The studio album is a tea party. Tommy live is a prison riot.

John just stood still but had the energy of the other three alone in his fingers.😀👍

I’m always amazed at how much sound comes out of just 3 instruments. I was lucky enough to see them in 1975. Truly a highlight of the many concerts I attended during my life

My friend, you are listening to the best that has been produced in rock n roll. - Tommy is a masterpiece.

Quadrophenia is The Who's Masterpiece

Make sure to do a reaction of 'Live at Leeds' from 1970 - around the same time as this Tanglewood gig. Their best recorded live performance! Regrettably there is no video but the audio is second to none!

I was at this show!

There's nothing better than the Who in 1970. They started touring in '69 and never stopped and they became the tightest they ever were. Every single show I've ever heard from this period is amazing. Nobody can touch them. And no one ever will.

Hahaha.... I was a sound tech for Bill Graham and worked the soundboard at this concert! I've got a direct reel to reel recording of it done on a Teac reel to reel.

Tanglewood was the original outdoor "Shed", built in the 1930's as the summer home of the Boston Pops, in the Western "mountains" of Massachusetts, in the town of Lennox. Eventually they let other musical acts, including rock bands to perform there. I saw Neil Young do a concert there, it is a beautiful venue with gardens and nice areas to just walk around. You can see the effect this venue has on bands, they always seem to elevate their performances, like here.

John and Keith were the ultimate rhythm section.

Excellent reaction. The Who at their live best - say ‘68 to ‘76 - were the greatest, most majestic live band there’s been. Been following them since ‘65 and glad to say I’ll be seeing Pete & Roger for the umpteenth time in London soon. However, these days it takes an entire orchestra to replace Keith & John as they try to replicate this awesome Amazing Journey/Sparks sequence.

Thanks for doing this incredible deep cut. Not sure why more people aren't appreciating this amazing music. My Generation from Live at Leeds is much like this and also includes Sparks in their medley of songs, most of which come from Tommy, but in a raw and far more powerful performance. The Tommy album is far more theatrical and has it's place, but I prefer Live at Leeds much more. It's was one of their cleanest performances and at the perfect time when their youthful energy collided with musical genius.

Saw them at Filmore East, played for an hour took a short break and came back and played the entire Tommy album. Still my top three concerts.

Luv who Wednesday... need to check out their 1970 concert at isle of wight. They are greatest band.. greatest live band

Pete's outfit is called a boiler suit 👍

This show is it. I think it’s the best I’ve ever heard Keith sound. Watch the entire show if you have time. It was the last date of their 1970 US tour, so maybe he was emptying the tank?

I can never seem to take my eyes off of the Moon! Literally, the drummer Muppet "Animal" was inspired by Keith Moon, and for good reason

A lot to enjoy. The album plays like a movie, the movie came years later.

Pete was 23 years old when he wrote Tommy. It was released on May 19, 1969 - Pete's 24th birthday.

For next Wednesday,,,,, Read a quick synopsis of Tommy, to help you understand what is happening. Pete's unusual story choice, a traumatized kid who loses his sight/hearing/speech, his parents search for a cure, while bullies and pedophiles abuse Tommy. He eventually finds enlightenment, and tries to be a spiritual leader. (Rather auto-biographical for Pete.) I suggest starting with side-1, "Overture"/"It's A Boy"/"1921"/"Amazing Journey" about 13 minutes listening, (if you can't do full album side). Another great section is the middle part "Acid Queen"/"Underture" where Tommy is given LSD and goes on a trip.

Need to watch Woodstock footage!

This concert must have been put out on YT fairly recently, the only live stuff I've seen from that era before was Woodstock and Isle of Wight. They were incredible back then, absolutely in their prime, with Who's Next around the corner, followed by Quadrophenia. Just ridiculous how good they were. All of it conceived, and mostly written, by Pete. He was on another plane back then. Watching them play live back then is an intense experience.

Brilliant reaction! This is why I tune into Who Wednesdays. You were basically having a ‘Whogasm’ the whole time! You can really tell this band captivates you😊

Three lead instruments and the best rock vocalist of all time come together in a maelstrom of energy. Nothing like The Who live.

no man, the two greatest songs of this concert are: Heaven and Hell, and Water!!!

The Tommy album is acoustically based but it came alive on stage.

“Listen to Tommy with a candle burning and you will see your entire future “🤯If you haven’t seen “Almost Famous” yet, I highly recommend it. It’s set in 1973 and the vibe is on point.

That entire show is incredible. Their live performances of Tommy pretty much leave the album for dead. It's funny that you referred to John as the quiet one. On-stage, he was actually the loudest one and was the main reason they were the loudest band on the planet. After Tommy you have to check out their pre-Tommy material. It's just as good.

The Who Sell Out LP is a sketch book for Tommy, and a concept album. Please put it on your playlist.

