Keith Moon

[tuckerduncan2002]

Would anyone care to enlighten me about Keith Moon? He is deemed a legend, yet I have never been impressed by his playing. I found his playing sloppy, especially in concert. I don't think he took his playing all that seriously. Maybe someone could help me out.

Keith Moon page on DrummerWorld (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Keith_Moon.html)

[PearlDrummer014]

keith took his playin serious to a certian degree. have you heard the song cobwebs and strange the drumming on that song is great. he was a strange dude but that is why people liked him.

[Superlow]

Would anyone care to enlighten me about Keith Moon? He is deemed a legend, yet I have never been impressed by his playing. I found his playing sloppy, especially in concert. I don't think he took his playing all that seriously. Maybe someone could help me out.


I agree with most of what you say. I do think he is a great player, however as far the other drummers from that era are concernd I could name a lot more who are better drummers that don't get nearly as much credit that Keith got. The reason he was such a legend was because his antics on and off the stage. Whether it was throwing TV's out of hotel windows or blowing his drumset set up on national television that is what made him famous.

[Dill X]

Keith Moon was completely out of his mind. Plain and simple.

[Rudy McRudster]

I was never a fan of Keith Moon. His style is always so sloppy and, a lot of the time, overplayed. And if there's one groove that makes my blood boil it's definately "You Better", or at least I think that's what it's called. It is just so annoying and never goes anywhere.

Now, I'm not saying he's terrible. He's been a big influence to many drummers, but I just don't like his style.

[Bonham to the moon]

just go and watch Isle of Wight, it should shut most of you up = ) A lot of ppl have a problem with Keith because he was a little too eccentric when it came to playing. I have absolutely no idea how you could say that he wasnt into his drumming. I havent seen a sole that is more into drumming live, well, ever. Hes got some of the fastest chops around and some very original grooves. And he was also a showman, he could hit his snare drum with his stick, and it would fly into the air, then he'd catch, and go right back into playing. IMO Keith Moon is monster on the drumset, for god sakes his nickname was the octopus for the way that he'd fly around that set.

[Speedy]

just go and watch Isle of Wight, it should shut most of you up = ) A lot of ppl have a problem with Keith because he was a little too eccentric when it came to playing. I have absolutely no idea how you could say that he wasnt into his drumming. I havent seen a sole that is more into drumming live, well, ever. Hes got some of the fastest chops around and some very original grooves. And he was also a showman, he could hit his snare drum with his stick, and it would fly into the air, then he'd catch, and go right back into playing. IMO Keith Moon is monster on the drumset, for god sakes his nickname was the octopus for the way that he'd fly around that set.

I was reading all the other reply's and was starting to go crazy! Keith Moon is a crazy drummer! One of the best classic rock drummers. To bad he had to go so soon. Keith Moon by far was a very gifted drummer.

[Drummer_Boy]

Keith Moon was great. When you listen to stuff such as Metal, Punk, Grunge, etc, you will usually hear something Keith Moon innovated, or that "The Who" did for that matter. He wasn't the greatest technically, and I'm not saying he was bad, but he's mostly important for his influence.

[JW89]

i heard something, i dont know if its true or not, but pete townshend was talking in an interview about moon, and he said a doctor was examining moons footspeed, and his one foot alone was compatable with the speed of a machine gun, thats disgustingly fast, it makes me wanna stop playing

[Speedy]

i heard something, i dont know if its true or not, but pete townshend was talking in an interview about moon, and he said a doctor was examining moons footspeed, and his one foot alone was compatable with the speed of a machine gun, thats disgustingly fast, it makes me wanna stop playing

If Moon's foot is that fast, that must makes Bonham's as fast as a Minigun!! lol.

[PearlDrummer014]

agreed keith's foot may have been quick but nothin compares to bonhams.

[JW89]

I dont know... its hard to say whos foot was faster, id say they were equal, bonham had a heavy foot, but i dont know if it was as fast as keith moons foot

[Speedy]

I dont know... its hard to say whos foot was faster, id say they were equal, bonham had a heavy foot, but i dont know if it was as fast as keith moons foot

Bonham had an extremly heavy foot but also very fast. No one can match his right foot speed. He can keep up his bass roll forever with a great amount of speed.

[Bonham to the moon]

i love keith moon, dont get me wrong, but he played a double bass setup most of the time, so we really have no idea how fast his right of left foot was. If you listen to good times bad times, you'll wonder if Bonham was hiding a nother bass drum somewhere. . . . .

[Speedy]

If you listen to good times bad times, you'll wonder if Bonham was hiding a nother bass drum somewhere. . . . .

Heck No!!! lol....Bonham at one point did have a double bass setup, but he hated it with a passion.

He learned to roll his right foot so good because he was listening to Vanilla Fudge one day and he heard Carmine Appice do a double stroke on the bass drum. So Bonham thought he would try it. It took him a little bit of time but he got it. He found out one day that the double stroke Carmine did was on a double bass set and Bonham only did it with one foot! After that he speed kept on growing and growing....

[Blue]

Keith Moon was completely out of his mind. Plain and simple.

Ah, that's holarious, and totally true, but that's what I love about him.

His philosophy was that drums could be a lead instrument. You have to understand Keith, you have to learn to love him as a person. He was such a character. (I read a biography, because I am not impressed with his drumming either)

Keith Moon was a ball of energy. He played the drums with more passion and energy perhaps than anybody. That is what is great about Keith Moon. He practically made the who who they are. He loved to fill so much because he played exactly what he felt. He never held back, and that's okay. He was totally free, and it fit perfectly with the music. Perhaps he couldn't have been a studio or jazz drummer, but what he did contribute was the soul of the Rock and Roll Drummer to the max.

[Dannar]

Heck No!!! lol....Bonham at one point did have a double bass setup, but he hated it with a passion.

He learned to roll his right foot so good because he was listening to Vanilla Fudge one day and he heard Carmine Appice do a double stroke on the bass drum. So Bonham thought he would try it. It took him a little bit of time but he got it. He found out one day that the double stroke Carmine did was on a double bass set and Bonham only did it with one foot! After that he speed kept on growing and growing....

I had read something with one of the guys in Zeppelin saying that Bonham liked the double bass. He was trying to do the Ginger Baker two bass drum thing that was big at the time. The reason that he didn't stick with the double acording to the members of Zep (can't remember which one) is because the band didn't like him using it since he would lose the use of his high hats. When Bonham would go to the bathroom during rehersal they would go hide the second bass drum!

With that said I think Keith Moon is a very talented drummer. The movie The Kids are Alright has some incredible drumming on it. Although his playing could be sloppy, no drummer is perfect!

[Wirt]

Keith Moon was great until drugs started slowing him down in the mid-70s, right around Quadrophenia. I have a DVD that sports a chronological collection of live Who performances, and once it gets to 1974, it looks like Moon starts playing in slow motion. By the time he died in his early 30s, he had lost just about all his touch, at least in live performances, and he looked like he didn't know what to do with such monster sets as he used, with layers of toms. His best period was when he used the "simple" 7-piece sets. ;p

[sam13]

I was never a fan of Keith Moon. His style is always so sloppy and, a lot of the time, overplayed. And if there's one groove that makes my blood boil it's definately "You Better", or at least I think that's what it's called. It is just so annoying and never goes anywhere.

Keith actually didnt play on that song. It was Kenny Jones, who replaced Kieth after he died

[Thinshells]

Here: (scroll down)

Goldfish solo (http://www.vistalites.com/downloads/)

FWIW: I really don't like the solo. Yeck.

[Lunatic-finesse]

I agree with speedy i have to say- watching isle of white- no exaduration-hands down- will shut you up...do not listen to him on record cause its plain and simple s***....and anything after 1973 is also s***......catch him from any time between 1968 and 1973 and u will see.......the isle of white drumming performance almost made me quit drumming entirely after 7 years of drumming......
Keith moon was a legend....and it is because of his antics on and off stage that he dosnt get enough wrap for his drumming....and in a way that is his fault....because if he hadnt of been so wild....his name would have been much stronger than bonhams or any other.....you have to look at his influence also.....considering the style of play of other drummers around the early sixties like him....they were all plain time keepers......he made drummers noticed......any drummer today who performs on stage....should pay their respects to this drummer....because if it wasnt for his way of thinking....drummers would probably still be sitting in the shadows on stage.....instead of being such an integral part of the band.

