Tommy is a soundtrack album by The Who with contributions from numerous artists. The soundtrack was used in the 1975Tommyfilm that was based on the original album that was released by The Who in 1969. Pete Townshend oversaw the production of this double-LP recording that returned the music to its rock roots, and on which the unrecorded orchestral arrangements he had envisaged for the original Tommy LP were realised by the extensive use of synthesiser. The soundtrack LP also employed many leading sessions musicians including Caleb Quaye, Phil Chen and Nicky Hopkins as well as members of The Faces' Ronnie Wood and future Keith Moon replacement Kenney Jones. The song "Pinball Wizard", performed by Elton John, was a major hit when released as a single. Although the music for this song is performed by "The Elton John Band", as he was calling his musical team, the film depicts John being backed by The Who. Townshend performs additional synthesizer and/or guitar on all tracks. Credits to "The Who" indicate performances by Townshend, John Entwistle and Moon jointly, regardless of vocalist.
All songs are written and composed by Pete Townshend, except where noted.
Personnel
comprises the skeleton band for most of the songs. All instrumentation on each song is by them, except foradditional or alternate musicians indicated below for individual songs in which the lineup is wholly or partially different. Six tracks have The Who as their explicit instrumental credits. Lead vocals are as indicated in track listing above. The Who: Roger Daltrey – vocals for "Tommy" John Entwistle – bass, brass overdubs Keith Moon – drums, vocals for "Uncle Ernie" Pete Townshend – guitars, synthesizers, keyboards, drums, vocals for "Narrator"
"Overture from Tommy"
The Who
"Prologue - 1945"
John Entwistle – brass overdubs Pete Townshend – all other instruments
Kenney Jones – drums Alan Ross – acoustic guitar Chris Stainton – piano Ronnie Wood – guitar
"Go to the Mirror"
Richard Bailey – drums Phil Chen – bass Nicky Hopkins – piano Caleb Quaye – guitar
"Tommy, Can You Hear Me?"
Nicky Hopkins – piano Alan Ross, Chris Stainton – acoustic guitar
"Smash the Mirror!"
Kenney Jones – drums Alan Ross – acoustic guitar
"I'm Free"
Nicky Hopkins – piano Kenney Jones – drums
"Mother and Son"
Pete Townshend – all instruments
"Sensation"
Phil Chen – bass Nicky Hopkins – piano Alan Ross – acoustic guitar
"Miracle Cure"
Kenney Jones – drums Alan Ross – acoustic guitar Tony Stevens – bass
"Sally Simpson"
Phil Chen – bass Eric Clapton – guitar Graham Deakin – drums Nicky Hopkins – piano
"Welcome"
Pete Townshend – all instruments
"T.V. Studio"
Pete Townshend – all instruments
"Tommy's Holiday Camp"
Gerald Shaw – organ
"We're Not Gonna Take It"
Nicky Hopkins – piano Mike Kelly – drums Alan Ross – acoustic guitar Fuzzy Samuels – bass Chris Stainton – organ Caleb Quaye – guitar Vocal chorus – backing vocals
"See Me, Feel Me/Listening to You"
The Who, plus: Nicky Hopkins – piano Chris Stainton – organ Vocal chorus – backing vocals
