This Day in Music History

Well, actually yesterday, but it was 50 years ago that The Who premiered Tommy to the press. Performing at a London jazz club, they literally blew out the ears of the journalists in attendance. My feelings on Tommy aside, this is again one of those moments that leave me speechless. Can you imagine yourself seeing The Who playing their legendary rock opera in a jazz club? This is one of those seminal moments in rock history, a true innovative work presented in the intimate surroundings of a small club. Unbelievable.

I love Tommy, and see it as one of the most important works of rock music in the twentieth century. However I have always been partial to Quadrophenia when judging Who epics. A work of genius, Tommy is a little too clean for me, too tight and neat in the performances. Quadrophenia to me is the real Who, as it is indulgent, a little over-the-top, frayed and raw, which I feel truly represents The Who at their best. Regardless, seeing them perform this work fifty years ago in a club setting is something only a few were able to cherish.