
And the rest of the song continues with “see me, feel me” which is great
The movie was directed by Ken Russell and -- because of his reputation for driving the budget up by experimenting during filming -- the producers hired a guy, who's only job was to say "No, Ken. We can't do that. It's too crazy." -- wonderful trivia that was mentioned by different members of the Who in interviews around the time of the film's release. 😺
You two should watch the Elton John version from the movie Tommy or watch the movie.
Admittedly though if you do watch the movie Tommy, it is a really weird movie.
And yet somehow Ann Margaret rolling around in baked beans wasn’t too crazy
Can’t go wrong with “Behind Blue Eyes” & “Love Reign O’re Me.”
The lead guitarist, Pete Townsend, is a master composer. He’s one of the 20th Century’s great musical geniuses.
Pity about him being a sicko
To really understand this song, you have to take the album Tommy as a whole. It's about a kid who sees his father being murdered by his stepfather and becomes deaf, dumb, and blind as a result of the trauma of what he witnessed. And the album is about his life, what he goes through and how, he becomes the pinball champion even though he is deaf dumb and blind. It's an incredible album. Ahead of its time
Thanks for this explanation.
They should watch the movie! Tina Turner, Elton John, Eric Clapton. It's a classic!
And the movie Tommy... with all the guest musicians... is weird and wild. I just saw it in 1080p for the first time and it's spectacular.
So true. This is a musical play or rock opera. The story advances track by track. I was probably 9 the first time I experienced this and it was shocking but amazing how everything was done
I was also surprised one day when Spongebob did a rip of the song
This was the first rock opera of any artist. It was innovative, groundbreaking, and a masterpiece album.
The Force is strong with Tommy, “that deaf, dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball.” One of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history. So fricken good! 🔥🤙
Definitely a hook you can't forget!
and they never even noticed it lol. How can you not pick up on a deaf dumb and blind kid playing pinball
No kidding Chris, that acoustic guitar strum is one of the most recognized riff in rock music. Great song. I regret never getting to one of their concerts.
I think they have a hearing issue when it comes to lyrics. It is plain that Tommy is devoid of 3 senses.
Amber nailed it when she called it rock opera. This song is key to the album "Tommy" which is an actual rock opera telling the story of a young boy traumatized in his youth which left him deaf, dumb, and blind. You definitely need to see the movie which features musical guests singing various tracks. Elton John sang this in the movie. Tina Turner was also great singing "The Acid Queen".
The movie version is a trip, filled w/ unforgettable performances. The stage production did a better job of the storytelling but not as psychedelic. Love them both. This album is phenomenal.
Tommy 1969 rock opera
The album is a rock opera. It’s a complete storyline. This song is just one part of a great album/story
"Sounds like a Rock Opera" because it is...!
Seriously, the album "Tommy" is a master class of rhythm guitar chord dynamics.
Tommy is the Rock Opera. It's been done in movie form, and on Broadway. Listen to this double album in the context of the story. Pete Townsend is a genius.
Didn't The Who performed the rock opera "Tommy" at Woodstock.
@@Rosedach Don’t think they did the whole thing there. Two or three songs.
@@arjaylee No they performed Tommy at Woodstock.
@@darrellwhitman4756 ok
@Vern Sherris Yes they performed it there as well. It's on the second cd of the deluxe version of Live at Leeds.
The WHO are Brilliant, without a Doubt! Most of the songs were written by: Pete Townshend (the Guitarist). Pete is the Genius behind the WHO. ALSO Keith Moon was the BEST Drummer in Rock n Roll. RIP Keith! ...Newk from Kentucky
A Who song I've always loved..."See Me, Feel Me." Quite a range of intensity.
The Who is one of the “Five” greatest bands in history: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Can’t go wrong with any of them!
@Vern Sherris Agree. All excellent choices. The Kinks are criminally underrated. As for the Yardbirds, I think their greatest period was while Jeff Beck was a member, who ironically is overshadowed by their other premier guitarists Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. Beck played on Train Kept A Rollin’, I’m A Man, Mr. You’re A Better Man Than I, Heart Full Of Soul and Shapes Of Things. What a collection of great songs, especially since he was only with the Yardbirds for only 18 months.
@@hyperfex Yep. And Creedence too. I think my list of "5 greatest bands" would have at least 10 bands on it.
All British, common denominator?