[Blue]

I can appreciate that last post about Moon being the first drummer to really stand out from the other instruments, but what about John bonhamn, Buddy rich, Gene Krupa, and all of these showmanship style drummers who did put the drums at the forefront of the performance? I've read and heard statements like 'Moon made the drummer noticed again,' but how can that be with Bonham and all them ripping up the stage? Is it only in Rock that this phenomon happened? If so, what about Mitch Mitchell, or Ginger Baker? It seems like drummers before them were very noticed within the context of a performance.

[Lunatic-finesse]

i understand what your saying curtis.....but its the timing.....keith had come out with the who a few years before bonham came out with led zeppelin......so keith was noticed for doing it first........but yeh ur right about rich and krupa....but i mean thats jazz.....when u look at rock drummers in the early 60s......you didnt have much inspiration to choose from........ringo starr (although i respect him he didnt do much for drumming....showman wise....he was just a time keeper) same as kinks drummer....i think his name was mick avory.....and stones drummer aswell...umm charlie watts or who ever he was......and whats even scarier is that keith was younger when he made it big with the who....he was only 17-18 when he had started with the who......he had played like that since his first first band the beach combers.....i mean the guy once played so hard that he sent his drum kit through the wooden floor of the stage.....that was when he was 15....i mean cumon.....that is freaky.....but yeh back to my original point.....its the timing.....he had come out before bonham and that......

[mediocrefunkybeat]

Keith Moon... couldn't play consistently... never had a drum kit at home (so never practiced and had to re-learn to play each time he recorded) overplayed... had sloppy technique.
And that is why he's a legend.

[Thinshells]

I look at Keith as a representitive of a new, harder rock era. It was a turning point in the late 60's when rock drummers were becoming more "rock" and less jazz drummers playing rock.

The hitting became heavier, and the antics more outrageous. It became the norm to have a heavy-handed drum solo, and an outrageous kit.

His appeal seemed to be that of a wildman. His "Pictures of lily" was one of the first wild and customized rock kits. There was a lot to look at. He had this flailing, spastic style that mesmerized the then-audiences where were not used to such and aggressive and bombastic drumming display. Looking at that vista-lite video, the solo would not fly today. It was about hitting everything and being loud...not structure.

I have always liked the Who, but from that era, I prefer the drumming styles of Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge) and Bonzo. I was never a real big Moon fan.

[mediocrefunkybeat]

I think The Who have some great tunes (if a bit one-dimensional) 'Won't get fooled again' 'Baba O'Reilly' and 'Pinball Wizard' are all great tracks, sometimes I would prefer to hear another drummer, sometimes I can't imagine anyone else playing those parts.

Incidentally, my mum met Pete Townsend when she was small... so that would have been early-mid 60's.

[Elemental Nausea]

i heard something, i dont know if its true or not, but pete townshend was talking in an interview about moon, and he said a doctor was examining moons footspeed, and his one foot alone was compatable with the speed of a machine gun, thats disgustingly fast, it makes me wanna stop playing

I am so bold to guess that this is complete nonsense

[DogBreath]

i heard something, i dont know if its true or not, but pete townshend was talking in an interview about moon, and he said a doctor was examining moons footspeed, and his one foot alone was compatable with the speed of a machine gun, thats disgustingly fast, it makes me wanna stop playing
1. Why would a doctor be examining his foot speed?

2. Why would it take a doctor to count beats per minute?

3. The machine guns being used in the 1960's could fire between 4,000 and 6,000 rounds per minute.

[DrumNut]

You guys are funny, I'm enjoying this forum!

[dothecrunge]

Heck No!!! lol....Bonham at one point did have a double bass setup, but he hated it with a passion.

He learned to roll his right foot so good because he was listening to Vanilla Fudge one day and he heard Carmine Appice do a double stroke on the bass drum. So Bonham thought he would try it. It took him a little bit of time but he got it. He found out one day that the double stroke Carmine did was on a double bass set and Bonham only did it with one foot! After that he speed kept on growing and growing....

Really? I'm very interested in hearing your sources for that story.

[fourstringdrums]

Just watched the goldfish video... I'm just going to say this: It's a damn good thing that gold fish have short memories.

[Bad Drummer]

i understand what your saying curtis.....but its the timing.....keith had come out with the who a few years before bonham came out with led zeppelin......so keith was noticed for doing it first........but yeh ur right about rich and krupa....but i mean thats jazz.....when u look at rock drummers in the early 60s......you didnt have much inspiration to choose from........ringo starr (although i respect him he didnt do much for drumming....showman wise....he was just a time keeper) same as kinks drummer....i think his name was mick avory.....and stones drummer aswell...umm charlie watts or who ever he was......and whats even scarier is that keith was younger when he made it big with the who....he was only 17-18 when he had started with the who......he had played like that since his first first band the beach combers....i mean the guy once played so hard that he sent his drum kit through the wooden floor of the stage.....that was when he was 15....i mean cumon.....that is freaky.....but yeh back to my original point.....its the timing.....he had come out before bonham and that......

What are you talking about? Where did you get this information? Actually I think I know what you are talking about, because after Keith Moon drummed through a wooden floor, Jesus Christ came and resurrected all the dead and sent all the believers to heaven. True story.

[Thinshells]

Really? I'm very interested in hearing your sources for that story.

Check out the book "A thunder of drums" it has photos of an early double kick Ludwig that Carmine Appice got Bonzo.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0879306580.01._AA400_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[on_the_one]

Here: (scroll down)

Goldfish solo (http://www.vistalites.com/downloads/)

FWIW: I really don't like the solo. Yeck.


that was one pathetic solo. yuck. but i think keith was a real rock star and could certainly wail on the drums when he wanted to. and his foot was mighty quick. i still love "live at leeds" to this very day.

[fourstringdrums]

that keith drummed straight through a wooden floor on a stage!.....

Are you sure it was Keith's drumming and not the termites?

[YAHAHA]

Bonham had an extremly heavy foot but also very fast. No one can match his right foot speed. He can keep up his bass roll forever with a great amount of speed.
Ummm....

Time to do some research! (http://www.extremesportdrumming.com/mikemangini.htm)
Mike Mangini:
Current WFD Records:
Matched Grip Singles - 1,247,
Bare Hands Singles - 1,138,
Traditional Grip Singles - 1,126,
Endurance 13,222 Feet Singles in 15 Minutes
15 minutes = 900 seconds
13,222 / 900 = 14.69 beats/second! SMOKIN'

Of course John Bonham isn't around to compete against Mr. Mangini but if you've ever seen Mangini perform, you'd know just how blazing fast he is!

[Speedy]

ok? I wonder where he got the bare hands idea from ;-)

[jangus]

If so, what about Mitch Mitchell, or Ginger Baker?

I'm sure a drummer in a power trio would get more attention than other bands drummers. I'm not trying to argue, just saying it. I would agree that Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa brought drums to the front.

[dothecrunge]

ok? I wonder where he got the bare hands idea from ;-)

He got the idea from a jazz drummer. I don't know who.

[Bonham to the moon]

you guys are fighting about the most rediculous things i have seen

[von_krumm_drummer]

Moon was pure rock and roll. He lived his life how any rock star should. If he was alive nowdays he would be ADHD and would need even more pills than he took when he was alie 2 keep him still.

[Oxygeneral]

The only thing I would say to anyone about Keith Moon is to get Live At Leeds, Tommy and Who's Next and really study the playing. It is really fresh and original, if at times sloppy, but there is never a dull moment. The man played like a frustrated guitarist and he loved to play along with the vocals. Yes, he was a very sad figure, but remember that he changed the course of rock drumming.

[Smoking Mirrors]

All just an opinion .... but:

Keith Moon was rock and roll ... He did it all first.... and in the years when he was playing at his best... nothing anyone has done since has come close.

In rock - he was the first to bring the drums forward as more than just time keeping, in fact he brought them forward as more than just another instrument... at times he made them centre stage ... with or without antics...

When he was on it, he lost himself in his drumming... instinct overtook everything and his feelings/emotions spoke (or shouted) through the skins....

Sure he made faces, he did sometimes blow up his drum kit as a finale, or just smash it alongside Pete destroying the odd guitar or amp... He became famous for his off-stage antics, facts and rumours blended into myth and legend - and he became a celebrity. This stuff along with the energy, anger, newness and unapologetic arrogance of their music, succeeded in helping to get (and keep) The Who famous...

But these things divert attention from the fact that at his best, - he was the best there has ever been.

Watch the 'Live at the Isle of Wight DVD' ... listen to 'Who's Next' ... which are around the time I think he was drumming at his peak.

