A Reply from MCA

Hi everybody,
    A few months ago WFang suggested that we write an MCA VP and argue 
for them to release Tommy from Leeds.  After a few months of 
procrastination, I mailed my letter a week and a half ago.  My 
arguments were that based on the performance of the other songs at 
Leeds, the quality of the performance of Tommy isn't any less.  That 
was actually a weak argument since I have never heard the entire 
Tommy from Leeds.  Secondly, I argued that if they release a live 
Tommy, it must be a) completely with Keith and b) from one complete 
performance so as to not disrupt the continuity.  I sent my letter 
last Friday and I got a response in the mail yesterday.  Here is the 
response I received:

Dear Mr. Tennant
    I am actually the fly in the ointment regarding releasing the 
"Tommy" from Leeds.  I just don't think it, as a unit, lives up to 
the rest of the show, which is why it was not on our expanded edition 
of the CD.
    In essence, I don't disagree with your logic regarding a single 
show presentation of "Tommy" on CD, but I've yet to hear one that is 
entirely satisfactory.  With today's technology, we should be able to 
piece one together from a small handful of shows that would work as a 
unit, maintaining the contextual continuity you desire.  At the 
least, that has been the goal as we have discussed this matter 
amongst those involved in the Who reissue program.
    As with everything, though, what is reissued will mostly be 
determined by Mr. Peter Townshend himself - albeit after hearing what 
everybody else thinks.  The tentative plan is to have a double CD 
live retrospective with the second CD being a full length version of 
"Tommy".  That's the plan right now, but stay tuned.  Probably "ICE" 
is the best place to learn of what is upcoming in this respect.  They 
have been able to open and keep open a dialog with all of the major 
participants in the program.

Thanks again for your input.

Sincerely,
Andy McKaie

Interesting, huh?  I thought I would just pass that along.

Christian