The Who - The Making of Tommy

The Who - The Making of Tommy is a documentary that delves into the history and production of the iconic 1969 rock opera album, Tommy, by The Who. Released in conjunction with a film adaptation of the same name, the documentary provides an intimate look at the making of this groundbreaking record, featuring candid interviews with the band members themselves. The album was born out of necessity and experimentation. Following the disappointing reception of their 1967 singles, "Call Me Little Sunshine" and "Early Morning Yellow Moon" were released but met lackluster critical and commercial reviews. With the departure of their original bassist, the band was left feeling fragmented and uncertain about their future. Enter Pete Townshend, the primary songwriter and driving force behind the group. Inspired by the teachings of Indian spiritual master Meher Baba, Townshend conjured up the concept of Tommy, a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a pinball champion and a sex symbol. The band, consisting of Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, was initially broke and struggling to create music. It was at this pivotal moment that Townshend decided to channel his energy and inspiration into Tommy, creating a sprawling rock opera that would tell the story of a young boy who navigates the darker side of human nature, including child abuse, prostitution, and violence, yet eventually finds redemption and spirituality. The recording process for Tommy was a time of great creativity and experimentation. As the band began work on the album, tensions ran high, with individual members pulling in different directions. Townshend had the vision and drive to see the project through to its completion, while Daltrey struggled with the darker tone of the material and Entwistle and Moon questioned the artistic value of the project. Despite these challenges, the band persevered, driven by their desire to create something innovative and groundbreaking. Through interviews, archival footage, and unseen clips from the studio sessions, The Who - The Making of Tommy paints a vivid picture of the band's struggles and triumphs as they brought this monumental project to life. Viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes moments of the band's performances, including Townshend's guitar-driven arrangements and Moon's explosive drumming, which helped shape the album's distinctive sound. One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is its focus on the ways in which the success of Tommy changed the lives of its creators. For Townshend, the album's impact was profound, as it not only revitalized his writing and artistic vision but also helped to establish him as a major voice in rock music. For Daltrey, the album marked a personal turning point, as he grappled with the complexities and controversies of the material. For Entwistle and Moon, the success of Tommy brought new pressures and challenges, as they struggled to cope with the band's increasing fame and demands. The Who - The Making of Tommy is a must-see for fans of the band and anyone interested in the history of rock music. With its candid insights, intimate interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, this documentary provides an unparalleled look at the making of a legendary album that has inspired generations of musicians, writers, and artists.