He was the drummer for the seminal and influential English rock band The Who. "[183], In 2008, English Heritage declined an application for Moon to be awarded a blue plaque. A drummer in the audience, Scot Halpin, came up and played the rest of the show. [52], Moon played a four- and later a five-piece drum kit during his early career. I just want to play drums for the Who and that's it. Edgy! McCartney had acquired the rights to Hollys song publishing, and a biopic, The Buddy Holly Story, was premiering later that night. We couldn't pull ourselves out. [119][120], Before the 1998 release of Tony Fletcher's Dear Boy: The Life of Keith Moon, Moon's date of birth was presumed to be 23 August 1947. It was Professor Keith Simpson, as it was with Cass Elliot, who performed the post mortem. If they have a round table, some glasses and candles, we might contact him. Keith Moon was an English drummer who had a net worth equal to $10 million at the time of his death in 1978. Moon moved back to London in 1978, dying that September from an overdose of Heminevrin, a drug intended to treat or prevent symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Louder is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Moon's drumming style affected the band's musical structure; although Entwistle initially found Moon's lack of conventional timekeeping problematic, it created an original sound. At the end of the song, the drums go nuts. "[181], Clem Burke of Blondie has said "Early on all I cared about was Keith Moon and the Who. [27], Moon was particularly fond of touring, since it was his only chance to regularly socialise with his bandmates, and was generally restless and bored when not playing live. [135], In 1975 Moon began a relationship with Swedish model Annette Walter-Lax, who later said that Moon was "so sweet when he was sober, that I was just living with him in the hope that he would kick all this craziness. Heminevrin quelled the craving for alcohol, but sometimes left users in a docile and forgetful state. Moon enjoyed touring and socialising, and became bored and restless when the Who were inactive. [32] "He wouldn't play across his kit", he later added. And it was this version of Keith Moon that led to his untimely death on September 7 1978. [67] A clip of the incident became the opening scene for the film The Kids Are Alright. When Walter-Lax checked on him the following afternoon, she discovered he was dead. [68], Moon may have inspired the name for Led Zeppelin. The second concert was much cleaner, filmed on multiple cameras in front of a small audience. We'd go home and he'd start a fight with me. If you want to come, we'll pick you up in the van.' Moon's drumming continues to be praised by critics and musicians. On the album cover, he is seated on a chair back-to-front to hide the weight gained over three years (as discussed in Tony Fletcher's book Dear Boy ); the words "NOT TO BE TAKEN AWAY" appear on the back of the chair. Keith John Moon (23 August 1946[2] 7 September 1978) was an English drummer for the rock band the Who. After waking up, she ventured back into the bedroom, where she found Moon lying on his stomach with his left arm hanging over the side of the bed: I couldnt hear him breathing. He is probably now best known for his big hit, 'Yesterday Man'. Mark Blake is the author of Pretend Youre In A War: The Who and the Sixties (opens in new tab). Mass Market Paperback. 3. some gave all Carrie Underwood: Play On Carrie Underwood: Play On Dolly Parton: slow dancing with the moon Garth Brooks: Ropin . After a two-year break from touring, the bandmates were meeting to film one last set for the rockumentary, The Kids Are Alright but their first attempt had been dismal. Author Nick Talevski described him as "the greatest drummer in rock", adding that "he was to the drums what Jimi Hendrix was to the guitar. The couple arrived at Peppermint Park, where Annette has since insisted Moon didnt drink or, if he did, limited himself to just two drinks. [72] Rolling Stone's John Hoegel appreciated Entwistle's decision not to let Moon drum, saying that it distanced his album from the familiar sound of the Who. 6. [109], During the opening date of the band's March 1976 US tour at the Boston Garden, Moon passed out over his drum kit after two numbers and the show was rescheduled. "[103], The drummer immediately began drinking upon his arrival in Flint. In the wake of Keith Moons death, The Who continued to tour although Pete Townshend has admitted that this professional push