Accused of being "Sloppy?" ... Maybe.... but if so 'sloppy' in the same way that Hendrix didn't pluck every note bang on the beat, sloppy like Keith Richards is often an 8th or so behind with the dirty sounding Tele ... sloppy in the way Dylan's or Morrisey's poetry snd prose doesn't always meter exactly into the 4/4 of their songs... Any less of a genius because of it? .... NO ..... It's an integral part of the magic...

Moonie's explosive drumming was the powerhouse that drove The Who's music

(You can probably guess I'm a fan ... !) .... But once familiar with The Who's music, you hear how much their infuence flows through so many bands that have followed of almost any genre. I can't think of many - if any - rock drummers that have followed, who have none of Keith's influence in their playing. - After all - he did it first...

As a note, he also said he thought drum solo's pointless and boring.....

As for things like the 'goldfish' solo, - it was done in latter years when Keith's constant daily consumption of brandy, champagne and all kinds of illicit substances had reached such levels to leave him slow, slurry and unable to connect with his talent within. He may have been sitting on the drum stool, but he was so stoned that to all intents and purposes he wasn't really even there. Don't judge him on that performance, listen to and watch some of his earlier work.

The only drummer I have heard that can possibly equal Keith back in his heyday .... is Zak Starkey.

Any comments anyone?!!

[ewanlaing]

keith definately wasn't sloppy. he kept a solid beat all the time, and for some of his songs it sounded like he was doing a perfectly timed fill for the whole song. he was fast and fun and creative on the drums, and fun is something few drummers demonstrate as well as he did.

[ClockworkOrange]

I was never a fan of Keith Moon. His style is always so sloppy and, a lot of the time, overplayed. And if there's one groove that makes my blood boil it's definately "You Better", or at least I think that's what it's called. It is just so annoying and never goes anywhere.

Now, I'm not saying he's terrible. He's been a big influence to many drummers, but I just don't like his style.


Sorry, kid. 'You Better' is not Keith.

[ClockworkOrange]

Heck No!!! lol....Bonham at one point did have a double bass setup, but he hated it with a passion.

....


Bonham, actually enjoyed playing double bass drums....the other guys in Zeppelin were the ones that hated it.

[ClockworkOrange]

Keith Moon was an original.

His approach to the instrument was very muched based in psuedo jazz. He played the vocal phrase line and rhythm, as opposed to Bonham, who concentrated on shadowing the guitar as the hinge point for his rhythmic approach. Moon's favourite 'type' of music was 'surf'. The Beachboys, Jan+Dean etc.

Moon was a very sad and tragic character(no doubt this will be dealt with in the movie), he suffered from feelings of inadequecy, was lonely all the time, even with a crowd of people around, and constantly seeking approval as a means of dealing with the feelings he had. When it didn't work, he turned to substance abuse.

If you get a chance to see 'Who's Next' on the series Classic Albums, there's a wonderful segment where Daltrey pushes up the faders on Moon's kit during Baba O, and just by listening to the drums, you know where you are in the song....this is a perfect example of his approach to the instrument.

Sloppy?......maybe while under the effects of substances, however, as Entwistle says' Keith ALWAYS knew where the beat was'.

[Creamsicle]

If anyone has The Kids Are Alright DVD you can really enjoy a clip where The Who plays Barbara Ann by the Beachboys. Keith is made lead singer for that song, and I find it absolutely hysterical. I must have watched that clip a thousand times!

[wontgetfooledagain]

The man played like a frustrated guitarist and he loved to play along with the vocals.
I read once that Keith Moon's advice to any beginning drummer was to learn guitar, because of the fact that he pretty much always followed the guitar.

[Smoking Mirrors]

If you listen to his drumming, - he often played fairly straight during vocals, - but the fills he played between were (apart from often being out of this world) great "left-field" echoes of the rhythm of the words, not just filling, - but driving the song adding an extra dimension to the whole track.

I read once that Keith Moon's advice to any beginning drummer was to learn guitar, because of the fact that he pretty much always followed the guitar.

Everyone knows the old rock cliche of "duelling guitars" on stage, with the axemen swapping licks and trading and bouncing off each other's playing ... On stage when Pete was playing guitar solos, Keith often played the part of a mirror and/or musical antagonist to Pete's riffs and licks. He would watch Pete and play fills that weren't just a foil within the breaks in the lead guitar, but a drumming equivalent of a musical question/answer sequences which built the whole tension and expression of the solos higher and higher, following Pete's lead perfectly - whilst still somehow managing to compete for equal attention on the stage.

Keith’s drumming not only flowed through echoes of both vocals and guitar, it thumped out a rolling solid beat that remained the engine that drove the band.

His antics, flying drumsticks, “full-on - let it all go” energy and wild expressions were showmanship that demanded attention, whilst both complementing and competing with the windmills and swirling microphones of those in front of him on the stage. When the Who played live: They put on an amazing show.

[Zackattack9000]

I've heard the solo off of his biography on Drummerworld, but is there anymore? This solo dosen't seem like Keith, for some odd reason...


Thanks,
Zack.

[shkeller55]

I haven't read through this entire thread so I don't know if I'm repeating anything, but...

There is a song called The Ox on the My Generation CD that's sort of a drum solo. The song sounds a lot like Wipeout, as Keith basically does a continuous drum roll through the entire song.

I have a DVD on his life (got it on eBay, questionable video quality) that shows him doing a brief drum solo on a clear Vistalite-like kit, but I've never seen it on a CD.

These are the only things I know of. You could post an inquiry on the OddsandSods discussion group - look on www.thewho.net to subscribe. There are lots of experts there who could tell you if there's anything else available.

If you listen to those other two solos, you'll see that the Drummerworld solo does indeed sound like him. He was wild, often seemed unstructured, and his timing often seemed off when he played by himself. That was Keith.

It's well known that Keith didn't like doing drum solos (he didn't do one when I saw them live in 1973), he just liked to play along with The Who's music. IMHO he was great at that and a perfect fit for them. He's my favorite drummer.

[Pepper]

I misspent much of my high school and college careers at Who concerts all up and down the East Coast, riveted to the antics of the flambouyant, bug-eyed dummer who clearly was more than just a little bit nuts. As mentioned in posts above, the DVD of the Isle of Wight Festival of 1970 captures Keith Moon's stage presence perfectly. This shows him as I remember him in the late 60s, full of energy, upstaging his chums, and clearly having more fun that anyone else at the concert. The fact that Moon was such a comedic showman makes it hard for many to take him seriously as a drummer. It's almost like everyone thinks of him as the Spike Jones of rock.

But, to call him sloppy is to do him a disservice. Granted, he quickly lost his edge in the mid-70s but look closely at how disciplined he is on the Isle of Wight DVD (1970). Sure, it looks like he's just flailing away at will, but he is very much in synch with his mates and clearly drives the music forward. Would he fit in with any band of that era? Probably not. It is hard to imagine him with the Beatles, Doors, Rolling Stones, Kinks, or even the Yardbirds. Each band had their own style and Moon was a perfect fit for the Who sound and stage show.

Speaking of which, one of my fondest memories is sitting in the back of the RKO Theater in NYC and talking with Keith Moon during intermission at the 1967 Murray the K Easter Show. The week-long show was the Who's first US appearance and they were largely unknown outside of a few geeks like myself who traveled from my home outside Wash, DC specifically to see The Who in the flesh. To make a long story short, I talked Keith into sitting down for a few minutes at the back of the nearly deserted theater and I am sure that I impressed him with the fact that I, too, played drums (although for a group with considerably less talent and far less of a future).

At the time, he was just a twenty-year old British kid on his first trip to the States hoping to make it big with this very loud band. He was quiet soft-spoken and maybe even then a little out of it. Then, when other fans began gathering around us, he excused himself and walked out the front door of theater and onto the streets of NY in company with some roadie. It occurred to me later that I probably could have tagged along and had quite an adventure to tell my kids had I survived it.

[TOMANO]

A point could be argued that a musician's job is to express his/her personality, ideas and emotions through their instruments. If we can hold this as an accepted truth, then Keith Moon definitely holds incredible validity as a musician.

His anti-technique was mystifying, to be sure, but his playing more times than not transcended any lack of schooled chops. Within the context of The Who, his contribution to the spirit of the music was crucial, as much an identifiable presence and Townshend's electrifying guitar, Entwhistle's frenetic bass and Daltrey's blue-eyed soulful vocals. While Moon the Loon is legendary by his off-stage antics, Keith the Musician is immortalized in the sublime drumming of the Who's classic repetoire, particularly Who's Next, Quadrophenia and Tommy.

Long Live Moonie!