Don't forget the Doors. Not crazy about Les Zeppelin. Like Pink FLoyd, but not as much as the 3 The Stones, Beatles and The Who
Is it our fault? Things just are that way. But if it's any consolation, you can put the Beach Boys next to them@@nickshields1011
"I thought I was the Bally table king"--Bally was a longtime producer of pinball machines, making their first in 1932.
I played no telling how many growing up as a teenager starting around 1967 or so at the bowling alley, not to mention the Bally pool tables! No video games back then, and we all freaked out when the price jumped to 10 cents from a nickel, or 3 games for a quarter! Took less than a couple minutes to grind down a penny, on the concrete, to the size of a dime, but we ultimately got busted by the owner!
My boyfriend used to drag me to play pinball all the time during the 70s and the Bally machines were king, with all of the bells and lights! .It took skills to master those machines! You had to know a little geometry, and your timing had to be on point. Far simpler times ...
My friend had a pin ball machine in her basement. @@lantose
The bass playing from John ‘Thunderfingers’ Entwhistle is outstanding and often overlooked because of Townsend and Moon.
Not by me!
Pinball Wizard isn't intended as an analogy or metaphor, it was literally the story of a fictional character called Tommy. Their album Tommy tells the life story of a fictional person and this song was one chapter of his life.
Yes, Tommy himself is a metaphor for enlightenment, but the pinball is… just really pinball.
Ironically, the song was written specifically so one critic would give the an album a positive review.
At least, that’s what I’ve heard.
Pinball Wizard was the last song added to the story of Tommy. The record company wanted a single, and the rest of the songs on the album didn’t really stand out on their own. So they went back in and created the story of the Pinball Wizard.
@@beatmet2355 Yes. PW was something of accident in context of the original concept which very usefully tied the wider story into a more easily identifiable image
🌙
Just an FYI: As other people have observed, this is part of a groundbreaking rock opera by the Who? entitled "Tommy". I urge you to do yourselves a favor and get a hold of the entire rock opera. Every song is a masterpiece. You'll love it!
This is another song that is related to a "rock opera" movie that you may enjoy on your movie reaction channel. The movie "Tommy" (1975) stars Roger Daltrey, but also features Elton John as the Pinball Wizard, Tina Turner as the Acid Queen, Eric Clapton as the Preacher, Keith Moon as Uncle Ernie, Ann-Margret as Tommy's Mother, Jack Nicholson as the Mental Health Specialist and many others. Editing the songs for copyright might be quite tricky since it is a "Rock Opera" and virtually everything is sung, so if you are unable to post it on TH-cam that is completely understandable. Regardless, you might want to watch it just for yourselves. Be aware there are many adult themes and disturbing images in the movie, but it is one of those films everyone should see at least once in their lives. I've seen it multiple times on film, and when our local theater group performed the live stage production many years ago, I took my (then) teen-aged children to experience it.
"Jack Nicholson as the Mental Health Specialist" is never not funny.🤣
The movie in my opinion should be done after they listen to the album
@@BubbleWrapss I would agree. It would be good to get a first impression of the music and lyrics, then set it into context via the film.
The deaf, dumb & blind kid (Roger Daltry) is the Pinball Wizard not Elton John.
@@Spinspiel While the song does indicate "that deaf, dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball," he earns the title by defeating Elton John's character who is designated on the IMDB cast list only as "The Pinball Wizard". So I see your point and we are both correct. Roger Daltry's character is listed as Tommy, but Elton John's character has no other name listed except "The Pinball Wizard".
“Tommy” was the first rock opera. Originally Tommy was about a rock star, and Pete Townshend sent what what he had written so far to a rock critic in a London newspaper. The critic said it was a very good record, and he would probably give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. At the time there was a pinball craze going on in London, and Townshend asked the critic what if the opera was about someone who played pinball instead of being a rock star. The critic said, oh that would definitely be a five star rating, so Townshend changed Tommy’s character to a pinball wizard, wrote the song in one night, and the critic did give the album 5 out of 5 stars.
Well remembered. I've made a similar comment that was clear than yours
Tommy was not really the first Rock Opera. Pete has always said a Quick One was Tommy's parents. Besides The Who's mates, The Small faces came up with Happiness Stan on the second side of their album Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake. And the pretty things came up with SF Sorrow in the last part of '68 (But The Who *did not* plagiarize it. You could make the same argument over the kinks 'Arthur" as well.)
