The Life and Legacy of Rock Legends, The Who

The movie version of Tommy was a strange, bold thing. It was released in 1975, years after the album, and brought the music to life in a way no one had reasonably expected. Ann-Margaret, Elton John, Jack Nicholson—it was packed with stars. Some scenes were uncomfortable. Others were just surreal.

However, it retained the heart of the story, and it provided people with a new way to experience it. The Who were always reaching beyond just making records, and this was another example of that. They didn’t just want to play songs; they wanted to create a unique experience. They wanted to build something bigger, even if it was messy.