Throughout Moon's tenure with the Who, his drum kit steadily grew in size, and (along with Ginger Baker) he has been credited as one of the earliest rock drummers to regularly employ double bass drums in his setup. "[140] In 1974, Moon struck up a friendship with actor Oliver Reed while working on the film version of Tommy. For a short while, Daltrey's puch seemed to knock some sense into Moon. I said, Whats wrong? He said, No, no, you suddenly realise who your friends are Moon didnt elaborate, and Carr later admitted the drummer looked, shagged out and like a caricature of himself., Inside the cinema, Keith seemed agitated and insisted they leave an hour into the movie. [58] At one point, Moon asked Premier to make a white kit with gold-plated fittings. 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 . We tell stories with heart, humor, and authenticity to celebrate American life. Tara was a house on St Anns Hill, Chertsey, Surrey owned by The Who 's drummer Keith Moon in the 1970s, but was demolished and replaced by a new home in 1990. "He had no idea how to be a father", Kim said. There was rumour that Keith was self-taught,. The following year he released his only solo album, entitled Two Sides of the Moon. Actor: Tommy. Moon was . Keith Moons passionate, self-destructive legacy not only endures in rock music but haunts the classic rock band which still performs to this day. Published on 07/26/2019. [98] Townshend remembers walking into the bathroom of Moon's hotel room and noticing the toilet had disappeared, with only the S-bend remaining. Rock Musician. We tell stories with heart, humor, and authenticity to celebrate American life. Dressed in ginger clothes and with his hair dyed ginger (future bandmate Pete Townshend later described him as a "ginger vision"),[24]:52:40 he claimed to his would-be bandmates that he could play better; he played in the set's second half, nearly demolishing the drum kit in the process. [90] In addition to hotel rooms, Moon destroyed friends' homes and even his own, including throwing furniture from upper-storey windows. [9] On his way home from school, Moon would often go to Macari's Music Studio on Ealing Road to practise on the drums there, learning his basic skills on the instrument. [54] His first Premier kit was in red sparkle and featured two high toms. . May 25, 2021, 3:00 pm Chris Andrews (born Christopher Frederick Andrews in Romford on 15 October 1942) is an English-German singer-songwriter whose musical career started in the late 1950s. In Dear Boy, Tony Fletcher has captured lightning in a bottle - the essence of a totally . Composer Gustav Mahler died in bed, conducting an imaginary orchestra. Pub patrons had begun to attack his Bentley; Moon, drunk, began driving to escape them and hit Boland. The Beachcombers continued as a local cover band after his departure. 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. Close. But Keiths drinking and drug taking had impacted on his performance and his appearance. But his snoring meant Annette retreated to the sofa, where she slept until 3:40pm. The intensity of the explosion singed Townshend's hair and embedded a piece of cymbal in Moon's arm. "[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. The last photo of Keith Moon As last words go, they are pretty hard to beat. Keith Moon is one of the most outrageous rock'n'roll performers in the world. Today. Speaking to The Guardian, Christopher Frayling said they "decided that bad behaviour and overdosing on various substances wasn't a sufficient qualification." Starting in February at Disney California Adventure park, Moon Girl is making her debut at Hollywood Land! Banger O'Riley. [136], Moon enjoyed being the life of the party. Moon, in the words of Fletcher, had a "lack of control and timing," but Moon enjoyed playing. 4: 'Who Are You' (live at Ramport Studios in Battersea, 1978) Filmed at The Who's Ramport Studios in Battersea, south London, Moon's performance, with his headphones gaffer-taped to his . Blues singer Bessie Smith died saying, "I'm going . [156] Moon was cremated on 13 September 1978 at Golders Green Crematorium in London, and his ashes were scattered in its Gardens of Remembrance. . [151] Max Glatt, an authority on alcoholism, wrote in The Sunday Times that Moon should never have been given the drug. 19: 'So Sad About Us'. Jul 9, 2019 - Knowing the last words that someone spoke can sometimes throw light on their character or on the circumstances in which they died. NB Down: III. [111] Marsh suggested that at this point Daltrey and Entwistle seriously considered firing Moon, but decided that doing so would make his life worse. The enigmatic member of The Who is easily one of the greatest to have ever sat behind the kit. The legendary The Who drummer Keith Moon was found dead in London back in 1978 at the age of 32 after after an overdose of clometiazole, a substance prescribed for him to relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This one is . 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. Who will remember Joe Bloggs who got killed in a car crash? 1. : Clem Burke Talks About Eurythmics To Modern Drummer", "The Who's Keith Moon to be honoured with 'blue plaque', "Keith Moon's Love/Hate Relationship With His Drum Set", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Keith_Moon&oldid=1139537465, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 16:59. Just four months prior, Moon performed live for the last time with The Who, which fans can watch below. According to Lewis, Moon was drunk by the time the band went onstage at Atwood Stadium. I was scared to death. The next evening Moon systematically destroyed everything in his hotel room, cut himself doing so and passed out. