The Who will release deluxe and super-deluxe versions of their classic 1969
album Tommy in November.
Previously unheard demos from guitarist Pete Townshend’s private
collection and a set of live recordings from the year it was released
will be included in the super-deluxe edition.
That’s big news because even The Who – who wound up a European tour
at London’s Wembley Arena in July – thought the tapes didn’t exist.
Townshend refers to them in his 2012 autobiography as having been
destroyed, but sound man Bob Pridden had kept them.
Tommy, telling the story of a “deaf dumb and blind kid” who played
pinball, was the first album to be officially known as a rock opera. It
was made into a successful movie six years after its release. It’s noted in the
Grammy Hall Of Fame for its “historical, artistic and
significant value.”
The record goes on sale on November 11. Other formats include
standard CD, 2CD deluxe digipak, double-vinyl, HF Pure Audio Blu-ray and
digital.
Limited-edition super-deluxe edition contents
Disc 1: original album, remastered in HD
Disc 2: Demos and out-takes featuring 20 previously unreleased tracks
Disc 3: 5.1 mix in Hi Fidelity Pure Audio Blu-ray
Disc 4: Live bootleg album with 21 previously-unreleased tracks from various
shows in 1969
Hardback 80-page full-colour book featuring rare period photos and memorabilia
Essay by legendary Who aficionado Richard Barnes
Rare facsimile Tommy poster
Hardback deluxe slip-case
