THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

306-The Who-Pinball Wizard.

1969-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.24. It’s highly unlikely that a deaf dumb and blind kid could play pinball, because he wouldn’t be able to find the slot to put the 50 pence into.

‘Pinball Wizard’ was written by Pete Townshend (see also best songs 926-891 and 265) who was born Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend on May 19th, 1945, in Chiswick, England. Townshend was the co-founder of ‘The Who’ along with Roger Daltrey, and John Entwistle, (1944-2002) the recognised classic lineup was completed by Keith Moon (1946-1978) who joined the band in 1964.

By 1968 Pete Townshend felt that The Who’s shelf life was coming to an end, and if he didn’t take the band in a different direction then they may split. For The Who’s fourth studio Album ‘Tommy,’ Townshend wrote a concept ‘Rock Opera’ that tells the story about a deaf, dumb and blind boy, his life’s experiences, and his relationship with his family. Townshend came up with the concept of ‘Tommy’ after being introduced to the work of Meher Baba (1894-1969) who was an Indian who claimed to be God in human form, and gained a following of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The story of ‘Tommy’ was an attempt by Townshend to translate Baba’s teachings into music.

‘Pinball Wizard’ and it’s parent Album ‘Tommy’ have become one of Pete Townshend, and The Who’s most enduring works. In 1975 ‘Tommy’ was made into a film, with a not entirely, but similar story line, starring Jack Nicholson, and Ann-Margret, as well as vocal contributions from Tina Turner (Acid Queen) (see also best songs 752-485 and 192) and Elton John (Pinball Wizard) (see also best songs 946-481-237 and 62.) A year later in 1976 Elton John’s version of Pinball Wizard was released as a single and reached Number 7 in the UK, the only time that a cover version of a ‘Who’ song has made the top 10. There is a famous story that Rod Stewart had been offered the role to sing in ‘Tommy,’ and had asked Elton John if he should accept, to which Elton replied,’Don’t touch it with a barge pole.’ A year later The Who asked Elton John to sing the same song, Elton grabbed his barge pole and took up the offer. Years later Elton said,’I don’t think Rod’s quite forgiven me for that.”

‘Tommy’ was also made into a ‘Rock Musical’ first opening in San Diego, California, in 1992. Other productions have been performed on Broadway, and in the West End.

‘Pinball Wizard’s lyrics are written from the perspective of a pinball champion called ‘Local Lad,’ who is astounded by the skills of the deaf, dumb and blind kid called ‘Tommy Walker.’ The ‘Local Lad’ always thought of himself as being the very best, but after watching Tommy he has to concede that Tommy is better.

‘I thought I was the Baly table king, but I just handed my pinball crown to him. Even on my favourite table he can beat my best, his disciples lead him in and he just does the rest.’