TOMANO

[Loge]

Found a great site for anyone interested in all of Keith Moon's Premier (and Zickos))
kits - covering his entire career 1961-1978. Lots of history, pictures and setup diagrams.
Very detailed. The "Pictures of Lilly" kit is particularly memorable.
Anybody who loves vintage drums, Premier, or Moon himself should check it out.

http://www.thewho.net:16080/whotabs/equipment/drums

[Stu_Strib]

The drummer on Emminence Front is 5,000 times better than Keith Moon's best day. (ok, slight hyperbole, but still, you all get my point I hope.)

A little restraint goes a long way. Yes, even in Rock 'n Roll.

[Loge]

The drummer on Emminence Front is 5,000 times better than Keith Moon's best day.

A little restraint goes a long way. Yes, even in Rock 'n Roll.

Wow. 5000 times is a lot! Have to check him out (yawn).

[Stu_Strib]

Wow. 5000 times is a lot! Have to check him out (yawn).

I don't even know who it is. All I know is it ISN'T Keith Moon, so that makes it pretty good.

Seriously though, Moon would have wrecked that tune. The guy comes of the backbeat, what, one time total? Who was it that said "it isn't the notes you play, it's the ones you don't" or something like that?

edit: Is it Kenny Jones?

[iceneweb]

.. . . but f'n brilliant all the same:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NZYav_WyE3A

just look at his face - what a madman - love it!

[TitanSound]

The guy is a fruitcake.....but so entertaining! His style of playing is not the most technical but you can practically see the energy and passion bursting from him when hes playing.

[iceneweb]

Yeah, i love the way they didn't take themselves as seriously as some of their contemporaries (Led Zep), and many of the modern bands. Moon could have been a comedian (i guess i was, in a way) judging by the way he was clowning around when in front of the mic doing the backing vocals . . . .

[KLittle123]

i heard something, i dont know if its true or not, but pete townshend was talking in an interview about moon, and he said a doctor was examining moons footspeed, and his one foot alone was compatable with the speed of a machine gun, thats disgustingly fast, it makes me wanna stop playing
It wasn't his foot that was like the speed of a machine, I thought it was all of his arms and legs. Like he could play a note every 1/10 of a second or something. I forget what the statistics are. But it was really quite fast... I think.

[KLittle123]

He got the idea from a jazz drummer. I don't know who.
Joe Morello is who he got the bare hands from.

[stumprrp]

i love keith moon, his playing with the who is so energetic and exciting!

comon guys though lets not start comparing, they all fit there bands and is not better then the other guy or whatever.

[tombombsquad]

I was never a fan of Keith Moon. His style is always so sloppy and, a lot of the time, overplayed. And if there's one groove that makes my blood boil it's definately "You Better", or at least I think that's what it's called. It is just so annoying and never goes anywhere.

Now, I'm not saying he's terrible. He's been a big influence to many drummers, but I just don't like his style.


Just to let you know....its You better you bet, ...and moons been dead for around 4 years when that cam eout, the drummer was kenny jones.

[Daddy-o]

I always thought Keith seemed to have a very odd flow with his right hand jumping back and forth on the cymbals. Is it true that Keith did not use a hi-hat? That certainly would explain, in part, his very different style. What say ye hi-hat players?

[LiveGoat]

I always thought Keith seemed to have a very odd flow with his right hand jumping back and forth on the cymbals. Is it true that Keith did not use a hi-hat? That certainly would explain, in part, his very different style. What say ye hi-hat players?

Once Kieth went with two kick drums he abandoned the hats. Later (late 70's) he had a closed hat setup on his right (with about a kazillion other drums and gear).

--LG

[ElvinBaRkerDennis13]

Are you sure it was Keith's drumming and not the termites?
Ye sWHen Keith tried out for his first band, The Beachcombers, ( he tried out for this band like three times i think) he hit so hard that his blue Premier kit that he borrowed start to go through the floor. This prompted Keith to Tie down is kit for a while, then he started to use what looked like a hollow box, but it was actally a solid wooden block, to keep his kit from falling through the floor.
If you are at all interested in Keith Moon, or the Who, i suggest buying the book Moon, its like 400 page long, but its alla bout experiencing the who from keiths perspective, and it tralks about Kim, jis wife, and Mandy, his daughter, its a great book, ful of knowledge
tj

[doublestrokeroll]

Would anyone care to enlighten me about Keith Moon? He is deemed a legend, yet I have never been impressed by his playing. I found his playing sloppy, especially in concert. I don't think he took his playing all that seriously. Maybe someone could help me out.

Keith Moon page on DrummerWorld (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Keith_Moon.html)

I think what was unique about Keith was he could play a seemingly total off-beat fill and yet come right back in perfect time. Was he one of the greats? Probably not. Was he one of the most unique? Definately.

[ElvinBaRkerDennis13]

I think what was unique about Keith was he could play a seemingly total off-beat fill and yet come right back in perfect time. Was he one of the greats? Probably not. Was he one of the most unique? Definately.
so you dont feel that Keith Moon was one of the greatest drummers of all time? he made a ton of bad mistakes, but he became a touring musician at the age of 15, that is insane, and he was considered the greatest, if you want to consider Ringo ANY good, please, you have to consider Keith one of the greats!!
tj

[Steady Freddy]

One of my most memorable gigs was a night at the Starwood in Hollywood, Ca. We played there on a pretty regular basis during the mid to late seventies. On this night we were opening for blues legend John Mayal. We really weren't into blues very heavily, but we looked forward to his performance. Nothing like being back stage.

The first surprise was an appearance by Joe Cocker. He sat in with Mayal and sang a couple of songs. Pretty cool. Later I was hanging out in the upstairs area behind the stage and one of the roadies asked if one of Mayal's friends could jam on a couple of my drums. I said sure. I had to two mounted toms on a floor stand and the drummer took them onto the stage and put some nice dents in the heads. I missed his performance.

As the night went on one of the roadies told me the drummer that jammed on my drums was looking for me and wanted to thank me. We rounded the corner from opposite directions and nearly banged heads. He asked if those were my drums and I said yep. He said thanks, I'm Keith Moon. We shock hands and he handed me a hundred dollar bill and said buy some new heads.

I did.

[ElvinBaRkerDennis13]

One of my most memorable gigs was a night at the Starwood in Hollywood, Ca. We played there on a pretty regular basis during the mid to late seventies. On this night we were opening for blues legend John Mayal. We really weren't into blues very heavily, but we looked forward to his performance. Nothing like being back stage.

The first surprise was an appearance by Joe Cocker. He sat in with Mayal and sang a couple of songs. Pretty cool. Later I was hanging out in the upstairs area behind the stage and one of the roadies asked if one of Mayal's friends could jam on a couple of my drums. I said sure. I had to two mounted toms on a floor stand and the drummer took them onto the stage and put some nice dents in the heads. I missed his performance.

As the night went on one of the roadies told me the drummer that jammed on my drums was looking for me and wanted to thank me. We rounded the corner from opposite directions and nearly banged heads. He asked if those were my drums and I said yep. He said thanks, I'm Keith Moon. We shock hands and he handed me a hundred dollar bill and said buy some new heads.

I did.
wow, i will give you two thousand dollars right now for those heads, OH MY GOSH! keith moon, dude, i really wish that i could have been there, but dude, im so jealous of you!!!!

[iceman3900]

hey the only reason you see keith moon playing the drums crazy and making strange facial expressions is that he wanted to be the center of attention. if he didn''t take playing the drums seriously then why the hell was he up there playing with one of the best bands of all time?? he wouldnt be wasting his time playing the drums for no reason. playing the drums was the only thing he was good at and he realized that he could play it well. he was deff without a doubt when of the most fastest and innovative drummers to have picked up sticks. a good dvd to buy to see excellent drumming is Isle of Wight Festival 1970. its a great dvd.

[hillbillydrummer]

Well, if one considers just the pure art form of drumming, one would have to consider Moon one of the best modern drummers. If you listen closely to Naked Eye from Who's Next, Moon's concept of drumming in concert with the lead guitar reveals a whole new way of redefining the role of the drum in the convential four piece band. Of course, Moon did this with earlier music with the Who, but that song, in my opinion, gives a clear example of tremendous contribution he made to drumming and music. Yes, he was unconventional and boorish at times, but when looking one's personal life, especially a celeberities, you must consider the good with the bad. It is too bad that individual's become almost slavish in devotion to one person's style, while overlooking the contributions of others. All muiscians are creative to some degree, and in my opinion, Moon, on the drum set, was creative and innovative, two intangibles that are necessary to create in a rock band setting.
Hillbilly Drummer

[knuckle9]

Actually Keith Moon played so fast that he was making a beat every 1/2 a millisecond whic, i believe is 1200 beats a minute. At the time a machine gun couldn't fire that fast.

