A film version of Tommy was directed by Ken Russell, and starred Roger Daltrey in the title role, Ann-Margret as his mother, and Oliver Reed as his step-father, with cameos by Tina Turner, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and other rock notables; the film premiered on 18 March 1975. Townshend was nominated for an Academy Award for scoring and adapting the music in the film. The Who by Numbers came out in November of that year and peaked at No. 7 in the UK and 8 in the US. It featured introspective songs, often with a negative slant. The album spawned one hit single, "Squeeze Box", that was written after Townshend learned how to play the accordion. After a 1976 tour, Townshend took a year-long break from the band to focus on spending time with his family.
a film version of tommy was directed by ken russell and starred roger daltrey in the title role ann-margret as his mother and oliver reed as his step-father with cameos by tina turner elton john eric clapton and other rock notables; the film premiered on 18 march 1975 townshend was nominated for an academy award for scoring and adapting the music in the film the who by numbers came out in november of that year and peaked at no 7 in the uk and 8 in the us it featured introspective songs often with a negative slant the album spawned one hit single "squeeze box" that was written after townshend learned how to play the accordion after a 1976 tour townshend took a year-long break from the band to focus on spending time with his family