After seeing Moon in the studio trying to overdub drums for The Kids Are Alright, he said, "After two or three hours, he got more and more sluggish, he could barely hold a drum stick. Gustav Mahler. 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. Editors Note: This article was originally published November 7, 2020. Close. Shooting is set to begin on the Moon pic in June, and the casting process has been rumbling along for a few months already. I'd been used to penny bangers before. Moon, in the words of Fletcher, had a "lack of control and timing," but Moon enjoyed playing. Moon, so far gone in his addictions, was out of practice could barely keep up with the band. Upon returning home, the couple had a fight. [122] By the end of the year she discovered she was pregnant. [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. Because I want to break your fucking jaw You have fucked this band around so many times and I'm not having it any more. Moon grew up in Alperton, a suburb of Wembley, in Middlesex, United Kingdom, and took up the drums during the early 1960s. But his wild exterior distracted from a slate of intense addiction issues. Here, we take a look at five crazy, funny, and often dangerous Keith Moon moments. 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 . In Annettes account, Moon woke up at 7:30am and told her he wanted food. Townshend disagreed, assuring him that "lightning wouldn't strike the same place twice". [39] While the other three members handled most of the onstage vocals, Moon would attempt to sing backup (particularly on "I Can't Explain"). Rock Musician. [21] The Beachcombers all had day jobs; Moon, who worked in the sales department at British Gypsum, had the keenest interest in turning professional. According to Fletcher, Moon's toilet pyrotechnics began in 1965 when he purchased a case of 500 cherry bombs. Published on 07/26/2019. Keith had been exceeding his prescribed dose of Heminevrin the same way he abused every other drug. He us the author of Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd, Is This the Real Life: The Untold Story of Queen, Magnifico! He was noted for his unique style and his eccentric, often self-destructive behaviour. [112], Entwistle has said that Moon and the Who reached their live peak in 197576. Keith Moon, Melody Maker, September 1970[31], Moon's style of drumming was considered unique by his bandmates, although they sometimes found his unconventional playing frustrating; Entwistle noted that he tended to play faster or slower according to his mood. It's a wonder he didn't come round and personally flatten the diminutive drummer. Dressed in ginger clothes and with his hair dyed ginger (future bandmate Pete Townshend later described him as a "ginger vision"),[24]:52:40 he claimed to his would-be bandmates that he could play better; he played in the set's second half, nearly demolishing the drum kit in the process. After dining with the McCartneys at Peppermint Park in Covent Garden, Moon and Walter-Lax returned to their flat. He was the drummer for the seminal and influential English rock band The Who. After an investigation, the coroner ruled Boland's death an accident; Moon, having been charged with a number of offences, received an absolute discharge. Someone somewhere will say, 'Remember Keith Moon?' When I was about eleven or twelve, my favourite part of drum lessons was the last ten minutes, when I'd get to sit at the drumset and play along to my favourite record. All rights reserved. [65] Later that year, during their appearance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, he bribed a stagehand to load gunpowder into one of his bass drums; the stagehand used about ten times the standard amount. But the evening was also Keith Moon's last. Lets go.. 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. [54] His first Premier kit was in red sparkle and featured two high toms. At the age of 12, he had joined the Sea Cadet Corp and was given his first musical instrument, the bugle. Keith Moon's (original drummer for The Who) last words were "if you don't like it, you can fuck off!" So rock and roll. [117], Because the Who's early stage act relied on smashing instruments, and owing to Moon's enthusiasm for damaging hotels, the group were in debt for much of the 1960s; Entwistle estimated they lost about 150,000. Upon returning, he asked the manager to stay for a moment, as he wanted to explain something. [92] McLagan commented that Moon "couldn't handle it. JOHN ADAMS. Recorded on August 14th, 1975. Keiths condition meant The Who were in no state to tour, which left him anxious and depressed. The AZ Of Queen, Peter Grant, The Story Of Rock's Greatest Manager and Pretend You're in a War: The Who & The Sixties. "[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. [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. [70] On 15 December 1969, Moon joined John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band for a live performance at the Lyceum Theatre in London for a UNICEF charity concert. 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. In 1966 he worked with Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck, pianist Nicky Hopkins and future Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones on the instrumental "Beck's Bolero", which was the B-side to "Hi Ho Silver Lining" and appeared on the album Truth. Track 9 Jam Session is an incomplete Eyesight To The Blind. "He'd play zig-zag. Talking to Moons biographer Tony Fletcher, Annette remembered Keith taking his usual glass of water and bucket of pills before falling asleep around 4:am. Keith Moon climbed over his drum kit on May 25, 1978, took a bow, shook hands with fans and then walked off stage - unaware it would be the last time he'd do any of it.. "[158][149] In November 1978, Faces drummer Kenney Jones joined the Who. