The Who were transcending their roots as a mod mouthpiece and exploring the outer limits of the rock format and produced some of their greatest work including A Quick One While He's Away, Tommy, Who's Next, and Quadrophenia. Although not the first concept album or even the first work to be called a 'rock opera,' Tommy certainly did define the genre and use of rock music in presenting very esoteric ideas. Hearing the finished recording was ultimately impressive, but to hear it performed live was a unique entity as it placed the music into the proper context of performance. 1970 began with the group bringing Tommy to various European opera houses, including two performances at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. As Rolling Stone magazine declared after their US opera house performance; 'The rock opera directly challenged the cultural establishment's dismissal of rock as three-minute segments of cacophony.'
Timeline brings this phenomenal January 16th 1970 performance to life with a fully restored and professionally remastered original Musicorama 'Europe 1' AM radio broadcast. Whilst not a pristine FM recording, this raw musical document more than makes up for any audio deficiencies with a towering performance that hardcore Who fans will adore. Presented with background notes and historical photos.
Disc 1:
1. Heaven And Hell
2. I Can't Explain
3. Fortune Teller
4. Tattoo
5. Young Man Blues
6. A Quick One While He's Away
7. Overture
8. It's A Boy
9. 1921
10. Amazing Journey
11. Sparks
12. Eyesight To The Blind
13. Christmas
14. The Acid Queen
15. Pinball Wizard
Disc 2:
1. Do You Think It's Alright
2. Fiddle About
3. Tommy Can You Hear Me
4. There's A Doctor
5. Go To The Mirror
6. Smash The Mirror
7. Miracle Cure
8. Sally Simpson
9. I'm Free
10. Tommy's Holiday Camp
11. We're Not Gonna Take It
12. Summertime Blues
13. Shakin' All Over
14. My Generation