Tommy, The London Symphony Orchestra,the English Chamber Choir including Various Artists, produced by Lou Reizner, 1972

I have often been asked if Box collections of vinyl records have any value? Some have, this one in particular.

This recording is indeed the story of Tommy, the blind, deaf and dumb boy who played a "mean pinball", written by Pete Townsend and first recorded by The Who in 1969.

This recording was first conceived and put into production by Lou Reizner (1934-1977), who had produced Rod Stewart's first two albums, An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You down and Gasoline Alley.

He intended Rod Stewart to sing the main title but as The Who became more involved with the making of the record, Roger Daltrey reprised his singing role and Rod Stewart was reduced to singing the song Pinball Wizard.

The cast of various artists who sang portraying the characters, included Sandy Denny, Steve Winwood, Richie Havens, Graham Bell, Merry Clayton, Maggie Bell, Rod Stewart ,Richard Harris, Ringo Starr and other members of The Who.

The reviews of this album were mixed. One critic wrote "it was an overblown leaden interpretation that was weighed down by the hundred piece orchestra". Another described it "as a stunning delivery of The Who's rock opera with Daltrey sounding in finer voice than he did on the original '69 recording".

Another said how she listened to it "stunned, with tears running down her face, it was so beautiful". The album was a commercial success and became a million seller.

'Tommy' was distributed in what can only be described as a lavish box set. It was a double vinyl album and when the record sleeves were taken out and displayed flat on the ground it resembled a pinball machine, it also included a colour booklet relating the story of 'Tommy' as well as the lyrics with illustrations of all the cast in character. It won a Grammy award as the Best Album Package!

There was only ever one live performance celebrating the album on December 9,1972, at the Rainbow theatre, London. Owing to prior commitments some of the original singers could not perform that evening, so replacements were used. Peter Sellers reprised the Richard Harris role as The Doctor, Keith Moon sang Ringo Starr's role as Wicked Uncle Ernie. This is a highly sought after album especially by fans of The Who.

Lou Reizner went on to record an orchestrated version of Rick Wakeman's Journey to The Centre Of the Earth.

Recorded in stereo, value £200. Slightly damaged or scuffed marks will reduce the mint value.

Michael Brooks

Rock historian