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. God bless you, Harry, wherever you are but, Jesus, you know, I had . In his memoir, Who Am I?, Pete Townshend writes that he was terrified that Keith wouldnt be able to hide his deteriorating condition.. Longtime friend and personal assistant Butler observed, "He was trying to make people laugh and be Mr Funny, he wanted people to love him and enjoy him, but he would go so far. Jul 9, 2019 - Knowing the last words that someone spoke can sometimes throw light on their character or on the circumstances in which they died. In a 1981 Los Angeles Times interview he admitted, "A lot of times when Keith was blowing up toilets I was standing behind him with the matches. (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? Keith Moon was born on 23 August 1946, spending his formative years in Wembley, not far from the famous stadium. [98], Entwistle recalled being close to Moon on tour and both were often involved in blowing up toilets. [9] On his way home from school, Moon would often go to Macari's Music Studio on Ealing Road to practise on the drums there, learning his basic skills on the instrument. [105] However, Roger Daltrey, in an interview on BBC's Top Gear, stated that the group was banned from 'an entire state's worth of Holiday Inns', presumably then Michigan. The Beachcombers continued as a local cover band after his departure. "We used to fight regularly", remembered Moon in later years. Keith Moon, The Who's celebrated drummer, was born in Wembley on 23 August 1946, and is widely acclaimed as the greatest drummer in the history of rock. A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. [161][162], Jones left the Who in 1988,[163] and drummer Simon Phillips (who praised Moon's ability to drum over the backing track of "Baba O'Riley") toured with the band the following year. Heres how it works. He provided humorous commentary during song announcements, although sound engineer Bob Pridden preferred to mute his vocal microphone on the mixing desk whenever possible. 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. [37], Moon also aspired to sing lead vocal on some songs. Although that supergroup was never formed, Page remembered the phrase and later adapted it as the name of his new band. This is the 'Oo. Moon was the bad boy of rock & roll, the most manic member of an aggressive and fabulously successful band, a full-throttle . [13] Moon also admired Elvis Presley's original drummer DJ Fontana, the Shadows' original drummer Tony Meehan[14] and the Pretty Things' Viv Prince. During much of 1964 and 1965 his setups consisted of Ludwig drums and Zildjian cymbals. I mean somebody good?" [58] At one point, Moon asked Premier to make a white kit with gold-plated fittings. The band was looking for a replace their original drummer, Doug Sandom, and his audition became a quintessential Keith Moon display: already loaded, Moon played hard enough to destroy the drum kit, busting through two drumheads and breaking off the bass pedal. They gave him a shower and an injection of cortisone, sending him back onstage after a thirty-minute delay. While he was still using cocaine, the fact that he didnt go wild on the free champagne was considered progress. As the genius drummer for The Who, wild-man Moon is a non-. [108] Moon passed out again during "Magic Bus", and was again removed from the stage. The proposal never happened. His drumming continues to be praised by critics and musicians. Sadly it wasnt. He left school at age fourteen, around Easter in 1961. not for children. "[92], In a limousine on the way to the airport, Moon insisted they return to their hotel, saying "I forgot something." He was in a bad mood and they argued, but Annette cooked him some more lamb. [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. [136], Moon enjoyed being the life of the party. 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. Entwistle was giving an interview to two journalists when he was interrupted by a phone call with the news of Moon's death. It's too good for words. "[134] Moon would harass them with phone calls, and on one occasion before Kim sued for divorce, he invited McLagan for a drink at a Richmond pub and sent several "heavies" to break into McLagan's home on Fife Road and look for Kim, forcing her to hide in a walk-in closet. 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. (Moon was close with all the Beatles, especially John Lennon and Ringo Starr.) [179], Ray Davies notably lauded Moon's drumming during his speech for the Kinks' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1990: " Keith Moon changed the sound of drumming. After playing with a local band, the Beachcombers, he joined the Who in 1964 before they recorded their first single. Moon enjoyed touring and socialising, and became bored and restless when the Who were inactive. The Who frontman Roger Daltrey has brought life back to his longtime passion project, a biopic about the iconic rock band's former drummer, Keith Moon. This later carried over to other aspects of his life, as he acted them out (according to journalist and Who biographer Dave Marsh) "as if his life were one long tour. Moon grew up in Alperton, a suburb of Wembley, in Middlesex, United Kingdom, and took up the drums during the early 1960s.After playing with a local band, the Beachcombers, he joined the Who in . "[182], In 1998 Tony Fletcher published a biography of Moon, Dear Boy: The Life of Keith Moon, in the United Kingdom. [95] Around the same time he became a severe alcoholic, starting the day with drinks and changing from the "lovable boozer" he presented himself as to a "boorish drunk". My Wife04. 