The Who's loud, legendary "Tommy" concerts in Cleveland

Flashback: Released in May 1969, "Tommy" was an ambitious double album about a traumatized boy who becomes a pinball prodigy and, eventually, a spiritual leader.

• The Who brought "Tommy" to Cleveland twice during its celebrated 1969-70 tour.

Zoom in: The first show came at Music Hall on Nov. 14, 1969, three months after The Who's career-making Woodstock performance.

• Plain Dealer classical music critic Robert Finn wrote the band played at "such an excruciatingly high level of amplification" that the music was swallowed by a "cataclysmic din."

The Who returned June 27, 1970, for a sold-out Public Hall show with Cleveland's James Gang, led by Joe Walsh, and a rising James Taylor.

• The James Gang made such an impression that The Who invited the Cleveland band to open dates on its U.K. tour.

If you go: "The Who's Tommy" runs through Sunday. Tickets start around $48.