Pinball Wizard plays a mean game, but Elton John's rendition is a true score!
The Song
"Pinball Wizard" is a classic rock anthem originally written by Pete Townshend for The Who's 1969 rock opera album, "Tommy." Elton John's iconic cover was recorded specifically for the 1975 film adaptation of the rock opera. While The Who's original is driven by an acoustic guitar, Elton John's version centers around his unmistakable piano style, creating a distinct and powerful rendition. The film version also features additional lyrics specially written by Townshend.
The song's lyrics are told from the perspective of a pinball champion, "Local Lad," who is utterly astounded by the seemingly miraculous skill of Tommy, the deaf, dumb, and blind protagonist. Elton John's cover was produced by his longtime collaborator Gus Dudgeon and featured his touring band: Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums. The recording session was remarkably efficient, with the band nailing the track, including solos and vocals, in under four hours.
The Artist
Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, is one of the most successful and enduring artists in music history. A piano prodigy, he astounded his family by playing "The Skater's Waltz" by ear at age three and later earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. He adopted his famous stage name in 1967, a combination of saxophonist Elton Dean and lead singer Long John Baldry from his band Bluesology.
His prolific partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin has yielded dozens of hit singles and studio albums spanning over five decades. By 1975, when he recorded "Pinball Wizard," Elton John was already a global superstar with multiple number-one hits to his name, including "Bennie And The Jets," "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," and "Philadelphia Freedom." His performance as the Pinball Wizard in the film "Tommy" further cemented his status as a flamboyant and captivating entertainer.
Chart Performance
While The Who's original "Pinball Wizard" was a significant hit, reaching No. 4 in the UK and No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1969, Elton John's version also performed admirably on the charts.
Elton John's "Pinball Wizard" was released as a promotional single in the US in 1975 and as a commercial single in the UK in 1976. It peaked at number 7 on the UK singles chart, making it his first UK Top 10 single since "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" in 1974. In Ireland, it reached number 13, and in Australia, it charted at number 88. Although ineligible for the Billboard Hot 100 in the US as a promotional release, it reached number 9 on the US Radio & Records airplay chart.
Cultural Impact
Elton John's portrayal of the Pinball Wizard in the 1975 film "Tommy" is one of the movie's most memorable and visually striking sequences. Directed by Ken Russell, the film itself was a bold and surreal adaptation of The Who's rock opera, becoming an experience that pushed cinematic boundaries. The "Pinball Wizard" scene, in particular, is noted for its rapid-fire editing, with over 150 cuts, a possible record at the time.
The role saw Elton John performing in spectacularly oversized, four-and-a-half-foot-high Dr. Martens boots on a gilded stage, battling Roger Daltrey's Tommy in a championship game. This iconic performance solidified the song's place in pop culture and introduced it to a wider audience, many of whom might not have been familiar with The Who's original rock opera. It remains the only cover of a Who song to reach the top 10 in the UK.
Fun Facts
- Director Ken Russell initially approached Elton John to play Uncle Ernie in "Tommy," an offer John declined. Russell then offered the Pinball Wizard role to Rod Stewart, who also declined, reportedly on John's advice. Russell eventually convinced John to take on the Pinball Wizard role.
- Elton John reportedly agreed to play the Pinball Wizard on the condition that he could keep the extraordinarily large Dr. Martens boots worn in the scene. He later wore these same boots in a brief appearance in the music video for his song "Nikita."
- During the recording of his cover, Elton John subtly incorporated musical phrases from The Who's 1960s hit "I Can't Explain" into the outro, a nod to the original artists.
- The "Tommy" film featured an all-star cast, including Roger Daltrey as Tommy, Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Tina Turner as The Acid Queen, Eric Clapton, and Jack Nicholson.
- Elton John opened his "Final UK Show" at Glastonbury in 2023 by playing "Pinball Wizard."
- The song "Pinball Wizard" was also performed by Taron Egerton, who portrayed Elton John in the 2019 biopic "Rocketman."