They should film John Entwistle more than they do, even if he is not jumping around. Focus the camera on his fingers

The Tommy studio album is brilliant, but it's far softer and more restrained than The Who's live performances. In fact it's fair to describe it as an acoustic album really... There is electric guitar on it, but the acoustic guitars are very much in the driving seat throughout. There's a beautiful extended version of this instrumental on the studio album, called 'Underture'... Probably my favourite moment on the album. Listening in a darkened room it can really take you on a trip.

The Who has been my favorite band since 1965.They were very different from all the other bands. I have seen them often and have all their albums

The WHO live in this period is utterly amazing, try more Tanglewood, at Woodstock or at the Isle of Wight, all are incredible sets and they set all venues ablaze! Enjoy. 🎵🎸🎤🎶

Pete would often come off the stage with his hands covered in blood from his quaint approach,,,,,,,😂

I think I heard somewhere that Pete wanted John Entwhistle to write Uncle Ernie and Cousin Kevin because they were too painful for him

The Who! The best live band ever! Then the Stones.

Great footage of Keith there - you really get a good idea of his unique style.

Greatest Band EVER.

The version of Sparks from the Tommy Soundtrack is also great.

Yeah, John is Mr. Stoic, but his energy comes out of his fingers! I'll take it! And don't ask The Who for any change, they have none left to give.

Saw them perform this at the London Coliseum, and came away with the beginnings of Tinnitus which after many concerts has developed full blown. Would do it all again for sure. Yep, and Pete has got to be one of the greatest Rock composers ever, for me, no equal 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸

Favorite part of tommy is side 4

Just love the who all my life❤

Hi L33, I agree that the "Tommy" Album should be heard first. A great early-progressive album, and rock story-telling. Great musical work, though the drums were mixed a bit low, (Moon was not happy). But the quieter drums may have helped "Tommy" become the Who's first huge success? Most late-60's listeners were not ready for explosive power-trio rock. The album "Tommy" is mostly "easier-listening", but very mysterious and beautiful. In concert, the Who's natural meanness took over, and Tommy Live became much louder, and more intense. The Who came into their own playing Tommy live, prep for "Who's Next".

"They'll bleed for you"... literally! Pete very often shredded his fingers to ribbons during a performance.

Greatest Rock Band Ever

"Sparks" from Woodstock is an awesome live version. Rumor was that LSD was slipped in their drinks.

Best live band ever. Crazy what they could do with three instruments and Roger’s voice.

John was schoolmaster overseeing a detention class

The transition reminds me some of Purple Haze

I hope they find the second half of the Tanglewood footage in better quality one day cause I love how they framed the shots in that, so many with all four or at least three visible.

MOON !!!

the wildest rock band ever...

FYI, Roger turned 80 last Friday, March 1st.

Was just going to suggest this lol :)

I have never seen this live performance, so thank you.

'Ole Audiophile to L33Reacts: This is a much better selection for a drummer, the muppet drummer Animal was borne of The Who drummer Keith Moon a lot of us believed. By 'Who's Next', the next studio album after Tommy, they had released what many of our generation believe is the best whole-entire album of the decade. Great pick, thanx!

Epic

I liked Tommy, but Quadrophenia (and the tune, Naked Eye) is what turned me into a Who fan. In '75, I turned 18, graduated HS, and could buy beer. I saw Jaws in the theater and the Frampton "Comes Alive" tour in the summer, but the absolute highlight of the year was seeing The Who with Mooney in November. (Greensboro, NC) Great year! I saw the Tommy tour twice in '89 and saw them once again in the early 2000s, before John passed. Because you always dig into the lyrics, here's another 10 from Pete. (and some of his best lead playing) It's Kenny Jones on drums, not Mooney, but still great. Genius lyrics. The Who Naked Eye kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gdeBdr1_vMexco0.html RIP Mooney and John. Thank You!

I hope this stuff blows your mind as much as much as it blue my mind when I experienced live in the day.

A good hour's ride from NYC ... My drum teacher thought it was a good outing

At the 8:30 mark of this video Pete shows us what a rock n roll god he is. My very favorite part of the whole concert. So powerful!

Nice! I was there--my second Who show of many!

FYI Jimi Hendrix wrote Foxey Lady about Daltreys wife

No high hat for Keith Moon,said it slowed him down.

As a drummer you should be nut deep in the Who. Good job

Would highly recommend Quadrophenia

You get to listen to Tommy, the 2nd best album of all time. Then you can listen to the best album of all time, Quadrophenia!

No hi hat. 🔥

The abortive 'Life House' project was Pete's vision for their follow up to 'Tommy'; much of 'Who's Next' is remainders of it. Check out 'Song Is Over' from 'Who's Next' and 'Pure and Easy', which showed up on 'Odds and Sods', sung by Roger, and Pete's first solo album 'Who Came First'. Another personal fave from that one is Ronnie Lane's 'Evolution'. Or 'There's A Heartache Following Me', a Hank Williams tune, a fave of Pete's guru. 😊❤

Townsends clean tone is the best. When I saw them I was planning on trying to take in all 4 legends. Problem is you can't take your eyes off of Pete because you'll miss something.

