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Lot #8138
The Who and Eric Clapton Signed Program for 'Tommy'

Scarce orchestral Tommy album booklet, signed by Townsend, Moon, Daltrey, and Clapton

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Estimate: $1500+
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Description

Scarce orchestral Tommy album booklet, signed by Townsend, Moon, Daltrey, and Clapton

Booklet insert from the original 1972 vinyl box set of the London Symphony Orchestra's version of The Who's 1969 rock opera Tommy, 11.5 x 11.5, signed inside the front cover in ink by Pete Townsend, Keith Moon, Roger Daltrey, and Eric Clapton; also signed on the facing page by actor Oliver Reed, who appeared alongside the four musicians in the 1975 Tommy film. All are unusually large, appealing examples. In very good to fine condition, with light handling wear, and a central vertical fold.

Tommy was first released by The Who in 1969, as an album they envisioned as a singular 'rock opera,' telling the story of a 'deaf, dumb and blind kid.' Little did they know that it would spawn a multi-media franchise. In a 1972 project conceived by producer Lou Reizner, the London Symphony Orchestra released an album of Tommy orchestral arrangements. Then, in 1975, it was adapted for the screen with a star-studded cast that included members of The Who, Eric Clapton, Oliver Reed, Ann-Margret, Tina Turner, Elton John, and Jack Nicholson. Pete Townshend oversaw the production of an entirely new Tommy album for the soundtrack, this time using synthesizers to create orchestral arrangements he had envisioned and taking advantage of the available musicians—Elton John's rendition of 'Pinball Wizard' was later released as a single and became a top-ten hit. This unusual booklet from the orchestral version, signed by most of Tommy's originators and a couple famous members of the film version's cast, represents the wide-ranging popularity and eminent adaptability of the work.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Marvels of Modern Music
  • Dates: #648 - Ended November 17, 2022





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