The Who will reissue a 1972 recording of “Tommy” featuring the London Symphony Orchestra and Chambre Choir and all-star cast on September 11.
The Who's 1969 rock opera returns featuring the addition of a full 104-piece orchestra – conducted by David Measham and arranged by Wil Malone – and a 60-voice Chambre Choir, adding a fuller sound than the band’s original studio release.
"I always saw The Who's version of Tommy as more of a sketch and felt there was more that could be done with it," says Pete Townshend. "The London Symphony project, I think, paved the way for more to come."
The project was recorded with an all-star cast of guest soloists including The Who’s Townshend, Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle along with Rod Stewart, Ringo Starr, Steve Winwood, Merry Clayton, Richie Havens, Sandy Denny, Maggie Bell, Graham Bell and actor Richard Harris.
Reissued on CD, vinyl and digital download, the 1972 recording has been re-mastered at 24/192 bitrate. The package includes the original design concept libretto with a 20-page color illustration of the characters and lyrics.
The original release of the album won a Grammy for Best Album Package and Rod Stewart's version of "Pinball Wizard" has become a staple of best-of collections throughout his career.
Over the past year, The Who have been playing shows as part of their 50th anniversary farewell tour, “The Who Hits 50!”,
A fall North American run starts September 14 in San Diego, CA.
The Who's Tommy
London Symphony Orchestra
Release date: September 11
Characters (in order of appearance)
Narrator: Pete Townshend
Nurse: Sandy Denny
Lover: Graham Bell
Father: Steve Winwood
Mother: Maggie Bell
Hawker: Richie Havens
Acid Queen: Merry Clayton
Tommy: Roger Daltrey
Cousin Kevin: John Entwistle
Uncle Ernie: Ringo Starr
Local Lad: Rod Stewart
Doctor: Richard Harris
Tracklisting
"Overture" - London Symphony Orchestra
"It's A Boy" - Sandy Denny
"1921" - Graham Bell/Steve Winwood/Maggie Bell/Roger Daltrey
"Amazing Journey" - Pete Townshend
"Sparks" - London Symphony Orchestra
"Eyesight to The Blind" - Richie Havens
"Christmas" - Steve Winwood/Roger Daltrey
"Cousin Kevin" - John Entwistle
"The Acid Queen" - Merry Clayton
"Underture" - London Symphony Orchestra
"Do You Think It's Alright?" - Maggie Bell/Steve Winwood
"Fiddle About" - Ringo Starr
"Pin Ball Wizard" - Rod Stewart
"There's A Doctor I've Found" - Steve Winwood
"Go To The Mirror Boy" - Richard Harris/Roger Daltrey/Steve Winwood
"Tommy Can You Hear Me?" - Maggie Bell
"Smash The Mirror" - Maggie Bell
"I'm Free" - Roger Daltrey
"Miracle Cure" - Chambre Choir
"Sensation" - Roger Daltrey
"Sally Simpson" - Pete Townshend
"Welcome" - Roger Daltrey
"Tommy's Holiday Camp" - Ringo Starr
"We're Not Gonna Take It" - Roger Daltrey
"See Me, Feel Me" - Roger Daltrey
See also:
VIDEO: The Who issue 1971 classic from Live At Shea Stadium 1982 set
VIDEO: Oasis and The Who singers team up for My Generation
The Who: Pete Townshend unhappy over UK chart snub
The Who: Live At Leeds 45th anniversary featured on In The Studio
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