Roger Daltry does such a fabulous job on this tune! The hook is unforgettable 'sure plays a mean pinball', you just don't forget it. Thanks Amber and Jay
The story of Tommy was he was a deaf, dumb and blind kid who became a pinball savant. I saw the Broadway touring show Tommy in about 2001, and then saw The Who concert in 2015, both shows in Austin. The touring show in 2001 is the best stage production show I've ever seen, and the 2015 Who show at Frank Erwin Center was my favorite concert ever.
The 1975 movie "Tommy" had not only the Who and Elton John in it, but also Eric Clapton and Tina Turner as well.
That would be an excellent choice for their movie channel.
and Ann Margret rolling around in baked beans and chocolate pudding.
The first actual opera had Rod Stewart sing Pinball Wizard, also has Ringo Starr as Uncle Ernie, also had Richard Harris and Steve Winwood.
@@eddiehansen6865 it's on iTunes, plus the cd is available through Amazon
The Woodstock player was the incredible Richie Havens
You guys definitely have to watch their live version, they are absolute phenomenal!
You were talking about Richie Havens.
There's a lot of intricate instrumentation going on in this song. That's what was so great about 60s rock and 70s rock. Musicians exercised great creative freedom. The songs could be very simple or very complex.
My Dad was a genuine pinball wizard. He was amazing to watch. That's why I always loved this song. I didn't get to see Tommy til years later, I was a little too young when it came out. thanks for the memories with this one.
Love Reign Over Me should be next. The raw emotion poured into that song is overwhelming.
This song will blow you away. IT's one of the all time greatest songs in rock.
That, and "The Real Me"!
Free Me from McVicar.
@Vern Sherris it just has some screaming Daltrey on that song is all.
Hagar does a pretty good scream in Space Station # 5- Montrose. He must have heard Daltrey.
It absolutely is opera. Tommy was the original rock opera.
Jay/Amber, you'll love their "5:15" and "Love Reign O'er Me" !!! Must hear bangers!!
edit- Pinball Wizard was used in the movie 'Tommy' sung by Elton John, in which Tina Turner plays The Acid Queen! Elton John plays the Pinball Wizard!
5:15 & The Real Me are both tremendous tunes. Love Reign O'er Me is a fantastic tune as well.
Originally from Rock Opera “Tommy”
@@edevard9048 yes, and the movie version was Elton John. thanks
Thanks for another great video. 1. Amber had it right saying it had a Rock Opera Vibe. This was the original Rock Opera. 2. I agree with the others; to fully enjoy this song, listen to the whole album. It’s amazing. 3. Pinball is the only way Tommy can communicate and this earns him a messiah-like following. His family sees this, profits by it and is eventually destroyed by the greed. 4 Listen to Quadraphenia. Love Reign O’er Me, 5:15, I Am One are just a few of the amazing songs on it.
Quadrophenia is insane. My favourite album from The Who, and the film is great too. Jon Entwistle is in fine form on bass, although to me, he always is. Overlooked, though I have no clue why. I'm a bassist, and he is in my Top 5 of influences. When I first heard The Real Me, I was blown away. WASP actually did an excellent cover of it. Agreed 100% on 5:15 and Love Reign O'er Me as the standouts, but whenever I listen to the album, I find it harder to say any song is better than the last.
Love Reign O’er Me is a must. So many layers of vocals and musicality woven into a rock masterpiece. And as usual, The Who (namely Pete Townsend) show their mastery of transitions here. They make it sound easy, but very few bands do this so well (Pink Floyd comes to mind as another).
That’s part of Quadrophenia
Correct, Quadrophenia, their 3rd ‘rock opera’, and another level of album other groups could only aspire to. “5:15”, “The Real Me” are stand outs worthy of a 1st (or repeated) listen(s)!
@@elizabethfranco1284 Love Quadrophenia! Amazing record, not a bad cut to be found.
Jay n Amber welcome to some 70s Rock and Roll
...along with the cover by Bettye LaVette at the Kennedy Center Honors.
You must remember that Tommy wasn't Physically deaf ,dumb or blind. He had experienced a horrible scene that left him refusing to use his senses, except for pinball. The pinball machine was his safe place where nothing could reach him. The problem was that he was trapped in that place. He couldn't get out and nobody could reach him to guide him out.