was completely irrational, bordering on insane. Following Keith Moon, The Who cycled through several drummers, including Ringo Starrs son, but none were ever the perfect replacement. The legendary The Who drummer Keith Moon was found dead in London back in 1978 at the age of 32 after after an overdose of clometiazole, a substance prescribed for him to relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms. BA1 1UA. Moon's performance on "Bell Boy" (Quadrophenia, 1973) saw him abandon "serious" vocal performances to sing in character, which gave him (in Fletcher's words) "full licence to live up to his reputation as a lecherous drunk"; it was "exactly the kind of performance the Who needed from him to bring them back down to earth. Unfortunately for Keith these ended up being his last words. Moon grew up in Alperton, a suburb of Wembley, in Middlesex, United Kingdom, and took up the drums during the early 1960s. The last time I was in town was the first time I'd ever visited Los Angeles on anything other than business. [78] Reed later said that Moon "showed me the way to insanity. [60] Subsequent live sets culminated in what the band later described as "auto-destructive art", in which band members (particularly Moon and Townshend) elaborately destroyed their equipment. It's a wonder he didn't come round and personally flatten the diminutive drummer. The Mamas and the Papas singer, Cass Elliot had died in the same flat four years prior also at the age of 32. Slowly too we realized that his fluid style . [149], After moving in, Moon began a prescribed course of Heminevrin (clomethiazole, a sedative) to alleviate his alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Their debut album, My Generation, showcased the unique style of Moons drumming: full of tom-toms, crashing cymbals, and surf music influence. Moon suffered a number of setbacks during the 1970s, most notably the accidental death of chauffeur Neil Boland and the breakdown of his marriage. In 2016, the same magazine ranked him No. NB Down by Law: Last of the Sharpshooters Dream Theater: Awake.NB Dreamtheater: Images and words.NB Dreamtheater: systematic chaos with bonus cd.NB Dropkick Murphys: Do or Die. Butler never took them up on the offer. [141] Although Reed matched Moon drink for drink, he appeared on set the next morning ready to perform; Moon, on the other hand, would cost several hours of filming time. [164] Since 1996, the Who's drummer has been Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey, who had been given a drum kit by Moon (whom he called "Uncle Keith"). A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon and Sun are on opposite sides of Earth. He also claimed that, while he had not personally seen a car in a swimming pool, he had seen a bill for damages and removal. Daltrey affectionately put the world to rights about Moon's importance to The Who in a conversation with this writer in 2016. When she objected, Moon replied, "If you don't like it, you can fuck off!" Bath "[89], According to Townshend, Moon began destroying hotel rooms when the Who stayed at the Berlin Hilton on tour in late 1966. [176] Animal, one of Jim Henson's Muppet characters, may have been based on Keith Moon due to their similar hair, eyebrows, personality and drumming style. Blues singer Bessie Smith died saying, "I'm going . Keith Moon discussed his reckless lifestyle on 'Good Morning America' just a month before his death. Includes automatic download of 24bit files in any or all formats of Your choice: WAV, FLAC, ALAC 1. His first was in 1971, a cameo in Frank Zappa's 200 Motels as a nun afraid of dying from a drug overdose. Moon also played timpani on another track, a cover of Jerome Kern's "Ol' Man River". Annette Walter-Lax says the Who drummers last words were If you dont like it, you can f*** off! After Annette left the flat, Moon took a deadly amount of Heminevrin: 32 pills. At a Madison Square Garden show on 10 June 1974, Townshend and Entwistle decided to spontaneously stop playing during "Waspman" to listen to Moon's drum solo. [51] Moon sat in on congas with East of Eden at London's Lyceum Ballroom, and afterwards suggested to violinist Dave Arbus that he play on the track. Pseudos / Orthographe alternative: Busbee [US], Michael James Ryan Busbee, Mike Busbee The late '70s proved a double whammy for the "Let My Love Open the Door" singer and his surviving bandmates. Or why not treat yourself? When he briefly considered leaving the Who in 1966, he spoke with Entwistle and Page about forming a