The Who — Pete Townshend

"A show with the Doors marked the first time I’d met Jim Morrison, who was respectful, but very drunk. During The Doors’ show a girl ran on stage and tried to touch Jim’s face. He was startled and turned suddenly; two bouncers misinterpreted his action and threw the girl into the barrier, cutting her face quite badly. Jim Hauled her back out again and she was brought back stage, where I was among those who comforted her. The incident became the inspiration for my song for Tommy called ‘Sally Simpson.’ (Pete Townshend)

That violent incident is reflected in the final lines as recorded:

"The crowd went crazy
 As Tommy left the stage!
 Little Sally was lost for the price of a touch
 And a gash across her face! OOoooh."

However the present manuscript is clearly a very early draft as it contains numerous and significant differences to the song that The Who released as part of their groundbreaking rock musical, not the least of which is that the main character's name is the less striking Darvine, rather than Tommy:

"Outside the house Mr. Simpson announced
That Sally couldn’t go to the show
He went on cleaning his Eldorado
And she ran inside angry
She got to her room and tears splashed the picture
Of her favorite Star Darvine
She put on his record of young girl blues
And quietly reconciled.

She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
That she and Darvine were worlds apart
And her mother said never mind your part
Is to be what you be
OR (is to marry the boy next door!)
The words of the song said come and see me
Have way Girl a way.
So Sally decided to ignore her dad and sneak out anyway.
She spent all afternoon gettin ready
And decided she’d try to touch him
Maybe he’d see that she was free and
Marry her this Sunday

But she knew etc.
He whirled around just as an agency man
Threw her off the stage

She knew from the start
Deep down in her heart
That she and Darvine were worlds apart
Her mother said never mind your part
Is to be what you be.

Her cheek hit a chair and blood trickled down
Mingling with her tears

Darvine carried on singing and his
voice filled Sally’s ears.
She caught his eye she had to try
But he couldn’t stand the sight--
Her face as gashed and the ambulance
Men carried her out that night
(She knew from the start)
STRAIGHT INTO
The Crowd went crazy"

Any Original material from the Who's Rock Musical is very rare at auction.