This takes me back to seeing the movie , " Pinball Wizard." Great times. And he was " deaf, dumb and blind." I kept waiting on you guys to get it. Yes, it was pinball.
For those not in the know, "dumb" used to be how a person who couldn't speak was described. For obvious reasons, the word "mute" is what is used now.
@@Shrykespeare Reminds me of the John Lennon quote. A reporter says, "People say the Beatles are really bald and wearing wigs." John says "Yeah, we're all deaf and dumb too".
The Who only has 2 of their original members left alive, but Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr's son) now plays drums for them. So glad I got to see them in 2000. Also glad I saw them when Keith Moon was still alive, back in 1976.
Love the Who! Another great one from them is "Behind Blue Eyes".
Great song! When my friends and I used to skip school, we would crank up this album along with “who’s next”! Such great memories!
As some (male) kids at a local young offenders institution (Borstall) said when given the chance to atttend The Who rehearsals for a show and they played BBE - It was exactly their own story and feelings. 'I can't explain' was also understood that way by young male friends of the band when they were young.
Pinball Wizard. Another legendary rock anthem. Easily in the top 25 most memorable guitar riffs ever.
If you ever see the rock opera live the second the guitar starts the place alway goes nuts. Lol
Acoustic AND electric guitars here are the GREAT Pete Townshend...He is definitely in the pantheon of guitar GODS...
And he sings some of it as well!
I believe he is Tommy, metaphorically. He was molested by a relative as a kid- and that guitar is HIS pinball.
@@TheDivayenta Agreed, Tommy was Pete working out his own childhood sexual abuse.
I think Pete Townshend is an arrogant jerk! He made fun of the Beatles saying that they put out nothing but "rubbish" Really Pete? Well let's do a comparison here, shall we? The Beatles have sold over 1.3 Billion albums (of rubbish) all around the world. They still outsell everyone in the history of rock/pop music (rubbish) to this day. Some 52 years after they broke up as a band. And this is my favorite part Pete! The Beatles had 20 number one singles in only 7 years. Guess how many number one's the Who have? That's right Pete. Not one! Nope, not one damn number one single since 1964. Now let's talk about who puts out "rubbish" Peter ..You cocky fool!
I still have my 2 vinyl album of the rock opera “Tommy”. I played it over and over. Great music.
The Elton John version of this from the movie is amazing. It just takes the original song and cranks it to 11.
Absolutely! I myself prefer Elton's Johns version....
I love Elton John's version and I agree with the other poster that EJ's is better.
@@juliemnm8273 Recording machinery much developed by the time the film was made compared with 1960s recording for 45rpm record to play on radios and Dansette record players with no bass. Listen to later recordings of The Who live shows or watch TH-cam videos for a full immersive experience! I have some great DVDs
the whos version is simple and better
yes
"Love, Reign O'er Me" is a must. (Really, so is all of Quadrophenia, since it tells a story, but that's the pinnacle. I prefer Quadrophenia to Tommy, but it couldn't have happened *without* Tommy, nor the wreckage of a second rock opera that mostly became Who's Next.)
"Slip Kid" is also a good one - they gave Keith Moon a cowbell. You know you want it. XD
Giving Keith Moon thins to hit to make noise with, would have always been incredible.
You've now done six Who songs (seven if you count "Baby O'Riley" twice), but you've got a LONG way to go before you exit this rabbit hole. "I Can See For Miles" is a banger, as is "Magic Bus", "Squeeze Box", and my personal favorites, "You Better You Bet" and "Eminence Front". I would also love to hear you react to Pete Townshend's solo hits "Face the Face" and "Let My Love Open the Door".
And "Slip Kid," "Let's See Action," "Relay," "Join Together," "Goin' Mobile," "Bargain," "Substitute," "The Seeker," "Pictures of Lily," "Magic Bus," the entire Quadrophenia album, and so many more!
Both versions of "Let My Love Open The Door' are worth listening to. "Slit Skirts", "Face Dances, Pt. 2", and "Don't Let Go The Coat" as well!
One of my favorites is the underrated Tattoo.
@@ronalddobis6782 absolutely! And the Live at Leeds version really highlights how well they actually harmonized with one another, too!
