@AirplayBeats reacts to The Who - Pinball Wizard Like comment and subscribe patreon.com/user?u=81569817 Airplay Beats 3609 Bradshaw Rd Ste H #337 Sacramento, CA 95827 Www.Airplaybeats.com
The song was single from one of the greatest concept albums called Tommy. It's basically a rock opera about an abused deaf, blind kid who escapes by playing pinball. You need to do the whole album to get the whole context of the song. The album is one of the greatest ever recorded.
This song is one of the significant anthems for those who came of age in the '70s, playing Pinball Machines in the pool halls, bowling alleys, etc. No video games; you played Pinball and shot pool. Great song; thanks, guys, for going back in time and bringing it back. As always, your commentary is always fun and excellent.
I was 11 years old, back in 1969 when I bought the album "Tommy" by The Who. The first rock concept album, rock opera ever released. The first lyrics for Tommy's story begins with his father. "Captain Walker didn't come home, his unborn child will never know him, believe him missing with a number of men, don't expect to see him again." 1921 song, Tommy is 10 years old and witnesses his MIA father's return and the murder of his mother's lover. His parents told him, "you didn't see it, you didn't hear it, you won't say nothing at all, not even to yourself". Tommy becomes deaf, dumb and blind, and the Pinball Wizard. And, the story continues.
I'm.your same age and huge Who fan. However, at that age I didn't know who the heck they were or any songs. I didn't really listen to them until I got Who's Next in 73.
The part where Pete comes in with "How do you think he does it?" and Roger overlaps with that screamed "I don't know!" is just one of the greatest things ever. Keith's drum fills here are so melodic. I think my brother had this album on quadrophonic 8-track...
This is from the Rock Opera "Tommy." It is the story of Avery young boy who was traumatized as a while when he saw his mother in the arms of another man while his father was at war. He sits out the entire whorl;d and is for all intents and purposes, deaf, dumb, and blind. It follows his journey to recovery and all of the torments he experiences. NO. It is not a true story. It was written by Pete Townsend
In the "Tommy" movie Elton John played the part of the Pinball Wizard. Elton's version of this song became a huge hit. (He had two versions, a promo single from the movie soundtrack in '75 and a re-recorded version backed by the Elton John Band in '76. The latter became the hit.) I'd be interested to see what you guys think about that version.
Still remember going to see the movie "Tommy" back in the 70's, which was the film based on this album. It was a big event in my early life. We didn't have video games yet (except maybe pong), but the pinball culture was huge. We would stand in line to take our turn on the pinball machine at the recreation center. There was only one machine, and we would put the quarters on the machine to indicate we were next to play and then wait forever to play. There would always be that one kid who could keep playing for a long time. When I go to arcades to this day I spend most of my time on pinball machines.
I'm born 1965 and as a kid, I loved "Tommy"!! This love also did lead me to play pinball and despite my young age, I was very good and really obsessed......! 😄 Greetings from Germany....🙋🏻♀️
Great musical composition Roger Daltry vocals , John Entwhistle bass , Peter Townsend guitar, Keith Moon drums- seen them live San Francisco Winterland.
FLASHBACK: Early 70's, I was a kid. An older teen at the end of my block would wash his Red fastback Mustang on Saturday. We could hear him blasting Pinball Wizard all the way down the street, and it was like gold in my ears :)
This was part of a soundtrack.... The movie version is a must see...... In this movie the song was rewritten for Elton John and piano rather than guitar..
This is from the rock opera album “Tommy” and later made into a movie. Elton John played the pinball wizard. Tina Turner played the acid Queen. Ann Margaret plays Tommy’s mother. And Tommy is played by Roger Daltry! Many other stars are in it too
"Tommy" was the name their Album and Movie that was in, Elton John Played the Pinball Wizard. The Movie is about a Deaf, Dumb and Blind Kid. All of the members of The Who were in it as well as Tina Turner, Ann Margeret, Eric Clapton and Jack Nicholson.
Airplay + The WHo = Fire The sound of this song is the sound of The Who in the 1960s. As many have suggested, you guys should do Tommy at some point. A masterpiece of epic proportions
This is the basis of the movie Pinball Wizard. We used to call people who was deaf and blind kid. Back then it was believed that if you can’t see or hear, you can’t learn.
This was an entire production. A Broadway play, and movie with Elton John, and many other well-known Rock Stars in it. The album "Tommy" is about a deaf, dumb, and Blind kid, that plays pinball and can't be beat. It's of course, written by Pete Townsend, (The Who guitarist) as this was Pete's "Baby" from the start. I believe they called it a "Rock Opera." This is the sort of stuff Pete Townsend played music for. If he weren't a Rock star, Pete would probably been a movie producer or Director. It's just in his DNA. Tanks guys
Keith Moon played like no one else.. often he didn't use high hats, instead using two ride cymbals and two bass drums. He put fills in where most people wouldn't expect and hit cymbals were you wouldn't expect.
Probably the biggest hit from The Who's Rock Opera "Tommy". A very cool tune, with lots of story mixed in. In the movie "Tommy" Sir Elton John takes on the role of the Pinball Wizard, in some BIG boots, and does a great job with it. Also in the movie are Tina Turner, "The Acid Queen", Ann-Margaret, as Tommy's Mother, Jack Nicholson, as The Doctor, and Keith Moon puts in a turn as the "wicked Uncle Ernie". Give it a watch, you will enjoy it. A lot.
