This electromechanical game, based on the 1969 rock opera “Tommy” by The Who, was designed by D. Gottlieb & Co. and released in 1976. It features iconic imagery and music from the album, translating the narrative into a pinball playing experience. Players can interact with elements representing key moments and characters from the opera, like the Acid Queen, the Pinball Wizard, and Tommy’s journey from deafness, dumbness, and blindness to rock stardom.
The game represents a significant intersection of rock music culture and the arcade gaming world of the 1970s. It’s considered a classic example of a licensed pinball machine, capitalizing on the immense popularity of The Who. Its gameplay, combined with the familiar music and thematic elements, offered fans an interactive engagement with the rock opera’s narrative, solidifying its place as a beloved piece of both pinball and rock and roll history. The machines enduring popularity contributes to its collectability and continued relevance among pinball enthusiasts.