Came out when I was 2, and I still blast and crank this nonstop. Still have my dad's copy of Tommy on vinyl. The Who are simply put.. awesome
Been waiting for this reaction, cuz I love this song. Can we possibly get a Bee Gees reaction with Robin singing lead, his voice is beautiful, something about it gives me the feels. “I Started A Joke” or “Massachusetts”
Pete Townshend (guitar) of The Who felt by 1968 that the band needed a new idea to carry them forward as a rock band... He came up w/ the first 'rock opera' which he called 'Tommy'. The songs he wrote made a concept album, depicting a boy who was born deaf, dumb & blind, but can 'hear' music... 'Pinball wizard' was written at the last minute because the album was a dark one, portraying the difficult life 'Tommy' had - so they made him a champion pinball player to liven up the record.
Roger Daltrey (vocals) heard the tapes Townshend was writing, and he wanted to portray 'Tommy' on the record... Daltrey put in great emotional vocal performances to bring the character to life in the songs. Townshend even admitted that Daltrey truly became a great singer doing that album.
Released in 1969, The Who spent months on tour promoting 'Tommy' and the record became a platinum success and made them a truly legendary band... The Who was able to transcend the 60's and dominate the 70's after most of the 60's British bands (including The Beatles!) ended their runs.
It’s the song around which the first rock opera, Tommy, was written. It is a vinyl masterpiece two disc record about a child made blind by trauma who becomes a phenomenon before his fall. The gatefold album cover is also a beautiful visual treat worth having when you do a Tommy marathon and learn his story. See Me Feel Me, was a brilliant part of their Woodstock performance.
Now, my favorite Who song isn’t a radio hit, but it kicks. And, it has a Baba O’Reily, Eminence Front rhythm element that you guys will feel. It gets my old butt up every time.
Tommy WAS an actual rock opera...Featuring this song...
The entire Tommy would be a good project to put up on Patrion. You really should experience the story from start to finish.
That part you guys were talking about where it's the fast strumming pattern on the acoustic and then the electric comes in. Something about those suspended cords on the acoustic and then the biting Edge and how up front the electric guitar is, it really always gave me the feel of a jet liner flying down the runway getting ready to take off. I think I had that feeling that very first time I ever heard this as a kid and I've heard it billions of times since and I still got that feeling again just now watching this reaction. The who was really a fantastic band in so many ways and it's one of those bands that no matter how many times I've heard their stuff and believe me they've been played so much over the decades, I never get burned out on them. It's always still sounds good to my ears.
Here we go! Enjoy! Again, "The Real Me"! Try the Moody Blues "Question" for more acoustic brilliance and strength. I think Elton John did this song in the movie version. Richie Havens. And Who's version of this from Woodstock movie has to be seen. Well, can't say too much. Spoilers. Check out the whole album or the movie.
Ritchie Havens is the Woodstock guitar player you were thinking about who sang Freedom, which was a song he wrote 5 minutes before taking the stage at Woodstock. There is a whole story about that. He did duet with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary call "The Great Mandela" written by Peter Yarrow. Unfortunately I didn't get to Woodstock, war ships don't run well on dry land.
That's for hitting The Who again, they are so creative and innovative. Next you need to do Love Reign O'er Me it really is special.
One of the things that makes this so great is that the things Pete Townsend is doing to/with that guitar had never been done before. At the time, people were blown away by the sound. But by this point in their career, it was kind of expected that all the Who members would shine. And the thing is, they delivered on that expectation. They had achieved their fame and fortune by this time, they could have coasted on their name and their rep for a couple more albums. But not The Who. They kept bringing it, new album after new album, breaking new ground and trying new things, while still keeping that legendary Who sound, mainly due to Roger's voice and Pete's guitar. But let us never forget the rock, John Entwistle, holding it all together with that incredible bass line. And John "Bonzo" Bonham, who was on another level entirely. It's said that the puppet drummer in the TV show "The Muppets," the one they called "Animal" and had to be chained to his drum kit, was modeled after John Bonham.
I saw them at the Hollywood Paladium right after this album came out Pete was playing a double neck Gibson. In the openning part he hits a big cord sounding like an orchestra. I wondered how he was going to pull playing both parts when the bass player Jon Entwhistle stepped on a pedal and hit a chord and it sounded like the LA Philharmonic just exploded. The live version is something to hear
This is from the concept album. Tommy (The Who album).Tommy is the fourth studio album by the English rock band The Who, a double album first released on 17 May 1969 And i still have it. Cheers both and all the best from England.
