Who producer Jon Astley said, "You didn't think he was keeping time, but he was. Keith Moon was cremated on 13 September 1978, at Golders Green Crematorium in . [165][166] Starkey had previously toured in 1994 with Roger Daltrey. He was restless, said Annette. Nevertheless, the Who powered through a nine-song set that . [108] Moon passed out again during "Magic Bus", and was again removed from the stage. 1968~. 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. [41] At the end of "Happy Jack", Townshend can be heard saying "I saw ya!" In 2000, the book was released in the US as Moon (The Life and Death of a Rock Legend). "[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." The couple arrived at Peppermint Park, where Annette has since insisted Moon didnt drink or, if he did, limited himself to just two drinks. [143], On 4 January 1970 Moon accidentally killed his friend, driver and bodyguard, Neil Boland, outside the Red Lion pub in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. [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. [156] Moon was cremated on 13 September 1978 at Golders Green Crematorium in London, and his ashes were scattered in its Gardens of Remembrance. Louder is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. "[26] Moon later claimed that he was never formally invited to join the Who permanently; when Ringo Starr asked how he had joined the band, he said he had "just been filling in for the last fifteen years. All rights reserved. Next article These maps show how the world would look if the ice melted; And Im gonna get married again.. Keith Moon and daughter Amanda with some of his car collection. Moon's drumming continues to be praised by critics and musicians. He claims that, to ensure Harry listened to it, he told . [71], Moon's friendship with Entwistle led to an appearance on Smash Your Head Against the Wall, Entwistle's first solo album and the first by a member of the Who. 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. But the evening was also Keith Moon's last. "[78], Nevertheless, the drummer landed several acting roles. "[173], Several rock drummers, including Neil Peart[174] have cited Moon as an influence. Moon occasionally collaborated with other musicians and later appeared in films, but considered playing in the Who his primary occupation, and remained a member of the band until his death. Keith Moon was only 31 at the time, but his endless partying had taken a severe toll on his body. He left school at age fourteen, around Easter in 1961. $37.74 8 Used from $13.97 9 New from $22.34. The Jam's single was released about a month after Moon's death. [86] He spent his share of the band's income quickly, and was a regular at London clubs such as the Speakeasy (where manager Roy Flynn recalls having to throw him out on three occasions[87]) and The Bag O'Nails; the combination of pills and alcohol escalated into alcoholism and drug addiction later in his life. Moon's contribution. By the time of their final tour with him in 1976, and particularly during production of The Kids Are Alright and Who Are You, the drummer's deterioration was evident. According to Fletcher, Moon's toilet pyrotechnics began in 1965 when he purchased a case of 500 cherry bombs. 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. Watch the full interview. Who manager Bill Curbishley agreed that Moon "wasn't disciplined enough to actually turn up or commit to doing the stuff. [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. "So Sad About Us" gains much of its . Keith Moon. He was in a bad mood and they argued, but Annette cooked him some more lamb. The band continued without him for several songs before Townshend asked, "Can anyone play the drums? 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. Sandom had generally been the peacemaker as Daltrey and Townshend feuded between themselves, but because of Moon's temperament the group now had four members frequently in conflict. 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. 4. [113] By the time of the Who's invitation-only show at the Gaumont State Cinema on 15 December 1977 for The Kids are Alright, Moon was visibly overweight and had difficulty sustaining a solid performance. "[170] According to AllMusic critic Bruce Eder, "Moon, with his manic, lunatic side, and his life of excessive drinking, partying, and other indulgences, probably represented the youthful, zany side of rock & roll, as well as its self-destructive side, better than anyone else on the planet. 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. [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. [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. . In time, Kim got involved with Ian "Mac" McLagan of the Small Faces and she and Mandy moved in with him at his house in Sheen . He explained that the group had totally lost their way: "Harry Nilsson, Bobby Keyes, Keith Moon. That's the same as around $40 million today after adjusting for inflation. In the great green room. It was a powerful sedative prescribed to him by Harley Street physician, Dr Geoffrey Dymond. NB Down: II. On the album cover, he is straddling a chair to hide his weight gain; the words "Not to be taken away" are on the back of the chair. 1990. 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. I've got no real aspirations to be a great drummer. Smith remembers one occasion where he and Moon tore apart a pair of trousers, with an accomplice later looking for one-legged trousers. These were his last words. "[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. [35], Unlike contemporary rock drummers such as Ginger Baker and John Bonham, Moon hated drum solos and refused to play them in concert. Keith Moon on 6 September 1978, the night before he died, (Image credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo), Keith Moon with Annette Walter-Lax in February 1978, (Image credit: John Downing / Getty Images), Keith Moon with girlfriend Annette Walter-Lax, photographed on the night he died, (Image credit: Anwar Hussein \/ / Getty Images), Gene Simmons hates Kiss' million-selling 1979 single I Was Made For Lovin' You, and not for the reason you think, The 10 best songs Jimmy Page has released since Led Zeppelin, Why you should definitely own Apple by Mother Love Bone, Meet the woman who let Metallica rehearse in her basement, Extreme announce first album in 15 years, unveil video for new