VIDEO | The Who – "Pinball Wizard" by The Who

Home ‣Echoes of the 60s

BAND | The Who

"Pinball Wizard" by The Who

Last updated 📅 2025-04-14

He's a pinball wizard! Experience The Who's iconic 1969 rock opera anthem, "Pinball Wizard." From the legendary album Tommy, this track explodes with acoustic and electric power, blending hard rock energy with power pop hooks for an unforgettable musical journey.

Released as a hit single from the groundbreaking 1969 rock opera Tommy, "Pinball Wizard" became one of The Who's most famous songs. Written by Pete Townshend, it masterfully builds from acoustic verses to powerful hard rock instrumentation, showcasing the band's dynamic songwriting and performance energy.

This 1969 classic tells a key part of the Tommy narrative with electrifying power pop and hard rock flair. Its instantly recognizable guitar intro, driving rhythm, and soaring vocals have cemented "Pinball Wizard" as an essential track in rock history and a signature song for The Who.

SONG MEANING: Within the story of the rock opera Tommy, this song describes the title character, a boy who is deaf, dumb, and blind, but possesses an extraordinary, almost supernatural talent for playing pinball. The narrator expresses astonishment at Tommy's uncanny abilities ("That deaf, dumb and blind kid / Sure plays a mean pinball"), crowning him the "Pinball Wizard."

HASHTAGS: #TheWho #HardRock #PowerPop #March07
BAND: The Who
GENRE: Hard Rock, Power Pop
RELEASEDAY: March 07
YEAR: 1969

Band

"The Who"

The Who, one of rock's most powerful and innovative bands, exploded from the British Invasion scene. Famed for Pete Townshend's ambitious songwriting, Roger Daltrey's commanding vocals, and explosive live shows, they pioneered the rock opera. Discover the maximum R&B and epic rock of The Who.

The Who's history features a primary run from 1964 to 1983, followed by reunions (1985, 1988, 1989) and a later active phase starting in 1996 which has continued since. Their peak creative periods, spanning years like 1965, 1967 through 1971, 1975, 1978, and 1982, demonstrated incredible range. Originating in rock and proto-punk, they explored hard rock, power pop, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, folk rock, arena rock, funk, heavy metal, soft rock, and even country touches. This constant evolution produced driving cruising classics alongside complex concept pieces, establishing The Who as masters of diverse rock expressions. Their catalog is packed with legendary anthems that defined generations and pushed rock's boundaries. Signature songs range from explosive declarations of youthful rebellion and identity crises to intricate narratives from pioneering rock operas exploring freedom and sensory experience...

Go to ""The Who"" Page

BAND | The Who

"My Generation"

Talkin' 'bout "My Generation"! The Who's explosive 1965 anthem defined youth rebellion with raw power. Driven by frantic energy, Roger Daltrey's iconic stutter, and pioneering hard rock sounds, it remains one of rock's most influential and enduring statements.

Released as the title track and a major hit single from The Who's 1965 debut album, "My Generation" captured the frustrations of youth. Its blend of power pop structure with proto-punk aggression and early hard rock intensity, featuring groundbreaking bass and drum solos, was truly revolutionary...

Watch Video and Read More