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“Pinball Wizard” is a song written by Pete Townshend and performed by the English rock band The Who, and featured on their 1969 rock opera Tommy. The original recording was released as a single in 1969 and reached #4 in the UK charts.
The lyrics are written from the perspective of a pinball champion, called “Local Lad” in the Tommy libretto book, astounded by the skills of the opera’s eponymous main character, Tommy Walker: “That deaf, dumb, blind kid sure plays a mean pinball”, and “I thought I was the hobby table king, but I just handed my pinball crown to him.”
Townshend once called it “the most clumsy piece of writing [he’d] ever done”[1]; nevertheless, the song was a gigantic commercial success and one of the most recognized tunes from the opera. It was a perpetual concert favourite for Who fans due to its pop sound and familiarity.
The lyrics are written from the perspective of a pinball champion, called “Local Lad” in the Tommy libretto book, astounded by the skills of the opera’s eponymous main character, Tommy Walker: “That deaf, dumb, blind kid sure plays a mean pinball”, and “I thought I was the hobby table king, but I just handed my pinball crown to him.”
Townshend once called it “the most clumsy piece of writing [he’d] ever done”[1]; nevertheless, the song was a gigantic commercial success and one of the most recognized tunes from the opera. It was a perpetual concert favourite for Who fans due to its pop sound and familiarity.
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The video of one of the most famous scenes of the movie "Tommy". With Elton John
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Shouts
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thedarkensoul wrote:
They were awesome at the Super Bowl! Loved them!
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bethenail wrote:
rock on
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shigs wrote:
\m/
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Bizbuster wrote:
See them at Super Bowl 45 on Feb 7th.......rock on
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Elodave wrote:
WOW! What a film.Totally stolen by Moony's uncle ernie.What a great band.
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yupyusyep wrote:
EPIC!
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Oceantoad wrote:
what is pinball?
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Matthewrules wrote:
Pinball Wizard Rulez!
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corky64 wrote:
Great track....<3
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ValasVixson wrote:
Thats weird BabeBlueEyes was just being naughty on her webcam while listening to The Seeker HMMMM....SPAM!!!!!!!
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PhatBasta wrote:
Great song....If I could get all my quarters back I'd be set....
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deezombie wrote:
LOVE ITTTTT!
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russellwesteren wrote:
The Who is in my top five bands list. this is probably their number six song.
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TEKENA24 wrote:
MODs for life
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LORDOFDOOM13 wrote:
LOL \/ \/
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Lituus wrote:
Love the guitar but the drumming in this song totally sux.
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njoy60 wrote:
CLASSIC
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kemming wrote:
as a young boy i spent all my money at the pinball machines
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Braveshell wrote:
Classic song... saw them in '81 fabulous gig!
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Piledriver72 wrote:
Awesome song! My favourite track from "Tommy" album. :)
The Who
Pinball Wizard
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