The “Avatar” on The Who’s 1969 album Tommy refers to Meher Baba, an Indian spiritual leader whom Pete Townshend regarded as his guru. Baba’s teachings profoundly influenced Townshend’s songwriting and the rock opera’s themes of spiritual awakening, self-discovery and humanity’s unrealised potential.

Townshend discovered Baba through artist Mike McInnerney and became a devoted follower, despite never meeting him. Baba, who claimed to be the physical embodiment of God and remained voluntarily silent for decades, died aged 74 while Tommy was being recorded; Townshend responded by deepening the album’s spiritual focus, portraying Tommy as an “avatar” representing everyone’s journey towards enlightenment.