Tommy is a British rock opera movie from 1975, based upon The Who's 1969 Tommy album. It features a star-studded cast, including the band members themselves, Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Arthur Brown and Jack Nicholson. Tina Turner plays the „Acid Queen,“ a prostitute dealing in LSD, who sends Tommy on a wild trip. In addition to the movie, Tina recorded also the song Acid Queen for the soundtrack album and released a re-recorded version as a single in 1976, taken from her Acid Queen solo album.
Tommy was directed by Ken Russell and produced by Ken Russel & Robert Stigwood, came to cinemas in March 1975. The home video release from Columbia Pictures was in 1982 on VHS & Beta video, 1994 on LaserDisc, 1999 on DVD and in 2010 on Blu-ray disc. The soundtrack album was also released in March 1975 from Polydor Records on vinyl and cassette and later on compact disc. It reached #2 in America and #21 in England.
Billboard Magazine - March 22, 1975: The obvious first question upon seeing this LP is how many helpings of Pete Townshend's classic rock opera can the public take? Well, the answer in this case is certainly one more. Arrangements and production here are both quite different from the Who's original LP and the stage version that came out a bit over a year ago. With an exceptionally strong cast that includes Who lead singer Roger Daltrey as Tommy, the rest of the Who, Elton John, Ann-Margret, Tina Turner, Arthur Brown, Oliver Reed and Eric Clapton, this lavishly produced version of the opera (Townshend handled production) should do just as well as its predecessors. Musicians include the likes of Clapton, Townshend, parts of the Who and Faces, Elton John and his band members. An entirely new interpretation of the work and one deserving of special attention.
CashBox Magazine - March 22, 1975: Who fans rejoice. This sensational double package soundtrack of the film version of Tommy is sensational. Loaded with extras including Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson, Tina Turner, plus The Who, this is not to be missed. All of the excitement and fun is left intact from the original version of the worlds premiere rock-opera, plus five new tunes by the Who that weren't on the original. A sure chart topper.
Soundtrack Album - Front Cover
VHS Video - Cover
Acid Queen (Soundtrack Version 3:49
Acid Queen (Movie Version 8:56
Written by Pete Townsend / Produced by Robert Stigwood, Ken Russell
Tina & Ann Margret- Press Conference
Polydor Promo
Movie Scene
Tina & Elton John - Press Conference
Liner Notes
This classic rock opera is brought energetically to life by an outstanding cast including many stars of the rock music industry. Told through the remarkable music of The Who, this is the story of Tommy who when just a boy of six witnessed the murder of his father by his mother (Ann-Margaret) and her lover (Oliver Reed). They command him, „You didn’t hear it, you didn’t see it, and you won’t say anything to anyone …“ As a result, the traumatized boy retreats into the shadows of his mind and becomes deaf, dumb and blind.
Growing into man- hood, Tommy (Roger Daltrey) is subjected to several bizarre cure attempts by The Acid Queen (Tina Turner), the Preacher (Eric Clapton), and the Specialist (Jack Nicholson). In spite of his handicap, Tommy defeats the Pinball Wizard (Elton Iohn) and becomes the champ, attaining a devoted following. When he is finally cured, he is hailed by his fans as a „Messiah“.
1975
Tommy
1978
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely...