Tommy is one of my favorite rock operas of all time and stands as one of my favorite Who albums. Pete Townshend invented the concept of rock opera, and this guest filled performance of the entire album is awesome. This show was recorded at the Universal Ampitheater in Los Angeles in 1989. The band is joined by a full horn section, back up singers and many special guests. Let me first tell you that if you are a Who fan, you really should purchase Tommy and Quadrophenia Live with Special Guests which is a three DVD set, the first being the DVD being reviewed here. However, if you don't care for Quadrophenia, or you can't afford the 3 DVD set, this may quell your TOMMY fix. The individual concert is a great concert to have, and it does retail for less than the 3 disc set. However, if you really want your money's worth, save up and get Tommy, Quadrophenia and their greatest hits all in one great package.

Tommy LIVE! with very special guests

Steve Winwood sings the opening song It's a Boy. Townshend strums away at a fat acoustic guitar. For anyone not familiar with the story of Tommy, between songs, a page of text explains the story of Tommy, so that the songs may be appreciated in their context.

One of the highlights of this performance is Billy Idol performing Cousin Kevin. He delights in the sadistic torture of Tommy smirking, swearing and spitting out the lyrics tied to that chair you won't go anywhere, there's a lot I can f*** with a freak. It is clear that Idol had a lot of fun with this song. He even laughs maniacaly between lyrics.

Patti Labelle comes out in the most outrageous get up and hair style to perform The Acid Queen. Again, her intonations on some of the lyrics make the song.

Giant pinball icons appear on the screens behind the band, and out in a bright bright magenta suit, fedora hat and sunglasses comes Elton John to sing the hit song PinBall Wizard. Fans of the 70s may recall that Elton John actually had quite a hit with his cover of Pinball Wizard. Hearing him perform this perennial Who favorite, it is easy to see why.

Daltrey takes over vocals again on Do you think its Alright. Phil Collins comes out in a hilarious get up as perverted Uncle Ernie. His hair is all astray and his glasses are askew as he comes out in a robe with bottle of wine in hand and performs Fiddle About. Poor Tommy. Phil comes out again in a festive red and white striped jacket and bright red bow tie for Tommy's Holiday Camp. Everyone joins in for the grand finale We're not gonna Take it

It is a five star performance, and a great way to hear TOMMY.

Be Careful Which Tommy You Order!

The Rhino release of Tommy as a single DVD doesn't include any extras including the actual Tommy show encore which was a selection of the Who's greatest hits. I am not sure if this was included on the original VHS version of the concert, but it most definitely ISN'T included on the single DVD version of Tommy. Again, if you will refer to the three DVD set I discussed in the intro, you can get the entire second set of this historic LA Amphitheater performance in 1989. Not only that, the third DVD in that set includes the Quadrophenia encore, and a few songs from another show The Who performed at Giants stadium. The Tommy DVD ONLY included the performance of TOMMY.

Video Quality Video quality is spot on in this set. My only disappointment was that Tommy was shot in 4:3 instead of widescreen. I really would have enjoyed seeing this concert fill up my 105" widescreen. Ah well, I just watch with the bars on the sides. Lighting, color and cinematography is well done throughout with great close ups of the band at appropriate moments, and great wide stage shots and audience shots.

Audio Quality Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Digital Stereo and a Commentary Track by Daltrey and Townshend! The sound seriously rocks. With the proper stereo equipment this will seriously rock your house.

Summary Although this is a great concert, and I give it five stars, I can't recommend it because I think the three DVD set is a much better value.

Who fans may also wish to check out a couple more Who Concert DVDs:

The Who Live in Boston
The Who Live from Toronto

or the latest Who studio album
The Who Endless Wire

or a review of their recent show:

Nicholas Hears the Who; The Who Rock the TDBanknorth Garden December 2nd, 2006


Recommended: No

Viewing Format: DVD