I’m so glad the legacy bands like “The Who” are still getting the respect they deserve but if a new band came out that was just as good would anyone even care, other than a niche following? Considering rock ‘n’ roll has died🥲

Hey, Lee! There's an amazingly talented and quirky guitarist you might enjoy named, "Buckethead", amusingly enough! A quick search on KZfaq will expose the rabbit hole. As always, HAVE FUN! 🤗

Along with YES and CTA(CHICAGO), they were the very best in the years Keith was alive!Pete is the genius behind almost everything The WHO did! Roger John and Keith made put it all into reality with mostly Pete’s vision!

Pete was pissed off with wondering what to wear on stage so decided on that attire he christened his "work clothes". By the way have you watched "A Quick One" from the Stones circus `68 yet?

I believe them to be Proto-Punk

it was at this time that the stones claimed to be the greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world. 😅 no one was better than The Who at this time!

Did you ever notice that Keith doesn't use a high-hat?

Lee …. It’s o k , it is the height of there powers

The movie of Tommy is worth watching, but some of the music is not as good as the album (which is all performed by The Who themselves.). The movie has people like Jack Nicholson singing, maybe singing should be in quotes. But it also has Eric Clapton, Tina Turner (performing "The Acid Queen") and Elton John as the Pinball Wizard, all are fantastic.

That's Animal at 8:23.

The album Tommy isn't quite as volatile. Lots of acoustic guitars and the bass way too low in the mix. But it's still great! Just not as burning as they did the material live.

An amazing performance. Unfortunately the sound techs never mic'd Keith's kit properly. Its always under recorded. Thats what holds back Live at Isle of Wight. Cant hear Keith's drums.

When you mention that transition, all I heard was Purple Haze by Hendrix. It was similar chord progressions. These guys were so haunted by Jimi Hendrix because they played under the same record label as Hendrix so that meant that they were billed together at concerts with Hendrix. And how do you compete with that?. Well, if anything, it just made the who better. It made them step up their game. So this is what you see. When you see these performances like this, it's a direct influence from Jimi Hendrix. Look at the who before Hendrix arrived on the scene and then afterwards. It's like night and day.

-The live version is wonderful but the studio version has a lot of merit. Like the Beatles, the Who couldn't possibly do on stage what was done in the studio. It is maybe more of a pot party than a tea party.

At The Who's lowest point, around the time just before Tommy began to be recorded, Keith and John almost left to join Jimmy Page in a new band. Moon said it would go over like a lead balloon, John refined it to, "More like a lead zeppelin". They stayed with The Who, because that crazy rock opera panned out. Page eventually got his own genius bassist/multi-instrumentalist, and got a drummer who idolized Moon, and a singer that was a blonde, blue-eyed, bare-chested belter. To me, the original product far surpasses the imitation. Both great. Oh, this is a very sloppy version of Amazing Journey. The only one I know of where Keith misses the first part of his intro, and is kind of shaky there for a bit. The one from Live at Leeds is far better, but no video. The London Coliseum December 1969 is a fantastic version that was a bonus on the reissue of The Kids Are Alright DVD some years back.

As good as this performance is, nothing matches the Isle of Wight festival show from 1970 for sheer energy from the band.

Tommy is really unique. I think you'll like it but you'll enjoy it even more after watching the movie co-starring Elton John , Tina Turner, Ann Margaret and more. You understand the album more after enjoying the movie. Album first though.

Good performance, but I think Pete’s guitar is a little out of tune.

when roger quit the band it took him a week to realize he fuckedup and begged to come back...as long as the drug taking by the other 3 stopped well it didnt and he stayed with em thank god lol

OUCH -- Pete's guitar is out of tune. He tries to tune it at times but he's stumbling around so badly it's laughable. BTW, this little American tour wasn't too far removed from the 'Live at Leeds' show, but it's not as good a mix, and the performance -- especially Pete -- is definitely more shambolic. At least based on this video. As you can see, Pete wasn't much a soloist. He was more a chords guy who could bluff his way through a solo if you put a gun to his head. When you play as long as he did, and do as many shows as he had you're bound to get better. But the whole guitar hero who could solo for days thing was never Pete's bag. Re: Keith, notice how there's almost no Keith Moon drum covers on KZfaq? His kit setup is a problem for starters, but the other is that there's no almost no formal technique of any kind going on. It's just a non-stop barrage of noise that he rarely played the same way twice. In many ways, Keith was a 'lead drummer', and was very inspirational to guys like Neil Peart. By contrast he horrified people like Bill Bruford, who famously had "I Hate Moon" written across his tennis shoes. BTW, glad to hear you're doing 'Tommy' before 'Quadrophenia'.