THE WHO - TOMMY ROCK OPERA - 2LP Vinyl Deluxe BOX-SET

- "Tommy" Rock Opera: A Musical Journey through Triumph and Tragedy

"Tommy" captivates listeners with its powerful narrative and musical diversity. The 2LP vinyl deluxe box-set, released in commemoration of the album's legacy, includes a 27-page full-color photo booklet, providing fans with a visual journey through the rock opera's creation.

 

large album front cover photo of: THE WHO Tommy Rock Opera 2LP Deluxe BOX-SET

"Tommy" Album Description:

"The Who's" iconic rock opera "Tommy" emerged during a pivotal period in music history. Released on May 23, 1969, this double LP box-set revolutionized the concept album genre. Composed by Pete Townshend, the album tells the compelling story of Tommy Walker, a "deaf, dumb, and blind" boy who becomes a messianic figure.

The genesis of "Tommy" can be traced back to Pete Townshend's desire to experiment with a more ambitious musical format. Frustrated by the constraints of traditional albums, Townshend envisioned a rock opera that would transcend the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

The recording process involved extensive collaboration among "The Who" members - Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, each contributing their unique talents. The addition of guest performers, including Eric Clapton and Tina Turner, elevated the album's musical richness.

"Tommy" marked a departure from the band's earlier sound, incorporating diverse musical styles, from rock and blues to orchestral arrangements. The use of synthesizers and innovative studio techniques showcased "The Who's" artistic evolution.

Music Genre:

  Rock Opera

Album Production Information:

  The album: "Who, The - Tommy Rock Opera box-set" was produced by: Lou Reizner

Record Label & Catalognr:

ODE Records SP-99001

Media Format:

  Double 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 840 gram  

Year & Country:

  1972 Made in USA
Band Members and Musicians on: Who, The - Tommy Rock Opera box-set
    Musicians/Band:
  • Narrator: Pete Townsend
  • London Symphony Orchestra
  • Chambre Choir
  • Nurse: Sandy Denny (Alexandra Elene MacLean Denny, Fairport Convention)
  • Lover: Graham Bell
  • Father: Steve Winwood (Stephen Lawrence Winwood , Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith)
  • Mother: Maggie Bell
  • Hawker: Richie Havens
  • Acid Queen: Merry Clayton
  • Tommy: Roger Daltry
  • Cousin Kevin: John Entwistle
  • Uncle Ernie: Ringo Starr (Beatles)
  • Local Lad: Rod Stewart
  • Doctor: Richard Harris
Complete Track Listing of: "Who, The - Tommy Rock Opera box-set"
    Side One:
  1. Overture
  2. It's a Boy
  3. 1921
  4. Amazing Journey
  5. Sparks
  6. Eyesight to the Blind
  7. Christmas
    Side Two:
  1. Cousin Kevin
  2. The Acid Queen
  3. Underture
  4. Do You Think It' Alright
  5. Fiddle About
  6. Pin Ball Wizard
    Side Three:
  1. There's a Doctor I've Found
  2. Go to the Mirror Boy
  3. Tommy Can you hear Me
  4. Smash the Mirror
  5. I'm Free
  6. Miracle Cure
  7. Sensation
    Side Four:
  1. Sally Simpson
  2. Welcome
  3. Tommy's Holiday Camp
  4. We're not gonna take it

 

The Who: Pioneers of Raw, Socially Conscious Rock Music History.

THE WHO - By Numbers
THE WHO - By Numbers  album front cover vinyl record

The inception of "By Numbers" can be traced back to the band's desire to explore new sonic territories. The early 1970s saw The Who experimenting with their sound, and "By Numbers" emerged as a testament to their evolution.

By Numbers 12" Vinyl LP
THE WHO - Extraits de L'Opera Rock Tommy
THE WHO - Extraits de L'Opera Rock Tommy album front cover vinyl record

"Tommy" raconte l'histoire d'un garçon "sourd, muet et aveugle" qui devient un virtuose du flipper et un leader spirituel. Le concept a été imaginé par Pete Townshend, guitariste et principal compositeur de The Who.

Extraits de L'Opera Rock Tommy 12" Vinyl LP
THE WHO - Face Dances
THE WHO - Face Dances album front cover vinyl record

"Face Dances" marked a departure from the band's earlier hard rock sound, incorporating elements of new wave and synthesizers. The album's creation unfolded against a backdrop of both excitement and uncertainty

Face Dances 12" Vinyl LP
THE WHO - Live at Leeds
THE WHO - Live at Leeds album front cover vinyl record

"Live at Leeds" is The Who's first live album, and is the only live album that was released while the group were still recording and performing regularly. It is often cited as the best live rock album of all time

Live at Leeds 12" Vinyl LP
THE WHO - Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy (European Releases)
THE WHO - Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy (European Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

"Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy" offers an impressive selection of The Who's iconic songs. Opening with the energetic and rebellious anthem "I Can't Explain", the album sets the stage for the band's distinctive style.

Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy (Germany) Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy (Gt Britain)
THE WHO - Odds and Sods
THE WHO - Odds and Sods  album front cover vinyl record

In the autumn of 1973, while Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, and Keith Moon were preparing for the Tommy film, John Entwistle was put in charge of compiling an album to counter the rampant bootlegging that occurred at The Who's concerts

Odds and Sods 12" Vinyl LP
THE WHO - Quadrophenia (Two International Releases)
THE WHO - Quadrophenia (Two International Releases) album front cover vinyl record

"Quadrophenia" is not just an album; it's a rock opera that delves into the mod subculture of the 1960s. The term "Quadrophenia" itself is a portmanteau of "quadrophonic" and "schizophrenia

Quadrophenia (Germany, Track Records Quadrophenia (USA)
THE WHO - Tommy Rock Opera Deluxe Box-Set
THE WHO - Tommy Rock Opera Deluxe Box-Set  album front cover vinyl record

The genesis of "Tommy" can be traced back to Pete Townshend's desire to experiment with a more ambitious musical format. Frustrated by the constraints of traditional albums, Townshend envisioned a rock opera

Tommy Rock Opera Deluxe Box-Set 12" Vinyl 2LP
THE WHO - Tommy Track Records
THE WHO - Tommy Track Records album front cover vinyl record

The album tells the story of a young boy named Tommy, who becomes deaf, dumb, and blind after witnessing a traumatic event. Despite his disabilities, Tommy becomes a pinball champion and a cult-like figure for his followers

Tommy Track Records 12" Vinyl LP
THE WHO - Self-Titled
THE WHO - Self-Titled   album front cover vinyl record

Rare 1971 French pressing of The Who's "Disque D'or" on Impact Records. This compilation album features classic tracks like "I Can See For Miles," "Boris The Spider," and "Armenia City In The Sky."

Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP
THE WHO - Who's Next 12" Vinyl LP
THE WHO - Who's Next  album front cover vinyl record

"Who's Next" is a musical odyssey that defies conventions and transcends boundaries. From the moment the needle touches the vinyl, listeners are transported to a sonic landscape where each track tells a unique story.

Who's Next 12" Vinyl LP

THE WHO: Related Rock Bands and Similar Music

Cream

Another influential British rock band, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar. Cream explored a wider range of styles than Led Zeppelin, but their blues-rock foundation and improvisational jams share some similarities. Cream

Deep Purple

Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals. Deep Purple

Jimi Hendrix

A legendary guitarist known for his innovative playing style and use of effects pedals. While not strictly a band, Hendrix's influence on rock guitar is undeniable, and his music shares some elements of blues and psychedelia with Led Zeppelin. Jimi Hendrix

Led Zeppelin

Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals Led Zeppelin