supergroup. Known as "Moon the Loon", he was known for being addicted to drugs and alcohol during his whole career . Keith Moon, The Whos hard-partying drummer, was famous for degenerate behavior that still defines the rock star image like blowing up hotel room toilets with cherry bombs. He was named as hyperactive as a boy, with a restless imagination and a particular fondness for The Goon Show and music. By the time that Keith Moon took to the stage at Shepperton Studios on May 25, 1978, his relationship with the rest of The Who was terribly strained. Moon joined The Who when he was only 17 years old. But his wild exterior distracted from a slate of intense addiction issues. According to biographer Tony Fletcher, Moons elementary school music teacher noted that the boy had great ability but must guard against a tendency to show off. That performative streak would come to define the young rock drummer. The kit was eventually fitted with copper fittings[58] and later given to a young Zak Starkey. Mikey Dolenz tells a story about bringing Badfinger's "Without You" to the attention of Nilsson. He wanted to get sober, but because of his fear of psychiatric hospitals, he wanted to do it at home. [147] Moon then took some clomethiazole tablets. I said: 'Nothing.' Always unpredictable, the mercurial drummer performed one of his last-ever shows amid unfamiliar surroundings, given that he was on stage with the mighty Led Zeppelin in 1977. He was restless, said Annette. [23], A commonly cited story of how Moon joined the Who in 1964 is that he appeared at a show shortly after Sandom's departure, where a session drummer was used. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. Curbishley told Townshend, who informed the rest of the band. "[77] His performance was not appreciated by animal lovers, several of whom called the station with complaints. Keith Moon. The Who's drummer, Keith Moon, was at the height of his career and fame in 1970, the same year his name was plastered all over the news for reasons other than his band's massive success or his typical rockstar antics. Moon continued briefly and then stopped, shouting "Drum solos are boring! [3][4] Moon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 as a member of the Who. "[32] In the opinion of Atkins, early recordings of Moon's drumming sound tinny and disorganised;[34] it was not until the recording of Who's Next, with Glyn Johns' no-nonsense production techniques and the need to keep time to a synthesizer track, that he began developing more discipline in the studio. "I never realised dynamite was so powerful. Posted by 6 years ago. He felt very restless and didn't know what to do now.On the one hand, Nathania also felt the same anxiety. [82] Moon's last film appearance was in 1978's Sextette.[83]. [28] Although Townshend described him as a "completely different person to anyone I've ever met",[24]:38:48 the pair had a rapport in the early years and enjoyed practical jokes and improvised comedy. During the Who's early days he began taking amphetamines,[85] and in a NME interview said his favourite food was "French Blues". Baba O'Riley05. The band stopped playing, and a group of roadies carried Moon offstage. "[97], Moon's favourite stunt was to flush powerful explosives down toilets. 1. not for children. And that was it. That's why he had two sets of tom-toms. He bought a number of cars and gadgets, and flirted with bankruptcy. When the audience demanded he do it again, Moon kicked over his drum kit. Who will remember Joe Bloggs who got killed in a car crash? All rights reserved. [58], While Moon generally said he was only interested in working with the Who,[31] he participated in outside musical projects. "So Sad About Us" gains much of its . [134] She died in a car accident in Austin, Texas, on 2 August 2006. Keith Moons passionate, self-destructive legacy not only endures in rock music but haunts the classic rock band which still performs to this day. He was also the songwriter responsible for many of Sandie Shaw's most In the great green room. [132] Marsh believes that Moon never truly recovered from the loss of his family. "[144] Although he was a loyal companion to Moon, the lifestyle eventually became too much for him; he phoned Curbishley, saying that they needed to move back to England or one of them might die. "[93], Fletcher argues that the Who's lengthy break (15 December 1971 11 August 1972) between the end of their 1971 Who's Next Tour and the beginning of the Quadrophenia sessions devastated Moon's