You guys should react to more The Who…
"Love Reign O'er Me", "The Real Me", "I Can See For Miles", "Eminence Front", "Tommy Can You Hear Me?", "See Me, Feel Me", "Bargain", "I Can't Explain", "5.15"
🎸🤘
Love Reign O'er me has elements for both J and Amber, head space for Amber and some hard driven rock for J!
Not a bad song in this list!
The Real Me for its killer bass line.
The rock opera "Tommy," about a boy abused in more ways than one, who at long last finds peace and salvation when he musically pleads: "See me / feel me / touch me / heal me..." Wow, 8 little words that summarize the human condition. Who can't relate to that?
Much like "The Blues Brothers," you could watch the film adaptation of "Tommy" on your video channel and cover A LOT of ground. The movie features cameos by many famous musicians and actors. Included is Elton John singing this very same song, which became something of a signature song for him. Also appearing, members of The Who itself, Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson, Tina Turner, and so many others. Ann Margaret's performance was nominated for an Oscar, and she actually won a Golden Globe for her excellent performance. I was fortunate enough to see the original Broadway production back in the early 1990s; it was terrific. But the film is great too. It's possible you would conclude watching the film by saying, "what was THAT all about?" Hey man, it was the 60s. It should make perfect sense for budding hippies like you two.
You`all should take a few hours for yourself and watch The Who`s Rockumentary "Tommy". In it Elton John plays the Pinball Wizard!
Amber, well done, it from 'Tommy' which is a Rock Opera. Other 'Who' tracks to check out, 'The Seeker', 'Magic Bus', 'I Can See for Miles', and 'Substitute'.
This is from Tommy, which was a "Rock Opera". Tommy was the Deaf, Dumb and Blind kid. It was pretty groundbreaking at the time to have a whole double album tell a story through all the songs. I personally like Quadropenia better.
Quadropenia? Is that when you have four dicks? I'll stick with Quadrophenia.
From the rock opera, "Tommy." One of the true landmark songs of the rock era.
I've always loved the opening riff.
I've always thought the part where Townshend comes in and sings "How do you think he does it?" overlapped by Daltrey's "I don't know!" is just one of the great moments in rock music history...
Is that Larry Tate??? Love your profile picture LOL
A totally underrated song by The Who is "Goin' Mobile" off of Who's Next. Honestly, everything off Who's Next slays
That song is GOLD!❤
"off of" ? 🤔
The Greatest Album of All Time. Period. IMHO.
It’s not underrated - in most folks’ who top 5.
One of my top two albums of all time (the other being Boston’s debut).
Perfect segue into a movie reaction you two should do! The "Rock Opera Tommy" -- both the album and the movie -- is an absolute masterpiece! Great song choice! Thank you for this reaction! 💙✌
With Tommy, the Who invented the rock opera. This song made me buy the album. The album made me a fan.
Try The Music Must Change, Getting in Tune, Athena, Squeezebox, The Quiet One, and Join Together.
Love both versions of this The Who and Elton John, think EJ's is slightly more ROCK.. amazing 👏
Also, Roger Daltrey (lead singer The Who, plays Tommy in the movie)
The very definition of what a Concept Album is, something lacking in the days of mostly singles.
Not really. Aimee Man, Decemberists, Arcade Fire, Flaming Lips, Avette Bros, Green Day, NIN, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Janelle Monet, My Chem Romance… theres little $ in singles anymore.
@@slimlouis6441What LOL...
In 1983, the (recently broke up) Who was my #1 band prompting me to go full metal in the 80s. I listened to the Who's "Boris the Spider " so much, I Got the nickname "Boris B. Burnt" in 1983-85 Charlotte s
Garinger High School in our nonviolent gang known as the Stoners. revered by bassists of all music genres, such as Getty Lee, say the Ox (John Entwistle) Founding member of the Who was the best bassist ever.
A real banger in the day. The movie Tommy was legendary!
Backstory. This came out of the "rock opera" Tommy. Story of a young disabled boy who is given an injection and gets "powers" afterward. Elton John was the Pinball Wizard, Tina Turner was the Acid Queen, Roger Daltry of The Who played the lead role of Tommy. Other parts played by Ann Margaret, Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson.