single Rise, Every issue delivered direct to your door. Moon led a destructive lifestyle. . "[183], In 2008, English Heritage declined an application for Moon to be awarded a blue plaque. "[77] His performance was not appreciated by animal lovers, several of whom called the station with complaints. [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. The untimely loss of Keith Moon, one of the world's most skilled drummers, still hits rock music fans hard every so often. "[99], Moon moved from cherry bombs to M-80 fireworks to sticks of dynamite, which became his explosive of choice. In his memoir, Who Am I?, Pete Townshend writes that he was terrified that Keith wouldnt be able to hide his deteriorating condition.. Keith Moon is one of the most outrageous rock'n'roll performers in the world. Curbishley told Townshend, who informed the rest of the band. He was offered the job on the spot and immediately began drumming for The Who. Rock Musician. He quickly ended the interview when the journalist asked him about the Who's future plans. [53] In recognition of his loyalty to the company, Premier reissued the kit in 2006 as the "Spirit of Lily". Pinterest. Keith John Moon was born to working class parents in Wembley, London, England, on the 23rd August, 1946. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Daltrey affectionately put the world to rights about Moon's importance to The Who in a conversation with this writer in 2016. Keith stopped his footsteps, his heart still beating fast. He is probably now best known for his big hit, 'Yesterday Man'. Rival 'blue plaque' for Moon puts heritage row centre stage", "John Entwistle, 57; Innovative Bass Player Co-Founded The Who", "Roger Daltrey: 'Keith Moon lived his entire life as a fantasy', "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)", "Iconic model who married Keith Moon dies in car crash", "Who Drummer Zak Starkey Holds Down Super Bowl Halftime", "London 2012 organisers wanted Keith Moon to play at Olympics ceremony", "Interview: 1985?? 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. Goodnight Keith Moon: A Parody!, Bruce Worden, Clare Cross. [12] Moon's early style was influenced by jazz, American surf music and rhythm and blues, exemplified by noted Los Angeles studio drummer Hal Blaine. Moon died shortly after the release of Who Are You. Keith Moon: Classic Images of the Iconic Drummer . Keith had been exceeding his prescribed dose of Heminevrin the same way he abused every other drug. He ate the steak while he watched the film The Abominable Dr Phibes but fell back to sleep after taking 32 Heminevrin tablets which were prescribed to help alcohol withdrawal. Moon continuously promoted his eccentric clown drummer image through exaggerated or simply false stories about his life. We tell stories with heart, humor, and authenticity to celebrate American life. "[25] Daltrey said that Moon "just instinctively put drum fills in places that other people would never have thought of putting them. The Who performed two songs that night - I Can See For Miles, the band's first . By the time Stardust came round it was hard drinking. "[62], In May 1966, Moon discovered that the Beach Boys' Bruce Johnston was visiting London. Idiotic in other respects". Squ. The enigmatic member of The Who is easily one of the greatest to have ever sat behind the kit. . "[142], Peter "Dougal" Butler began working for the Who in 1967, becoming Moon's personal assistant the following year[143] to help him stay out of trouble. [177][178] Jazz drummer Elvin Jones praised Moon's work during "Underture", as integral to the song's effect. Bill Curbishley remembered that "he wouldn't walk into any room and just listen. [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. According to Pamela Des Barres, Moon had nightmares (which woke them both) about the incident and said he had no right to be alive. The Moon indeed. 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. [58], While Moon generally said he was only interested in working with the Who,[31] he participated in outside musical projects. [134] She died in a car accident in Austin, Texas, on 2 August 2006. [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". Or why not treat yourself? However, stands and foot pedals were frequently replaced; the drummer "would go through them like a knife through butter". "My Generation," released late in the previous year, shot to No. Here, we take a look at five crazy, funny, and often dangerous Keith Moon moments. (Moon was close with all the Beatles, especially John Lennon and Ringo Starr.) from $36.16 2 Used from $36.16. He said: 'You come 'ere.' 3. Bessie Smith. Moon's lifestyle began to undermine his health and reliability. I went into a panic.. Moon (or Entwistle) remarked that a particular suggestion had gone down like a "lead zeppelin" (a play on "lead balloon"). It's a wonder he didn't come round and personally flatten the diminutive drummer. He provided humorous commentary during song announcements, although sound engineer Bob Pridden preferred to mute his vocal microphone on the mixing desk whenever possible. It was exactly 40 years ago today that Who drummer . [39] While the other three members handled most of the onstage vocals, Moon would attempt to sing backup (particularly on "I Can't Explain"). JOHN ADAMS. [100] "All that porcelain flying through the air was quite unforgettable," Moon remembered. He was the drummer for the seminal and influential English rock band The Who. Earlier that night, Moon and his girlfriend, Annette Walter-Lax, attended the Buddy Holly Story premiere with Linda and Paul McCartney. Lilly called back with a. [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. Keith John Moon (23 August 1946 - 7 September 1978) was an English drummer best known as being a member of the rock band The Who.He was famous for his frantic drumming style, his use of fills, his destructive, volatile behavior and his heavy drinking that help earn him the nickname "Moon the Loon." Keith Moon joined The Who in 1964. The last time I was in town was the first time I'd ever visited Los Angeles on anything other than business. The Who frontman Roger Daltrey said of Moon (via GQ), "Keith lived his entire life as a fantasy.He was the funniest man I've ever known, but he was also the saddest." Indeed, for (at least) his whole adult life, it seemed like Moon was trying to hide his real self, doing all .