The Who's rock opera Tommy is coming to IMAX for its 50th anniversary

18 February 2026, 15:20

Roger Daltrey and Tina Turner in Tommy
Roger Daltrey and Tina Turner in Tommy. Picture: Alamy

By Mayer Nissim

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It's no easy job to pick the very greatest work by The Who.

Their early singles like 'My Generation' and 'I Can't Explain', albums like Who's Next and Live At Leeds, and of course Quadrophenia (the album or the movie) are all in with a fair shout – but it's hard to argue with Tommy.

While The Beatles only really offered some recurring names, motifs and a few segues on Sgt Pepper, The Who's 1969 double album was a groundbreaking rock opera that told a genuine story.

You could even argue that they did such a good job that anyone trying to put the story up on the screen would be on a hiding to nothing.

But then stepped up visionary director Ken Russell who turned Tommy into something even more remarkable with is 1975 movie adaptation.

The Who’s Tommy in IMAX - trailer

Ken's version of The Who's Tommy featured not just the band's stunning music and singer Roger Daltrey in the title role, but also a supporting cast featuring Oliver Reed, Ann-Margret, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson, Robert Powell and Tina Turner.

To celebrate the film's 50th anniversary it is coming back to the big screen. The very big screen.

For just two days – March 17 and 18, 2026 – Ken Russell's Tommy will be projected on IMAX screens around the country. You can buy tickets from the IMAX website soon.

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