[Bonham to the moon]

Actually Keith Moon played so fast that he was making a beat every 1/2 a millisecond whic, i believe is 1200 beats a minute. At the time a machine gun couldn't fire that fast.

where did u get this information? and those who gave you it, how did they get the information, i dont think they ever recorded what his BPM was. And if they slowed down a tape to determine it, then he would hold the record for fastest BPM, am i wrong?

[shuffle]

Actually Keith Moon played so fast that he was making a beat every 1/2 a millisecond whic, i believe is 1200 beats a minute. At the time a machine gun couldn't fire that fast.


One beat each 1/2 millisecond=2000 beats each second= 120000 bpm

That's good reliable information that you give us.....

[wontgetfooledagain]

Actually Keith Moon played so fast that he was making a beat every 1/2 a millisecond whic, i believe is 1200 beats a minute. At the time a machine gun couldn't fire that fast.
Actually, at that time the minigun was around. With that machine gun you get to choose between 3,000 rounds per minute and 6,000 rounds per minute. Which one do you want to put Moon in a contest with?

[Stu_Strib]

Just to let you know....its You better you bet, ...and moons been dead for around 4 years when that cam eout, the drummer was kenny jones.

Hmmm...Makes me wonder how many "Keith Moon" fans are actually unknowing Kenny Jones fans?

[ewanlaing]

new premier kit released. "spirit of lily" based on keith's "pictures of lily" kit.
reviews seem good so far.

[KLittle123]

For me, I think that Keith Moon is a great drummer because he got into the music, listening to his drumming and watching him, it just seems like he had a lot of spunk and got into the music and went crazy. Hard to explain what I'm thinking I guess..

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I've been playing a few Who covers with my band recently and each time I play along to the records I get a good feeling and a vibe from the man. There's an undeniable push and presence to his playing; however sloppy it may be at points. 'Won't Get Fooled Again' is just plain FUN to play.

[tambian89]

I love The Who and Keith Moon. I know he was a bit of a drunk, but he was very influencial. I especially like "Happy Jack", because Keith does some cool fills there. Plus, he makes better faces when he plays than Lars Ulrich.

- Marc

[KLittle123]

where did u get this information? and those who gave you it, how did they get the information, i dont think they ever recorded what his BPM was. And if they slowed down a tape to determine it, then he would hold the record for fastest BPM, am i wrong?
That was it, yeah I heard that they had that on VH1 I was trying to remember what the speed was and that was it.

[Wormsrock]

Keith Moon is amazing. The tracks "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "The Real Me" are two of the greatest drumming songs in history. Up there with Bonham and Peart.

[spipedong]

Such a shame that he died so young.

I always enjoyed this really early clip of "My Generation" on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToKBNMZJKo

[Bobhead]

Keith Moon is amazing. The tracks "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "The Real Me" are two of the greatest drumming songs in history. Up there with Bonham and Peart.
YES!! But I would have to add in "Bargain". One of my favorites. It has great drummer, especially the end.

What I love about Keith Moon besides the aggressive playing and huge fills and constant cymbal crashes (he puts crashes in the darnest places), is his creation of drum parts was so unconventional. He didn't always play a basic HH, BD,SD beat he would incorporate different toms or cymbals, or no cymbals only drums during different parts of the songs. It really makes you want to listen to the songs. It especially added to the fact that the Who were telling stories through their albums, Rock musicals, and the drums part definitely lent themselves to that.

[infernal drummer]

Such a shame that he died so young.

I always enjoyed this really early clip of "My Generation" on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IToKBNMZJKo


lol the sound seem to dissapear from his toms at the end of the song . great fun they must have .. fun to watch . great band

does anyone have anything live we can see, using his big kit? 77-78

[MilfordCubicle]

I love The Who and Keith Moon. I know he was a bit of a drunk, but he was very influencial. I especially like "Happy Jack", because Keith does some cool fills there. Plus, he makes better faces when he plays than Lars Ulrich.

- Marc

If you want to see him having fun in a song, check out "A Quick One While He's Away". You can see this on "The Kids are Alright" dvd. You can also see him playing his "Pictures of Lily" kit during this dvd.

[Beat Spector]

Followed the advice here somewhere above that you have to watch the Isle of wight video/dvd.
Well, i did that.
WTF?!?! :-) I mean: his short video's here are pretty hilariously brillian but nothing compared to the dvd from this live set.
What a crazy piece of sh*** and I love him for it.he's so totally "in" the music he plays.
a bit chaotic but brilliant play, and then, gosh, those faces he makes...

[BenjiMachine]

Hes a maniac on a stool, ive allways seen him as being allright...Im not a fan of the gold fish solo though. If you didnt get to see his facial expressions the drumming wouldnt be half as exciting...

[ewanlaing]

Followed the advice here somewhere above that you have to watch the Isle of wight video/dvd.
Well, i did that.
WTF?!?! :-) I mean: his short video's here are pretty hilariously brillian but nothing compared to the dvd from this live set.
What a crazy piece of sh*** and I love him for it.he's so totally "in" the music he plays.
a bit chaotic but brilliant play, and then, gosh, those faces he makes...
he and pete townsend crack me up on that dvd.

[bonham990]

Keith Moon is one of the greatest drummers ever i dont think anyone had as much fun playing the drums as him. He is one of the biggest examples that drumming doesnt have to be perfect(as long as your good at being imperfect :S) But he is great most definitly and i know i look up to his drumming.

[LinearDrummer]

Keith Moon is one of the greatest drummers ever i dont think anyone had as much fun playing the drums as him.



I think he was having so much fun cause he was sauced-up most of the time....

The man was entertaining - thou a little sloppy...but still played some of the most incredible and energetic stuff....

My favorite songs to play to are Who Are You and The Real Me....

[MacLen]

lol the sound seem to dissapear from his toms at the end of the song . great fun they must have .. fun to watch . great band

does anyone have anything live we can see, using his big kit? 77-78

The sound isn't synched up with the video that's why! I have that video and that clip is one of my most wathced. Along with A Quick One and Shout and Shimmy from TKAA. And of course the Live at the Isle of Wight DVD. If you want to see amazing drumming, watch that short clip of Shout and Shimmy. NOBODY was doing that back then. And I think he was all of 17. Anyone who can say that Moon is not one of the best or the best must not know much about him or his playing or his influence on other drummers. It's sad to me that his manic behavior overshadows his playing. Too bad that's the first thing most people think of.

[cnw60]

In my youth - I was a total jazz/classical snob (well the truth is that I listened to a lot more fusion than true 'jazz' at that point), BUT - The Who was about the only rock band that I listened to, causing me to catch total hell from my other musician friends who shared my disdain for such simplistic, cretinous drudge... ahh - the hubris of youth...

anyway - Keith has always fascinated me, both his playing and the total insanity that was his life. It amazes me to this day that watching a clip of him playing, it's always like there's a disconnect between the visual image and the sound - I can never quite figure out what the hell he's doing by watching him - it's totally bizarre and I can't think of any other drummer who does this, watching anyone else, the visual and audio images fit together logically.

but for anyone with doubts about Keith's cred, there's a story about Elvin Jones in the 60's(http://www.thehighhat.com/Potlatch/004/jones.html), where someone played songs of the big hot 'rockers' (in a blind test) and his description of Keith was simply - The man is a drummer." - nuff said.

[Muckster]

Keith Moon had a unique sound, that's for sure. I don't know anyone that doesn't jump up and start air drumming air guitaring when baba o'reily plays.

Sloppy style? maybe. But man did he open up possibilities to a whole generation of rock drummers: riding on crashes, fills everywhere, bass drum all over the place. His influence is everywhere.

[ewanlaing]

ok, i just heard "live at leeds".
i'm back into keith moon in a huge way now, he's really great. and tighter than some people might think, though still a little sloppy.
but above all he's fun, and thats what the audience usually wants.

[stevefty]

There will never be antoher keith moon. He is probably the most unique drummer of the sixties. He was just a mad man and his personality really comes through his playing. I think it's pretty rad that some one can let them selves go that much while performing. Everyone needs to find the Who at "The Rolling Stones Rock n' Roll Circus." In my opinon that is the best rock performance of all time. They do, A Quick One, and it sounds about10 billion times better then the recorded version.

[gmrakich]

There will never be antoher keith moon. He is probably the most unique drummer of the sixties. He was just a mad man and his personality really comes through his playing. I think it's pretty rad that some one can let them selves go that much while performing. Everyone needs to find the Who at "The Rolling Stones Rock n' Roll Circus." In my opinon that is the best rock performance of all time. They do, A Quick One, and it sounds about10 billion times better then the recorded version.