1. A long-gestating biopic about The Who drummer Keith Moon will begin filming this summer after 20 years. Fletcher considers the drumming on this album to be the best of Moon's career. [73], Moon became involved in solo work when he moved to Los Angeles during the mid-1970s. en.wikipedia.org. Sign up below to get the latest from Classic Rock, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! He began to endorse Premier Drums in late 1965, and remained a loyal customer of the company. 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. The next evening Moon systematically destroyed everything in his hotel room, cut himself doing so and passed out. "Thomas Jefferson survives." What Adams didn't know was that Jefferson had actually passed away several hours earlier. He explained that the group had totally lost their way: "Harry Nilsson, Bobby Keyes, Keith Moon. But Annette hadnt realised quite how many pills he was taking. Moon had been dead for some time, but was officially pronounced dead at 5:50pm at Middlesex Hospital. I'd bring in 'My Generation'. Keith Moon. Moon lived a short and talented life that was fueled by famous friendships, alcoholism, and the drums. Nevertheless, the Who powered through a nine-song set that . [165][166] Starkey had previously toured in 1994 with Roger Daltrey. "[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 band continued without him for several songs before Townshend asked, "Can anyone play the drums? The UK's Heritage Foundation disagreed with the decision, presenting a plaque which was unveiled on 9 March 2009. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. I just want to play drums for the Who and that's it. "[78], Early in the Who's career, Moon got to know the Beatles. Lilly called back with a. Tony Fletcher wrote that "no toilet in a hotel or changing room was safe" until Moon had exhausted his supply of explosives. [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. His life was a truly tumultuous ride. When she objected, Moon replied, "If you don't like it, you can fuck off!" [143], On 4 January 1970 Moon accidentally killed his friend, driver and bodyguard, Neil Boland, outside the Red Lion pub in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Producers on the movie are Sinclair, Oliver Veysey and Jeanne Elfant . The WhoMaple Leaf GardensToronto, Ontario, CanadaOctober 21, 1976Audience Recording by JEMS01. Keith Moon was more than just rock's greatest drummer, he was a phenomenal character and an extravagant hell raiser who - in a final, uncharacteristic act of grace - actually did die before he got old. He was bloated and out of practice. But it was too late. He quickly ended the interview when the journalist asked him about the Who's future plans. He was credited on the album as "You Know Who". [92], He followed Moon when the drummer relocated to Los Angeles, but felt that the drug culture prevalent at the time was bad for Moon: "My job was to have eyes in the back of my head. [98] Townshend remembers walking into the bathroom of Moon's hotel room and noticing the toilet had disappeared, with only the S-bend remaining. [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. "[168], Moon's drumming has been praised by critics. [54], By 1970 Moon had begun to use timbales, gongs and timpani, and these were included in his setup for the rest of his career. Keith stopped his footsteps, his heart still beating fast. [29] Moon's recklessness with money reduced his profit from the group's 1975 UK tour to 47.35 (equivalent to 423 in 2021). Keith Moon's (original drummer for The Who) last words were "if you don't like it, you can fuck off!" So rock and roll. "I never realised dynamite was so powerful. [58] From 1967 to 1969 Moon used the "Pictures of Lily" drum kit (named for its artwork), which had two 22-inch (56cm) bass drums, two 16-inch (41cm) floor toms and three mounted toms. 1968~. Born in Wembley, a suburb of London, England, at age 12 he joined the local Sea Cadet Corps where he learned to play the bugle and later, the drums. He became addicted to alcohol, particularly brandy and champagne, and acquired a reputation for decadence and dark humour; his nickname was "Moon the Loon". The group was concerned that he would be unable to complete the last leg of the tour, which ended at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto on 21 October (Moon's last public show). The kit was eventually fitted with copper fittings[58] and later given to a young Zak Starkey. Keith Moon discussed his reckless lifestyle on 'Good Morning America' just a month before his death. [67] A clip of the incident became the opening scene for the film The Kids Are Alright. "[78], Nevertheless, the drummer landed several acting roles. His music teacher wrote that Moon "has great ability, but must guard against a tendency to show off. During the Who's early days he began taking amphetamines,[85] and in a NME interview said his favourite food was "French Blues". "[128] He loved Amanda, but his absences due to touring and fondness for practical jokes made their relationship uneasy when she was very young. 25 JUDAS PRIEST / PRISONER OF YOUR EYES Judas Priest can write a goddamn ballad - "Last Rose of Summer" from Sin After Sin is the definition of a bittersweet kiss, and Turbo 's "Out in the Cold," so icy and forlorn, is secretly one of their best songs. "[36] On 23 June 1977, he made a guest appearance at a Led Zeppelin concert in Los Angeles.