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Moon enjoyed touring and socialising, and became bored and restless when the Who were inactive. [165][166] Starkey had previously toured in 1994 with Roger Daltrey. Clomethiazole is discouraged for unsupervised detoxification because of its addictive potential, its tendency to induce tolerance, and its risk of death when mixed with alcohol. 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?? Pinterest. He is probably now best known for his big hit, 'Yesterday Man'. [32] "He wouldn't play across his kit", he later added. . [117], Because the Who's early stage act relied on smashing instruments, and owing to Moon's enthusiasm for damaging hotels, the group were in debt for much of the 1960s; Entwistle estimated they lost about 150,000. He then jumped back into the limo, saying "I nearly forgot. And Roger, who was the spokesman then, said: 'What are you doing next Monday?' But it worked. Moon had been dead for some time, but was officially pronounced dead at 5:50pm at Middlesex Hospital. Townshend called vocalist Roger Daltrey and then bassist John Entwistle, who was being interviewed at the time. Falling in love with drum playing, he soon joined a group called The. "Prisoner of Your Eyes," recorded during the Turbo sessions but not released until Screaming for Vengeance 's 2001 reissue . He was, they insist, trying to get better. Editors Note: This article was originally published November 7, 2020. He also disputed a widely held belief that Moon drove a Lincoln Continental into the hotel's swimming pool, as claimed by the drummer in a 1972 Rolling Stone interview. [51] Moon sat in on congas with East of Eden at London's Lyceum Ballroom, and afterwards suggested to violinist Dave Arbus that he play on the track. "[93], Fletcher argues that the Who's lengthy break (15 December 1971 11 August 1972) between the end of their 1971 Who's Next Tour and the beginning of the Quadrophenia sessions devastated Moon's health,[94] as without the rigours of lengthy shows and regular touring that had previously kept him in shape, his hard-partying lifestyle took a greater toll on his body. from $36.16 2 Used from $36.16. He watched a film (The Abominable Dr. Phibes), and asked Walter-Lax to cook him steak and eggs. If you want to come, we'll pick you up in the van.' It was the concluding show on their tour. 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. Sadly it wasnt. "[78], Early in the Who's career, Moon got to know the Beatles. [8] He was interested in practical jokes and home science kits, with a particular fondness for explosions. [23], A commonly cited story of how Moon joined the Who in 1964 is that he appeared at a show shortly after Sandom's departure, where a session drummer was used. I suppose as a drummer, I'm adequate. This is the 'Oo. After moving to Los Angeles with personal assistant Peter "Dougal" Butler during the mid-1970s, Moon recorded his only solo album, the poorly received Two Sides of the Moon. But it was too late. 3. Guitarist Pete Townshend was the first Who member to be told the news by the groups co-manager Jackie Curbishley. [53] In recognition of his loyalty to the company, Premier reissued the kit in 2006 as the "Spirit of Lily". Although it only took 13 days to film, fellow cast member Howard Kaylan remembers Moon spending off-camera time at the Kensington Garden Hotel bar instead of sleeping. I've got no real aspirations to be a great drummer. [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. The kit was eventually fitted with copper fittings[58] and later given to a young Zak Starkey. This is especially true during the instrumental break going into the last chorus. 2 on the UK charts. He explained that the group had totally lost their way: "Harry Nilsson, Bobby Keyes, Keith Moon. The Who's Keith Moon is routinely championed as one of music's most explosive and creative drummers. Subsitute03. Sign up below to get the latest from Classic Rock, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! Keiths condition meant The Who were in no state to tour, which left him anxious and depressed. "[44], Moon composed "I Need You", the instrumental "Cobwebs and Strange" (from the album A Quick One, 1966),[45] the single B-sides "In The City" (co-written with Entwistle)[46] and "Girl's Eyes" (from The Who Sell Out sessions featured on Thirty Years of Maximum R&B and a 1995 re-release of The Who Sell Out), "Dogs Part Two" (1969), "Tommy's Holiday Camp" (1969)[47] and "Waspman" (1972). He was in a bad mood and they argued, but Annette cooked him some more lamb. She cooked his favourite, lamb cutlets, after which they went to bed to watch a video of the camp horror film The Abominable Doctor Phibes. The last album that Moon recorded with The Who was Who Are You, but his worsening health slowed the process; he would often arrive to practice barely able to hold onto his drumsticks. At a Madison Square Garden show on 10 June 1974, Townshend and Entwistle decided to spontaneously stop playing during "Waspman" to listen to Moon's drum solo. [80] He reprised the role for the film's 1974 sequel, Stardust,[81] in Jim MacLaine's (David Essex) backing band the Stray Cats and played Uncle Ernie in Ken Russell's 1975 film adaptation of Tommy. He'd move his arms forward like a skier. [118] Even when the group became relatively financially stable after Tommy, Moon continued to rack up debts. His music blends a unique mix of rock, jazz and influences from his Mexican heritage. "Thomas Jefferson