The Rolling Stone were so showed up by the Who that the Rock and Roll Circus was never realeased until recently. Mick didn't like the Who stealing HIS show.

[stevefty]

Yeah totally I heard that's the reason why it didn't come out in the 60's. Mick Jagger is totally ridiculous in that. Another great performance on that video is The Dirty Mac featuring Keith Richards on bass, John Lennon, Eric Clapton, and the one and only Mitch Mitchell on drums performing the Beatles tune Yer Blues.

[monava]

I was looking at some Gene Krupa videos on Drummerworld the other day, and I immediately thought of Keith! The facial expressions, the way his arms thrust out toward the cymbals....it was a connection for me, and I agree with the people here who are careful about giving respect to those who have come before.

Keith was extremely melodic, and I think all of us can learn from that.

I also think that we can all learn from him letting his frenetic kinetics get the better of him--the most healing aspect of playing the drums for me anyway, is becoming more controlled and balanced in my day to day life.

He's always been one of my heroes because he was always totally himself, and did everything straight from the heart. I wish he had been able to overcome the alcoholism.....

[drumsandbass]

Keith Moon is the father of modern rock drumming. There were definitely better drummers in that era, but Keith was the only one that fit The Who. I read his biography, and back before they were The Who(The High Numers, I think?), they had a drummer as boring as Ringo Starr.
Just to be clear, I am ragging on Ringo.
He was boring, and that's why he fit a boring band, just like Keith Moon fit a band as wild and influencing as he was.
Before, you know, he took twelve Heminevrin and died of an overdose.

[gmrakich]

Moon

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2263/158536422110bgpp9.jpg

This is how much I respect his playing.

[Drifter in the Dark]

I remember hearing songs like "Can't Explain" and "Happy Jack" when I was just starting to get into drums and just going NUTS! I would air drum Keith's parts even before I had a kit. You know a drummer's good when they make you have such a pronounced reaction.

[contizzl]

I dont think there's any question that Kieth is one of the top ROCK drummers of all time, where perfection is not nearly as important as style. Rock drumming is about being part of the band, and I think that if he and someone like Bonham would've been in each other's shoes, neither band would be as great as they were.

[loutopdrummer]

now now every one is getting confused it wasent moons feet that had machine gun speed it was his hands pete towshend in a interview said that they mesuerd his speed and it was the aquivilent to a machine gun its on this link here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbrJkaZIE7k&mode=related&search=

if you to 7:00 mins and watch from there thats where pete says about his speed

2ndly the 2 difereces about john bon and keith moon
jhon bonham had the fastest foot on the planet and fast hands and he was very very thecnical
moon was fast as buggery and his fills where amazingly briliand need proof go on this and you will see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0XknwXqLDo

[shuffle]

2ndly the 2 difereces about john bon and keith moon
jhon bonham had the fastest foot on the planet and fast hands and he was very very thecnical
moon was fast as buggery and his fills where amazingly briliand need proof go on this and you will see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0XknwXqLDo

If you want my opinion, the video actually illustrates that there are quite a few other differences between Bonzo and Keith Moon

Anyways that second video is quite funny to watch. I've read about those big endings where they would destroy everything, but never had the chance to see it.

I also read something from Neil Peart, explaining that Keith Moon was his idol for a long time, but that he eventually found out that he just wasn't able to play like him, because it was too disorganised. Just didn't fit his personnality.

Not my cup of tea either, but Moon was certainly one of a kind.

[mlaponsky]

I'm personally a huge fan of Keith Moon. Maybe he wasn't the most organized drummer, but he had such attitude behind the set. Definately a huge fan of him.

[Matt Minadeo]

Some of you people on here don't know what you're talking about. Keith Moon is definitely a legendary drummer. He definitely belongs in Modern Drummer Magazine's "Drum Hall Of Fame". Keith Moon is influential as hell and was a very innovative drummer. I rank him second on my list for "Best Rock Drummer Of All Time". Bonham is first. It's true that he's overrated a bit, but so is Neil Peart. But Moon's timekeeping is underrated. I personally don't feel that his timekeeping was bad or a problem. On all of The Who's albums that I've listened to and all of the live performances I've seen or heard, Moon was always on time. He was a bit sloppy in his playing, but he was so unique and distinct. And I've read that he was always humble when people complimented him on his drumming. He would deny that he had chops. Another thing I've read is that Moon was at a Billy Cobham drum clinic once and Cobham let him play. Cobham commented to Moon something along the lines of: "I don't know what it is that you're doing, but keep on doing it." High praise indeed. Kenney Jones is underrated. Take care. Later.

[Mook]

Listen to 'Live at Leeds' - no more needs said on Keith Moon's Drumming after that!

[badlydubbedsean]

So true, that is an amazing CD.

[michael drums]

Some of you people on here don't know what you're talking about. Keith Moon is definitely a legendary drummer. He definitely belongs in Modern Drummer Magazine's "Drum Hall Of Fame". Keith Moon is influential as hell and was a very innovative drummer. I rank him second on my list for "Best Rock Drummer Of All Time". Bonham is first. It's true that he's overrated a bit, but so is Neil Peart. But Moon's timekeeping is underrated. I personally don't feel that his timekeeping was bad or a problem. On all of The Who's albums that I've listened to and all of the live performances I've seen or heard, Moon was always on time. He was a bit sloppy in his playing, but he was so unique and distinct. And I've read that he was always humble when people complimented him on his drumming. He would deny that he had chops. Another thing I've read is that Moon was at a Billy Cobham drum clinic once and Cobham let him play. Cobham commented to Moon something along the lines of: "I don't know what it is that you're doing, but keep on doing it." High praise indeed. Kenney Jones is underrated. Take care. Later.

Hello Matt,

Michael here. You sound to me like a real Who fan. I'm a fan also, but to put Keith Moon 2nd Best rock drummer of all time, is a bit of a stretch. Not to say he wasn't a great rock drummer, 'cause he was, but you're leaving out alot of other drummers that I believe were more influentual then Moon. Such as Paice, Appice, Bruford, Palmer, Copeland, Baker, Mitchell, Porcaro, Peart, etc... I would definitely put Moon at or near the top of the list for "Most Unique Rock Drummer Of All Time". And to say that Neil Peart is overrated is as far from accurate as you can get. Nice story about the Billy Cobham clinic, though. Thanks. Play On!

[sgt.pepper1986]

Keith Moon was and is (on recordings), in my opinion and for lack of a better word, a beast. A little sloppy, yes. A lot crazy, yes. However, his playing influenced many and he did some really cool stuff. "Bargain" has some sweet drumming, as does "Happy Jack" and I also love his fills in "My Wife". Moon is one of the greats and nothing can convince ME otherwise! Bravo, Keith.

[bonzolead]

I was never a fan of Keith Moon. His style is always so sloppy and, a lot of the time, overplayed. And if there's one groove that makes my blood boil it's definately "You Better", or at least I think that's what it's called. It is just so annoying and never goes anywhere.

Now, I'm not saying he's terrible. He's been a big influence to many drummers, but I just don't like his style.
If your talking about "you better you bet" that was Kenny Jones the Faces old drummer.

Bonzolead

[bonzolead]

The thing I liked about Keith Moon was that he was his own person no one played or sounded like Keith Moon just like no one sounded or played like John Bonham you can tell he was self taught just like Bonham and to think they used to party together can only imagine the crazy times they had.he wasn't. the best but he was totally original.

Keep swatting,
Bonzolead

[crumbdrums]

This guy blows my mind. He ranks atop my favorite drummers list (see my avatar) and second on my "greatest of all time" list (Behind Bonzo of course). His playing is so hectic, and confusing and creative, it blows my mind. One of the most original, and creative players ever.

[MarkR]

In this age of super-technical over-rehearsed percussionists we are lacking a sense of individuality in the glaring spotlight of showboating. Moonie was not a technician but as Ginger Baker once said of him: "What he did was appropriate for the Who." Drumming to fit the music, it would seem, is of the utmost. The Who wouldn't have been the Who without Moon. But then, how many truly unique acts can one find on mainstream radio these days?

[dawg]

i just put live at leeds on the car cd player on my way to the gym early this morning...loud...just to wake me up...young man blues...magic bus ...YEAH!

[maddrummr]

I love Keith Moon. HE IS truly one of a kind. His style, enthusiasm, and character cannot be matched. And think of the bands back then. Did anybody even try and do stuff like him? I think not.
Moon rocks .