health,[94] as without the rigours of lengthy shows and regular touring that had previously kept him in shape, his hard-partying lifestyle took a greater toll on his body. . He's dead, so what? "[75] Dave Marsh, reviewing the album in Rolling Stone, wrote: "There isn't any legitimate reason for this album's existence. [21] The Beachcombers all had day jobs; Moon, who worked in the sales department at British Gypsum, had the keenest interest in turning professional. With a focus on news, media, and humor, we are a RARE voice in todays media landscape. The Jam's single was released about a month after Moon's death. "A Quick One, While . . He said: 'You come 'ere.' [48] Moon also co-composed "The Ox" (an instrumental from their debut album, My Generation) with Townshend, Entwistle and keyboardist Nicky Hopkins. Although it only took 13 days to film, fellow cast member Howard Kaylan remembers Moon spending off-camera time at the Kensington Garden Hotel bar instead of sleeping. Speaking of both Nilsson and Moon, Lennon said: "I think Harry might still be trying, poor bugger. A month earlier, The Who released Who Are You, their first new album in three years. The Who's Keith Moon is routinely championed as one of music's most explosive and creative drummers. The real Keith Moon was a son, a brother, a father and an insecure man. Moon did not play drums on the album; Jerry Shirley did, with Moon providing percussion. "Thomas Jefferson survives." What Adams didn't know was that Jefferson had actually passed away several hours earlier. "[78], Nevertheless, the drummer landed several acting roles. [59], At an early show at the Railway Tavern in Harrow, Townshend smashed his guitar after accidentally breaking it. Moon led a destructive lifestyle. It was the concluding show on their tour. Jack McCullogh, then working for Track Records (the Who's label), recalls Moon ordering him to purchase a milk float to store in the garage at Tara. Track 9 Jam Session is an incomplete Eyesight To The Blind. [92] Butler quit in 1978, and later wrote of his experiences in a book entitled Full Moon: The Amazing Rock and Roll Life of Keith Moon. Moon (or Entwistle) remarked that a particular suggestion had gone down like a "lead zeppelin" (a play on "lead balloon"). [20] During his time in the group Moon incorporated theatrical tricks into his act, including "shooting" the group's lead singer with a starter pistol. He then jumped back into the limo, saying "I nearly forgot. [105] Townshend claimed that the Who were banned for life from all of the hotel's properties,[106] but Fletcher wrote that they stayed at a Holiday Inn in Rochester, New York, a week later. A true rollercoaster career that would epitomise the folly of being a rock star, Moon has remained a tragic figure ever since. On This Day in History: Keith Moons Final Performance with The Who, Dozens of People Receive Racist Email from Walmart, 6-Year-Old Shot Dead After Mom Flips Off Driver in Road Rage Incident. He was discovered by manager Bill Curbishley, who took him to a hospital, telling him "I'm gonna get the doctor to get you nice and fit, so you're back within two days. [129] The Moons entertained extravagantly at home, and owned a number of cars. Moons playing was erratic and unreliable, and he was made to pose Christine Keeler-style for the cover photograph so as to conceal a paunch. [143], On 4 January 1970 Moon accidentally killed his friend, driver and bodyguard, Neil Boland, outside the Red Lion pub in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Keith John Moon was an English drummer who played with the English rock band the Who. His music blends a unique mix of rock, jazz and influences from his Mexican heritage. Other party guests, including Paul and Linda McCartney, David Frost and ex-Faces drummer Kenney Jones (whom unbeknown to everyone would take Moons place in The Who) all remember Keith being in good spirits and surprisingly sober. In 1966 Moon moved to an even larger kit,[55] but without the customary hi-hatat the time he preferred keeping ride rhythms with ride and crash cymbals, but he later reinstated the hi-hats. [90] In addition to hotel rooms, Moon destroyed friends' homes and even his own, including throwing furniture from upper-storey windows. Not a man prone to public displays of emotion, Entwistle continued with the interview until asked when The Who plans for the future. Keith stopped his footsteps, his heart still beating fast. Someone somewhere will say, 'Remember Keith Moon?' During the concert, Moon