"Listen to 'Tommy' with a candle burning and you'll see your entire future.'" Quote from the movie Almost Famous, about a 70's touring rock band and a teenage boy who's given the chance to travel the country with them and write an article about them for Rolling Stone magazine. Would be great for your movie reaction channel!
Fictional, but one of the most accurate films about rock. Due to Cameron Crowes ability to observe while immersed in the middle of it all..
Almost Famous would be great for them to see also
love that movie and yes true quote. . lol
The guy playing the acoustic guitar at Woodstock was the late Richie Havens. He had finished his set but the next act had arrived so the promoters asked Richie to play another song. He just winged this
song.
In the musical film Tommy, Elton John is the one who performs this song and is a hit for him as well. You guys should react to that Elton John version if you don't react to the movie itself
Great reaction!! The Who is one of the all time greatest bands in every respect.
The album Tommy also was made into a movie. Very straing but explains this song perfectly.
My favourite era of The Who is the 60s, which has a more proto -punk pop sound. You've already listened My Generation from 1964. Now listen to "Subsitute", "Can't Explain", "I can see for miles", "Pictures of Lily", "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere". They have a completely different sound to their 70s stuff you've been listening to.
Released in 1969, my 14-year old self was stunned and amazed by this album. Pete Townshend is playing guitar like a wizard himself. He also wrote the entire opera. Check out the movie.
Townshend is amazing on this song and others
@@txheadshots, back in the day, no one could hold a candle to him. These days he's still dang good for a grandfather.
Like y'all, when I first heard this I had no idea of the backstory or that it was part of a larger story. I just got happy hearing it. I took it at face value and simply rocked out. Fantastically excellent...!
*Behind Blue Eyes* is my vote for a reaction sometime soon, one hopes...
Be well
S.W.
I know a lot of people who hear this the first time and hear "that deaf dumb and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball" get a bit put out, but you need to know the whole story/album. Amazing song.
What will they think about wicked uncle ernie?
@@guystephens2881 I just watched it again and had forgotten all about it.
Never heard of anybody getting a bit put out by the song. Maybe in USA where 'dumb' does not mean 'unable to speak' or 'tongue-tied' but means 'stupid'
I think I read somewhere that the recording of Tommy was complete, but The Who's management gave them the whole "I don't hear a single" line. So Pete Townshend was tasked with coming up with something catchy in a hurry. Someone on the road crew or one of the band's drivers said "Hey Pete, why don't you write a song about something cool, like pinball?" And that's where this came from. The interesting thing though is that he was able to incorporate the whole pinball theme into the story of Tommy. Tommy becomes a pinball messiah, hence the line "his disciples lead him in and he just does the rest."
Pete kind of painted himself into a corner by essentially creating the first cohesive rock opera. After this, he felt pressure to apply a story to every album. The successor to Tommy (and I would say their best album) Who's Next evolved from a project called Lifehouse which, like Tommy, had a story that served as a framework for the album. Eventually, the concept became so unwieldy that even Townshend could no longer follow it or explain it (which may have had something to do with his addictions catching up with him) so The Who abandoned the story and just assembled Pete's best songs (including "Baba O'Riley) and John Entwhistle's "My Wife" and that became Who's Next.
Speaking of Entwhistle, give "Pinball Wizard" another listen and just listen to the bass. As usual, Entwhistle's playing is stellar. He was the unsung hero of this band.
So many other great Who songs, "Love, Reign O'er Me," "5:15," "Eminence Front," and "Squeezebox," which I know a lot of folks don't like, but I love it.
A major player in true classic rock. This song right here of course. You'll hear plenty of rock fans talk about this song. There are certain songs that are really famous from the great classic bands that really stand out. This is the one for The Who.
There's a case for saying The Who were the original rock band. Until then, it was pop, classical, and jazz. Pop included anything popular as opposed to specialist elitist. By mid 1960s, the pop label was too small to cater for all the genres rooted in the blues and soul. Keith Richards had a good point about rock as it developed: he said a lot of people knew how to rock but they had forgotten how to roll. The Who appealed mainly to frustrated young blue collar men (as in their version of Young Man's Blues) who struggled to find a role in the modern, more technical and educated world. Daltrey had worked in a factory from leaving school. Rock, and prog tended to appeal to males with far fewer women buying it or going to concerts. Beatles and Stones still appealed to both boys and girls and saw themselves as pop bands who took pop in new directions.