[LiveGoat]

Agreed. It's hard for some to believe, but Moonie was the "IT" drummer in London in the 60's. The first three who albums are all the proof you need. Everybody wanted to be him, including bonham ("Good times Bad times"). Also you have to keep in mind that he was only 18-19 years old when those albums came out and was pretty damn tight at the time. Busy yes but not sloppy. I think moon could've had quite a career as a session drummer. He could emulate styles really well. Motown, slow blues (there's stuff on the My Generation album thet's eerily bonzoesque), surf, spector beats, etc... Give a listen to The Who Sell Out. There's some very subdued work on there (for Moonie). Especially Odorono. Sadly, drugs and booze ruined the man and that's a shame because he really could've blossomed and been even greater.

--LG


Some of you people on here don't know what you're talking about. Keith Moon is definitely a legendary drummer. He definitely belongs in Modern Drummer Magazine's "Drum Hall Of Fame". Keith Moon is influential as hell and was a very innovative drummer. I rank him second on my list for "Best Rock Drummer Of All Time". Bonham is first. It's true that he's overrated a bit, but so is Neil Peart. But Moon's timekeeping is underrated. I personally don't feel that his timekeeping was bad or a problem. On all of The Who's albums that I've listened to and all of the live performances I've seen or heard, Moon was always on time. He was a bit sloppy in his playing, but he was so unique and distinct. And I've read that he was always humble when people complimented him on his drumming. He would deny that he had chops. Another thing I've read is that Moon was at a Billy Cobham drum clinic once and Cobham let him play. Cobham commented to Moon something along the lines of: "I don't know what it is that you're doing, but keep on doing it." High praise indeed. Kenney Jones is underrated. Take care. Later.

[fliz]

There will never be antoher keith moon. He is probably the most unique drummer of the sixties. He was just a mad man and his personality really comes through his playing. I think it's pretty rad that some one can let them selves go that much while performing. Everyone needs to find the Who at "The Rolling Stones Rock n' Roll Circus." In my opinon that is the best rock performance of all time. They do, A Quick One, and it sounds about10 billion times better then the recorded version.

Signed, everybody should see this, sums up my view of The Who and how perfectly fit
Moon was for the band. I read some posts claiming that Moon was sloppy
and I believe that his lifestyle made him like that after the early 70's.
Besides, its Rock n' Roll it doesnt have too be on beat everytime!

[ledzepjb]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedy
Heck No!!! lol....Bonham at one point did have a double bass setup, but he hated it with a passion.

He learned to roll his right foot so good because he was listening to Vanilla Fudge one day and he heard Carmine Appice do a double stroke on the bass drum. So Bonham thought he would try it. It took him a little bit of time but he got it. He found out one day that the double stroke Carmine did was on a double bass set and Bonham only did it with one foot! After that he speed kept on growing and growing....

Quote:Really? I'm very interested in hearing your sources for that story.


Answer: I also read this in a magazine issu dedicated to zeppelin, they interviewed all of the members and Carmine Appice and they said it was true.

[TheGreatTyrantLuvsMoon]

I love Keith Moon. HE IS truly one of a kind. His style, enthusiasm, and character cannot be matched. And think of the bands back then. Did anybody even try and do stuff like him? I think not.
Moon rocks .

preach on. I totally agree with you!
Keith is a legend because he was more than just a drummer. He had that extra bit of magic which seperates him from the rest. If he walked in a room you'd know about, he's a legend like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis (although a HELL of alot better than in my opinion). Moonie is fasinating to watch and a pleasure to listen too! =)
An he died 10 years before i was even born...not fair

[TheGreatTyrantLuvsMoon]

Keith Moon puts a smile on my face when i'm down and always entertains. I don't understand you people that say he was'nt a very good drummer. He was amazing, brilliant, fantastic, exciting and i'm all out of words but you know what i'm saying!

[bonzolead]

I have to post this pic :D
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6558/keithmoonpm5.jpg

great picture was that picture taken just before he died?only one moonie everytime I think of a deceased musician I always wonder what kind of jam session is going on up there.one day i'll find out because nobody lives forever.

keep Swatting,
Bonzolead

[maddrummr]

I have to post this pic :D
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6558/keithmoonpm5.jpg

Its funny how he still has five cymbals (plus a gong) compared to all the drums

[gmrakich]

Its funny how he still has five cymbals (plus a gong) compared to all the drums

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c53/StingTheGlowingBlade/gmrakich/98418443411_0_BG.jpg

what do they say about immatation???????

[brigro]

Would anyone care to enlighten me about Keith Moon? He is deemed a legend, yet I have never been impressed by his playing. I found his playing sloppy, especially in concert. I don't think he took his playing all that seriously. Maybe someone could help me out.

Keith Moon page on DrummerWorld (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Keith_Moon.html)

I started playing 32 years ago because of keith moon he was very serious

[brigro]

Its funny how he still has five cymbals (plus a gong) compared to all the drums

well how many cymbals do you actually need he was a drummer not a member of the salvation army!!!

[Vinnysimmo]

Keith is one of my favorite drummers ever. Not always the most technical and sometimes a bit sloppy but hes the mostentertainng drummer ever. imo

[ZZZ]

I gotta say The Who may not have been the greatest rock band of all time but they definately were the greatest live act of all time.

By the way, did he ever use a hi hat. I mean at the Isle of Wight there were no hats to be seen.

[Terra]

I gotta say The Who may not have been the greatest rock band of all time but they definately were the greatest live act of all time.

By the way, did he ever use a hi hat. I mean at the Isle of Wight there were no hats to be seen.

He did at times yeah (although as you say not at (Isle Of Wight).....Who Are You is the most basic stuff he did with hats I think.

[The Keith Moon]

All just an opinion .... but:

Keith Moon was rock and roll ... He did it all first.... and in the years when he was playing at his best... nothing anyone has done since has come close.

In rock - he was the first to bring the drums forward as more than just time keeping, in fact he brought them forward as more than just another instrument... at times he made them centre stage ... with or without antics...

When he was on it, he lost himself in his drumming... instinct overtook everything and his feelings/emotions spoke (or shouted) through the skins....

Sure he made faces, he did sometimes blow up his drum kit as a finale, or just smash it alongside Pete destroying the odd guitar or amp... He became famous for his off-stage antics, facts and rumours blended into myth and legend - and he became a celebrity. This stuff along with the energy, anger, newness and unapologetic arrogance of their music, succeeded in helping to get (and keep) The Who famous...

But these things divert attention from the fact that at his best, - he was the best there has ever been.

Watch the 'Live at the Isle of Wight DVD' ... listen to 'Who's Next' ... which are around the time I think he was drumming at his peak.

Accused of being "Sloppy?" ... Maybe.... but if so 'sloppy' in the same way that Hendrix didn't pluck every note bang on the beat, sloppy like Keith Richards is often an 8th or so behind with the dirty sounding Tele ... sloppy in the way Dylan's or Morrisey's poetry snd prose doesn't always meter exactly into the 4/4 of their songs... Any less of a genius because of it? .... NO ..... It's an integral part of the magic...

Moonie's explosive drumming was the powerhouse that drove The Who's music

(You can probably guess I'm a fan ... !) .... But once familiar with The Who's music, you hear how much their infuence flows through so many bands that have followed of almost any genre. I can't think of many - if any - rock drummers that have followed, who have none of Keith's influence in their playing. - After all - he did it first...

As a note, he also said he thought drum solo's pointless and boring.....

As for things like the 'goldfish' solo, - it was done in latter years when Keith's constant daily consumption of brandy, champagne and all kinds of illicit substances had reached such levels to leave him slow, slurry and unable to connect with his talent within. He may have been sitting on the drum stool, but he was so stoned that to all intents and purposes he wasn't really even there. Don't judge him on that performance, listen to and watch some of his earlier work.

The only drummer I have heard that can possibly equal Keith back in his heyday .... is Zak Starkey.

Any comments anyone?!!

I agree with you 150% .......except Zak Starkey is the closest one to be in The Who, but he still plays the traditional perfect snare beats which annoys me :)
In fact I just saw The Who Live in Boston (1982), Kenny Jones seems so sloppy and I was expecting him to do the rolls that Keith did during the songs especially "My Generation" and he just plays simply!!! Eminence Front drum playing is no Keith Moon Play!!!! Its just steady beats which anyone can play easily, I think.

[Royal]

Another way he was unique; he followed the lead/rhythm guitar of Pete Townsend on most songs....he played along to the timing of the melody much more than any other drummer I've heard.