passed out on his drum kit during "Won't Get Fooled Again". Although it featured Moon on vocals, he played drums on only three tracks; most of the drumming was left to others (including Ringo Starr, session musicians Curly Smith and Jim Keltner, and actor-musician Miguel Ferrer). Lilly called back with a. See more. "[36] On 23 June 1977, he made a guest appearance at a Led Zeppelin concert in Los Angeles. NB Down: III. While touring with the Who, on several occasions he passed out on stage and was hospitalised. "John [Entwistle] and I used to have fights it wasn't very serious, it was more of an emotional spur-of-the moment thing. He watched a film (The Abominable Dr. Phibes), and asked Walter-Lax to cook him steak and eggs. I'd several drinks to get me courage up and when I got onstage I went arrgggGhhhh on the drums, broke the bass drum pedal and two skins, and got off. After playing with a local band, the Beachcombers, he joined the Who in 1964 before they recorded their first single. "The general perception of Keith Moon as a drummer is that he was . Who producer Jon Astley said, "You didn't think he was keeping time, but he was. Rocks greatest drummer was just 32 years old when he died. When you've got money and you do the kind of things I get up to, people laugh and say that you're eccentric, which is a polite way of saying you're fucking mad. By 1966, The Who had become bona fide pop stars. When Haynes said that it would be prohibitively expensive, Moon replied: "Dear boy, do exactly as you feel it should be, but that's the way I want it." "[7], Moon joined his local Sea Cadet Corps band at the age of twelve on the bugle, but found the instrument too difficult to learn and decided to take up drums instead. (Republished in Modern Drummer Magazine, April 2006), Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 16:59, "Modern Drummer's Readers Poll Archive, 19792014", "Rolling Stone Readers Pick Best Drummers of All Time", "Roger Daltrey: 'Keith Moon Would've Left The Who for The Beach Boys', "The Day Keith Moon Joined Led Zeppelin Onstage", "Interview with Ron Caines And Geoff Nicholson", "19731974 Premier double tom row kits | Keith Moon's Drumkits | Whotabs", "Smash Your Head Against The Wall (credits)", "Interview with Dougal Butler by Mark Raison", "Who's vexed? 1. New Musical Express's Roy Carr wrote, "Moonie, if you didn't have talent, I wouldn't care; but you have, which is why I'm not about to accept Two Sides of the Moon. This drum solo would be the rock legends last. TIL that drummer Keith Moon's last words were "If you don't like it, you can just fuck off!" as a response to his then girlfriend when she refused to cook him a steak and egg breakfast. [112], Entwistle has said that Moon and the Who reached their live peak in 197576. "And of course from that moment on," the guitarist remembered, "we got thrown out of every hotel we ever stayed in. [15] He also enjoyed singing, with a particular interest in Motown. "We used to fight regularly", remembered Moon in later years. My Wife04. Published on 07/26/2019. He said: 'You'll have to give up work there's this gig on Monday. [137] Moon later became friends with Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band members Vivian Stanshall and "Legs" Larry Smith, and the trio would drink and play practical jokes together. She cooked his favourite, lamb cutlets, after which they went to bed to watch a video of the camp horror film The Abominable Doctor Phibes. Goodnight Keith Moon: A Parody!, Bruce Worden, Clare Cross. The intensity of the explosion singed Townshend's hair and embedded a piece of cymbal in Moon's arm. Sadly it wasnt. Daltrey, Townshend, Robin Gibb and Moon's mother Kit were present at the ceremony. But The Kids Are Alright director Jeff Stein insisted they try again, this time at Shepperton Studios. After the pair socialised for a few days, Moon and Entwistle brought Johnston to the set of Ready Steady Go!,[63] which made them late for a show with the Who that evening. I suppose as a drummer, I'm adequate. [61] Townshend later said, "A set of skins is about $300 [then 96] and after every show he'd just go bang, bang, bang and then kick the whole thing over. But he ultimately died of a drug overdose on September 7, 1978. Annette rang Dr Dymond, who called an ambulance. Today. Keith Moon with the Who in 1970 - 74 was just a force of nature, and one I'm glad to have witnessed up close 3 times. [58] At one point, Moon asked Premier to make a white kit with gold-plated fittings. At Moons funeral