Who is Elton John?

Pete Townshend of The Who asked John to play a character called the "Pinball Wizard" in the film of the rock opera Tommy, and to perform the song of the same name. Drawing on power chords, John's version was recorded and used for the movie release in 1975 and the single came out in 1976 (1975 in the U.S.). The song charted #7 in England. Bally subsequently released a "Captain Fantastic" pinball machine featuring an illustration of Elton John in his movie guise.