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Lot #2117
The Who 1970 'Tommy' Metropolitan Opera House Program

Bill Graham produces The Who’s very special performances of Tommy at the MET

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Estimate: $400+
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Description

Bill Graham produces The Who’s very special performances of Tommy at the MET

Rare program for The Who's final performance of their rock-opera Tommy at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, on June 7, 1970, 8.5 x 8.5, 12 pages, primarily featuring images of the band plus a few advertisements. The show was co-produced by Bill Graham of the Fillmore East along with Nat Weiss (The Beatles representative in the US). Rudolph Bing, director of the Met Opera Company, initially wouldn’t book The Who—he didn’t much like the idea of a loud, rowdy rock’n’roll group at his prestigious Lincoln Center concert hall—but he was invited to listen to the Tommy LP and this changed his mind and the booking was accepted for the loudest and rowdiest rock group of all. The concerts were promoted as being the last ever performances of Tommy, and both concerts received standing ovations of over 10 minutes. A review in Billboard Magazine stated 'The Who were as dynamic as ever.' As he returned for a rare encore Peter Townshend joked with Kit Lambert (The Who’s manager) 'you really book us on some bum gigs, man.' In fine condition, with ultra light handling wear.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Marvels of Modern Music
  • Dates: #636 - Ended May 19, 2022