Daltrey told the mourners he still half-expected Keith to leap from the coffin, claiming it was all a joke. Annette Walter-Lax says the Who drummer's last words were "If you don't like it, you can f*** off!" After Annette left the flat, Moon took a deadly amount of Heminevrin: 32 pills. September 6, 1978. In the days leading up to his death, Moon cut back on the booze. Moon Girl aka,13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette comes to the park just as the brand new animated series, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, debuts on February 10 on Disney Channel and February 15 on . "[76] During one of his few televised solo drum performances (for ABC's Wide World), Moon played a five-minute drum solo dressed as a cat on transparent acrylic drums filled with water and goldfish. [156] Moon was cremated on 13 September 1978 at Golders Green Crematorium in London, and his ashes were scattered in its Gardens of Remembrance. Posted by 10 years ago. "[101], Once, a hotel manager called Moon in his room and asked him to lower the volume on his cassette recorder because it made "too much noise." "He was too much of a child himself. He didn't do anything to talk of. Earlier that night, Moon and his girlfriend, Annette Walter-Lax, attended the Buddy Holly Story premiere with Linda and Paul McCartney. The drummer knocked out part of his front tooth; at the hospital, doctors could not give him an anaesthetic (due to his inebriation) before removing the remainder of the tooth. Keiths condition meant The Who were in no state to tour, which left him anxious and depressed. Van der Valk Miss Scarlet & The Duke Antiques Roadshow PBS Newshour Finding Your Roots Carlos Santana is a musician who needs little introduction. It was exactly 40 years ago today that Who drummer . Next article These maps show how the world would look if the ice melted; One of the things we'd do was wait to see what Keith Moon was going to wear . England and Wales company registration number 2008885. [133] Butler agrees; despite his relationship with Annette Walter-Lax, he believes that Kim was the only woman Moon loved. Moon, so far gone in his addictions, was out of practice could barely keep up with the band. But Keith's drinking and drug taking . Heres how it works. "[92], In a limousine on the way to the airport, Moon insisted they return to their hotel, saying "I forgot something." [172] Adam Budofsky, editor of Drummer magazine, said that Moon's performances on Who's Next and Quadrophenia "represent a perfect balance of technique and passion" and "there's been no drummer who's touched his unique slant on rock and rhythm since. By the time Stardust came round it was hard drinking. Moons closest friend in the group then broke down in tears. It was the concluding show on their tour. The last straw was when Keith Moon came into Drum City with a snare case and stole a full case . Q Magazine called the book "horrific and terrific reading", and Record Collector said it was "one of rock's great biographies. The destruction mesmerised him, and enhanced his public image as rock's premier hell-raiser. The last photo of Keith Moon As last words go, they are pretty hard to beat. Keith Moon was more than just rock's greatest drummer, he was also its greatest character and wildest party animal. "[182], In 1998 Tony Fletcher published a biography of Moon, Dear Boy: The Life of Keith Moon, in the United Kingdom. He began to endorse Premier Drums in late 1965, and remained a loyal customer of the company. Guitarist Pete Townshend was the first Who member to be told the news by the groups co-manager Jackie Curbishley. "[102], On 23 August 1967, on tour opening for Herman's Hermits, Moon celebrated what he said was his 21st birthday (although it was thought at the time to be his 20th) at a Holiday Inn in Flint, Michigan. . The phrase "Dear Boy" became a catchphrase of Moon's when, influenced by Kit Lambert, he began affecting a pompous English accent. [157], Townshend persuaded Daltrey and Entwistle to carry on touring as The Who, although he later said that it was his means of coping with Moon's death and "completely irrational, bordering on insane". The AZ Of Queen, Peter Grant, The Story Of Rock's Greatest Manager and Pretend You're in a War: The Who & The Sixties. Moon lived a short and talented life that was fueled by famous friendships, alcoholism, and the drums. "[98] He quickly developed a reputation for destroying bathrooms and blowing up toilets. "[158] The New Book of Rock Lists ranked Moon No.