The rock opera Tommy was written by Pete Townsend of the Who in 1975. It starred Roger Daltrey as Tommy who witnessed something horrific and became a deaf, blind mute. It also had Tina Turner as the acid queen and Elton John as the pinball wizard. It was music by the Who.
You need to watch the rock opera, Tommy. Elton John sings the song in the movie. You will also enjoy Tina Turner singing Acid Queen. Fantastic album, and movie. Ann Margaret was nominated for an Oscar, and won a Golden Globe, for her performance as Tommys mom.
Ha ha! A good friend of mine worked on the film 'Tommy'. Further set designs and paintings for the director Ken Russell followed. An oil painting that featured in a scene in 'Savage Messiah' with Helen Mirren- a military man on a his horse - was completed in a week and was still wet whilst they were filming! Maybe now the algorithm will pick this up and everyone will be reacting to 'Pinball Wizard'! Now no longer able to mix paint because of a tremor, he continues working by producing colourful abstracts on his IPad.
Yes the movie Tommy is an interesting visual adaptation of the album and Elton's version of this song is heavier. Early Who songs are great, I Can See For Miles, Pictures Of Lilly, Bucket T. and Substitute are some cool tunes
Pete is one of rock's best rhythm guitar players. I like his lead guitar a lot too but he's renowned primarily fot his rhythm playing. And his windmilling is great!!!
Also, forgot to mention, that guy from Woodstock you saw, Richie Havens. A brilliant player/singer too. 🙏👍
Tommy was the fourth studio album for The Who and it was released 53 years ago. It sold 20 million copies which represented 1/5 of their records sold.
Maybe your next movie should be Tommy. It's incredible and the music
Phenomenal. Glad you enjoyed.
Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦
It saved them from bankruptcy
I recommend the entire rock opera as well. This was landmark stuff when it came out when I was 16. I think I wore out my first vinyl copy....all 4 sides.
Love how Pete Townsends plays with the lead in on the acoustic and then hits hard with the wind mill on the electric. I believe he got the wind mill move from Keith Richard’s been legend ever since!!
That was Entwhistle on the bass
The WHO is a great band. Some of the earliest hits we'll worth listening to, " I can see for miles", "Magic Bus" " Pictures of Lily" there are so many more.
The whole Tommy album is an opera.
Is it ...like ..the first rock opera? So good.
This is from the Rock Opera / Movie TOMMY. Lead singer Roger Daltrey plays Tommy... lot of other actors / musicians in the movie. You really should see it!!
"Bargain" by The Who is a great Who song - I highly suggest you react to that song!
An Entwistle song. Let's hear it for Boris the Spider
Pinball was added to the album because the leading critic of the time thought that the album was too dark so Pete added Pinball Wizard to get him to give the album a good review. My personal favorite is Love Reign O’er Me.
Love love love your reaction this is one of my favorite songs ever. I actually was saving my virginity for Roger DaltreyI know it’s weird. If you get a chance listen to the whole rock album Tommy it’s a rock opera this song is in it
At 5:30 Amber asks whether there's a metaphor in "Pinball Wizard". I'd say it's that Tommy's situation - made deaf, dumb, and blind by childhood trauma, (but he isn't really, that's how he's able to play pinball, he's just internally blocked) - is a metaphor for everyone's spiritual blindness, from our own childhood (and continuing) traumas, despite which we also still function (more or less).
Please check out Foo Fighters - Everlong!
The reference to pinball is not a metaphor, it's literal. This is an awesome song in itself, but lyrically it only makes sense in the context of the "Tommy" rock opera. If you really want to be amazed, check out The Who performing this song at Woodstock. An un-freakin'-believable performance!
Tommy is worth a listen from start to finish.. Pete Townshend was 24 when he wrote it, which still amazes me.. Plenty of awesome tracks, and if you guys ever wanna do an instrumental reaction, check out “Underture,” from Tommy.. You won’t be disappointed..
The Woodstock guy was Richie Havens. Pete Townsend is noted for his hard strumming to the point that he would often wind up spraying blood from his finger tips all over the guitar!
Kieth Moon’s drumming is always epic
This is part of the rock opera "Tommy." Tommy becomes a celebrity by doing something kind of frivolous, and leverages that into becoming a spiritual leader. I heard they chose pinball as the thing that made Tommy famous because they heard a music critic was a pinball fanatic and they thought this would make him more likely to give them a good write-up.