Gentlemen… this is from the Tommy where you dove into the first side of the album … what a concept album movie and broadway theater play - legendary thanks for doing this your reactions are awesome
Back in the day before the electronic gizmo age the Pin Ball halls were as popular as the Pool Halls, They had them in all of the bars and coffee houses everywhere..
"Tommy" ...is a Rock Opera that was turned into a movie. He is deaf dumb and blind from witnessing his father, long thought killed in the great war, show up and kill his step father.... Pinball Wizard ... is the biggest hit and... See Me Feel Me... is another. ...Go To The Mirror ...includes See Me Feel Me.and there is video from the movie.
You should watch the movie Tommy, which tells the whole story with a who's who of the day's rock legends (Elton John sings this song as the former pinball champ, but Tina Turner and Eric Clapton also have roles).As well as actor greats like Jack Nicholson and Ann Margaret.
So, this is 1969 from the album Tommy. It's a rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind kid, who's a pinball wizard, and achieves enlightenment by falling through a mirror. I don't understand the story, but I love the album, and the film is a blast.
Since you like Elton John too you should see the Tommy movie version of the song where Elton sings and is dethroned by Tommy (The Who's Roger Daltrey). The movie was done in 1975 which had Clapton, E. John, Tina Turner, Jack Nicholson, Ann Margret, Oliver Reed and others.
Been following you guys from the start of this channel. I'll let others fill in the usual comments about the song (my favorite rock song of the later 60s, the band and the historic "Tommy" rock opera. I just want to mention that even though these gents show a business address in Sacramento, I'm almost certain I walked right by the gentleman on the left (wearing the bear cub hat) in Albertson's supermarket in the Hollywood/Los Feliz section of Los Angeles a few days ago (a few days before Christmas), and I was star struck. I wish I'd stopped and said hi.
By now, you’ve read this is a single from the rock opera Tommy. There is an Elton John version of this song as well, with all the Elton elements that made it a monster hit.
In the movie version of this Rock Opera album, Elton John played the part of the narrator of this song. He had a hit with his own recording of this song after the movie was made.
You guys should check out the Ken Russell movie of Tommy. Lot's of musicians play parts. Peter Frampton, Keith Moon, Roger Daltrey, Ann Margaret, Tina Turner, Jack Nicholson, Oliver Reed, Eric Clapton, Elton John.
When you get around to their early live music. My Generation Medley takes up one side it is a sonic trip through their song list a rock opera in itself
You should watch the movie of “Tommy,” starring Ann- Margaret and Oliver Reed along with the members of the band and other famous actors of the era. Elton John plays this song in the movie. It’s an absolute trip! Saw it in a drive-in with a bunch of friends in the late 70s. Crazy!
Name the #1 song that should should have been longer. I crave more of those bent electric chords and more of the hardest driving acoustic riffs from Pete. And I wanna hear Entwistle walk that bass to town and BACK!
Check out the version from the Rock Opera Film TOMMY starring ELTON JOHN as the PINBALL WIZARD! While youre there, also see/ listen to TINA TURNER as The ACID QUEEN! TOMMY is a FANTASTIC MOVIE!
Tommy by The Who was the first "rock opera" and captivated the world for a year or so during which they played it live everywhere. Then the movie came out in the mid-70s, but we were all off it by then because it had taken too long to make. Double lp - 1969 / movie - 1975.
They just put out recently a remastered 1080p version of the movie "Tommy" that has some special guest stars singing thier songs, like Elton John. But listen to the album if you want to hear just The Who, it is tight. A rock opera, before Queen.
"Tommy" was one of the first 5 albums I bought, ca 1982 when I was 13. I didn't know what it was about, but it sounded great. Turns out, Tommy was suffering PTSD after being m-lested. That's why he was deaf, dumb, and blind.
I first listen to this magnificent legendary concept album about this boy Tommy and all the trials and tribulations that he goes through. Do the whole album and read about this rock opera Album and later the movie which Elton John covered a great version of this song!
“Tommy” is the deaf dumb and blind kid…in the Movie Tommy is played by Roger Daltry, and the pinball “Champ” is played by Elton John. Check it out! Eric Clapton and other musicians from the day make appearances in the movie as well.
You really need to listen to the whole album because it tells the whole story of Tommy. Tommy is also a rock opera. There is also a movie with Elton John and Tina Turner. Great rock opera.😊
Tommy. The album was mostly composed by guitarist Pete Townshend, and it is a rock opera that tells the story of Tommy Walker. Tommy is traumatised from witnessing his ...
Don’t try do. Love all your content, the deep dives, the b-side reactions, one of the best reactors on the Tube. Keep up the great work. One suggestion though, dip your toes into some Mahogany Rush/ Frank Marino, one of the best guitars on the planet. Wishing you all the best. Carry on Sirs.
If you can, give time to watching the movie “Tommy” , a great rock opera movie with many famous actors. It will bring more meaning to this song and others from the album. Elton John also does a rendition of Pinball Wizard.