[ammarolli]

He was crazy but very good drummer.
I think he was one of the best rock drummer at the time when he was in the who.
He was the time of the band.

http://tinyurl.com/6hcale

[Moon is God]

I remember hearing songs like "Can't Explain" and "Happy Jack" when I was just starting to get into drums and just going NUTS! I would air drum Keith's parts even before I had a kit. You know a drummer's good when they make you have such a pronounced reaction.

I totally agree man even after 4 years of drumming keith moon is still and always will be my main influence and cant explain is my favourite song to air drum to

[Moon is God]

The drummer on Emminence Front is 5,000 times better than Keith Moon's best day. (ok, slight hyperbole, but still, you all get my point I hope.)

A little restraint goes a long way. Yes, even in Rock 'n Roll.


dont be so stupid kenny jones was so wrong for the who it was like getting ringo starr to play for iron maiden no offence to ringo, kenny jones isn't even good enough to hold keith moons drum sticks never mind play in the same band that he was in

[jay norem]

I love this thread. I think Moon was a total one-off, and I don't see how anyone who loves drumming couldn't love him.
So I started googling around. Found this, which I think is pretty good:

http://twtd.bluemountains.net.au/cream/moon.htm

[PQleyR]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedy
Heck No!!! lol....Bonham at one point did have a double bass setup, but he hated it with a passion.

He learned to roll his right foot so good because he was listening to Vanilla Fudge one day and he heard Carmine Appice do a double stroke on the bass drum. So Bonham thought he would try it. It took him a little bit of time but he got it. He found out one day that the double stroke Carmine did was on a double bass set and Bonham only did it with one foot! After that he speed kept on growing and growing....

Quote:Really? I'm very interested in hearing your sources for that story.


Answer: I also read this in a magazine issu dedicated to zeppelin, they interviewed all of the members and Carmine Appice and they said it was true.

As I recall, Bonham played with the two bass drums until the rest of the band removed the other one and hid it, because there was too much going on! JPJ said he had enough trouble keeping up with one bass drum, let alone two.


Keith Moon may not have been technically perfect, but he was one of the most expressive drummers in rock in the 70s. You can always hear it's him, too.

[Bruce M. Thomson]

I will start by agreeing that The Isle of White concert is amazing;
that any one playing Who music in a band will always try to mirror what Moon did or else it does not sound quite right, including Kenny Jones who is a great drummer in his own right;

The tightest I have heard him is on "Pure and Easy" from Odds and Sods and everything on Quadraphonia, and I mean tight;

He opens up acoustic tracks with double bass licks.

I could go on, I listen and love lots of drum playing, all sorts and I am defiantly not stuck in any sort of genre of music and I consider Moon was a very creative drummer and explosive, like a full classical orchestra. And another thing crossed my mind, has anyone listened to a group that was not that good and said “but the drummer was dynamite”; perhaps the answer for some of you is yes but my point is that the argument is redundant. The Who and Who music would not be what it is with out the playing style of Keith Moon plain and simple and vice versa.

[The Keith Moon]

I love Keith Moon. HE IS truly one of a kind. His style, enthusiasm, and character cannot be matched. And think of the bands back then. Did anybody even try and do stuff like him? I think not.
Moon rocks .
In fact that how I try to play. I am not into playing the snare/ base drum/ hit hat alone most of the time with occasional tom tom rolls. Thats boring to me.

[Moon_Type_Drummer]

I was never a fan of Keith Moon. His style is always so sloppy and, a lot of the time, overplayed. And if there's one groove that makes my blood boil it's definately "You Better", or at least I think that's what it's called. It is just so annoying and never goes anywhere.

Now, I'm not saying he's terrible. He's been a big influence to many drummers, but I just don't like his style.




You better was played by the drummer who replaced moon after his death, Kenny Jones i think...... but i agree with you, that song definatley lacked the youthful energy that moon drummed with.

[-Nirvana-]

I dont exactly like keith moon also i find he drums to wildly and insane for just a song its like listening to a drum solo with singing,guitar,bass some times keyboards but im wondering do you think that zac starkey is doing a good job with the who like do you think he is playing the role of keith moon well?

[Moon_Type_Drummer]

I dont exactly like keith moon also i find he drums to wildly and insane for just a song its like listening to a drum solo with singing,guitar,bass some times keyboards but im wondering do you think that zac starkey is doing a good job with the who like do you think he is playing the role of keith moon well?



I think hes doing decent. No one could ever replace moon, but zac does a good job.

[slingerland755]

I haven't read all the posts on this thread so maybe it's been mentioned, but I remember hearing a quote from John Entwistle regarding Keith's death. He said something like "Keith will be greatly missed as my friend, but not necessarily as a drummer". I can't find the quote, so maybe it's just hear say. Has anyone else heard that quote?

[ihatesticktricks]

what can you say, he is the most intense drummer of all time

[ihatesticktricks]

Hello Matt,

Michael here. You sound to me like a real Who fan. I'm a fan also, but to put Keith Moon 2nd Best rock drummer of all time, is a bit of a stretch. Not to say he wasn't a great rock drummer, 'cause he was, but you're leaving out alot of other drummers that I believe were more influentual then Moon. Such as Paice, Appice, Bruford, Palmer, Copeland, Baker, Mitchell, Porcaro, Peart, etc... I would definitely put Moon at or near the top of the list for "Most Unique Rock Drummer Of All Time". And to say that Neil Peart is overrated is as far from accurate as you can get. Nice story about the Billy Cobham clinic, though. Thanks. Play On!

yup yup about peart being overated, if the man was that great, he wouldnt need a double kick for what he can do. its all about the heel-toe, im a big user
.

[mlaponsky]

In my opinion, Kieth Moon was an extraordinary drummer. What he lacked in precision and dynamics he made up for in his ability to drive every song with his energy and groove. No question, his playing is a lot busier than a lot of guys like, and I completely understand that. But what made Kieth Moon so great was his attitude behind the set. I mean, he essentially invented (along with Bonham) the rock drummer image: crazy, flailing all over the place, playing flashy fills and solos, flipping' his sticks around and, above all else, playing with such a signature style, feel and energy that no drummer will ever be able to recreate what he could do for The Who. To me, that is greatest in its own right.

[HardJazz]

I was never a huge fan of Moon's style, but The Who would never have been as near a legendary band without his style. Keith is, and certainly deserves to be, a drumming legend. I've seen some decent drummers do Who material and try to copy Keith's chops. Some have the parts down cold. But none can do what he did - because he was an original - a "one off". I remember playing the raw, unpredictable and insane "Can You See the Real Me" years ago and deciding this was one cat I wasn't even going to try to copy.

[Citizen Insane]

I think Keith was a true non-comformist, he did every thing a drummer shouldn't do, and he did it well. =p

[Pavlos]

Lot of great comments and observations so far. the Loon is definetely one of my faves of all time. Not just for the crazy, intense playing, but for the whole confidence - go for it attitude. While I don't condone his crazy alcohol and drug habits I think he trancended just being a great rock drummer. How many other drummers out there have movies made about their lives? None come to my mind at the moment. (am I blanking out or are there really no othere drummer bio-pics? Not talking about documentaries.) Wasn't there a Gene Krupa movie years ago?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482630/

[iwilliams]

Hello, fellows.

It's great when you manage your drums originally as Keith Moon did, of course everybody will give some lip. Enjoy the picture!

All the Best,

[GetAgrippa]

I remember the Who during the late 60's. What impressed me as a young drummer was that he played the drums like an instrument in the song and not just to keep the beat. He was a wildman but it was wild times. While energetic he was pretty typical in his behavior, but he kept up much longer than most. hee,hee,hee. I always thought the energy he brought to a song just couldn't be recorded. It had to be felt. He kept that energy well beyond his youth.

[iwilliams]

He was a non-conventional drummer.

[waltondrummer]

just go and watch Isle of Wight, it should shut most of you up = ) A lot of ppl have a problem with Keith because he was a little too eccentric when it came to playing. I have absolutely no idea how you could say that he wasnt into his drumming. I havent seen a sole that is more into drumming live, well, ever. Hes got some of the fastest chops around and some very original grooves. And he was also a showman, he could hit his snare drum with his stick, and it would fly into the air, then he'd catch, and go right back into playing. IMO Keith Moon is monster on the drumset, for god sakes his nickname was the octopus for the way that he'd fly around that set.


Amen. Watch the DVD. Listen to "Whos Next" from beginning to end.

[LeeLovesSabian]

Keith Moon was amazing.
My only problem was that he play so crazy, that often; there was little to no rythm in the song.
Drums are supposed to bring beats and rythmto a song.

Won't Get Fooled Again has an amazing solo though!