survives." What Adams didn't know was that Jefferson had actually passed away several hours earlier. One of the things we'd do was wait to see what Keith Moon was going to wear . "[27] Moon also clashed with Daltrey and Townshend: "We really have absolutely nothing in common apart from music", he said in a later interview. During the finale of "My Generation", an altercation broke out on stage between Moon and Townshend which was reported on the front page of the New Musical Express the following week. Keith John Moon (23 August 1946 - 7 September 1978) was an English drummer for the rock band the Who.He was noted for his unique style of playing and his eccentric, often self-destructive behaviour. A month before his death, The Who released their then . [56] His new larger configuration was notable for the presence of two bass drums; he, along with Ginger Baker, has been credited as one of the early pioneers of double bass drumming in rock. He was the drummer for the seminal and influential English rock band The Who. When you've got money and you do the kind of things I get up to, people laugh and say that you're eccentric, which is a polite way of saying you're fucking mad. "A Quick One, While . He said, I dont want to sit through this. Clover, drummer for the fictional Stormy Tempest (played by Billy Fury) at a holiday camp during the early days of British rock 'n' roll, in 1973's That'll Be the Day. The Who's drummer, Keith Moon, was at the height of his career and fame in 1970, the same year his name was plastered all over the news for reasons other than his band's massive success or his typical rockstar antics. But he was loud and strong. At the hotel he ran back to his room, grabbed the television and threw it out of the window into the swimming pool below. On This Day in History: Keith Moons Final Performance with The Who, Dozens of People Receive Racist Email from Walmart, 6-Year-Old Shot Dead After Mom Flips Off Driver in Road Rage Incident. en.wikipedia.org. He claims that, to ensure Harry listened to it, he told . But Keith's drinking and drug taking . . [125] The marriage (and child) were kept secret from the press until May 1968. By the time that Keith Moon took to the stage at Shepperton Studios on May 25, 1978, his relationship with the rest of The Who was terribly strained. After dining with the McCartneys at Peppermint Park in Covent Garden, Moon and Walter-Lax returned to their flat. But he ultimately died of a drug overdose on September 7, 1978. Drummer Keith Moon (1947 - 1978), of British rock group The Who, in a radio studio at Broadcasting House, London, 12th July 1973. I just want to play drums for the Who and that's it. His first was in 1971, a cameo in Frank Zappa's 200 Motels as a nun afraid of dying from a drug overdose. [98], Entwistle recalled being close to Moon on tour and both were often involved in blowing up toilets. It was less helpful for his cocaine habit. Q Magazine called the book "horrific and terrific reading", and Record Collector said it was "one of rock's great biographies. 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. By 1966, The Who had become bona fide pop stars. He was fascinated with blowing up toilets with cherry bombs or dynamite, and destroying television sets. He provided humorous commentary during song announcements, although sound engineer Bob Pridden preferred to mute his vocal microphone on the mixing desk whenever possible. After an investigation, the coroner ruled Boland's death an accident; Moon, having been charged with a number of offences, received an absolute discharge. Moon's drumming continues to be praised by critics and musicians. Keith John Moon was an English drummer who played with the English rock band the Who. [67] A clip of the incident became the opening scene for the film The Kids Are Alright. After clearing the plate, Moon took more Heminevrin and fell asleep again. For many close to Keith, his death came as more of a shock because they knew hed cut back on the excessive behaviour. In 2016, the same magazine ranked him No. He was posthumously inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1982, becoming the second rock drummer to be chosen, and in 2011, Moon was voted the second-greatest drummer in history by a Rolling Stone readers' poll. This drum solo would be the rock legends last. Bruce Willis Spotted In Public For The First Time Since Dementia Diagnosis, Riley Keough Says Sex Scene With Her Real-Life Husband In Daisy Jones & The Six Was Really Uncomfortable, Madonna, 64, Is Reportedly Dating 29-Year-Old Boxer Josh Popper, Jackson Mahomes Accused Of Assault By Restaurant Owner and Waiter, Honeymooners Sue Hawaii Snorkeling Company for $5 Million, Claiming They Abandoned Them in the Ocean, AOC Being Investigated By Congressional Ethics Committee Over Met Gala Tickets, Report: Biden Had Skin Cancer Removed From Chest Last Month, Rebel Wilson Was Banned From Disneyland for 30 Days. [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. Their debut album, My Generation, showcased the unique style of Moons drumming: full of tom-toms, crashing cymbals, and surf music influence. Squ. "People will be talking about Keith Moon 'til they die, man. JOHN ADAMS. A partial lunar eclipse happens when only part of Earth's shadow covers the Moon. Heminevrin quelled the craving for alcohol, but sometimes left users in a docile and forgetful state. "[158][149] In November 1978, Faces drummer Kenney Jones joined the Who. "[143] Townshend agreed, saying that by 1975 Butler had "no influence over him whatsoever. Moon continued briefly and then stopped, shouting "Drum solos are boring! Keith Moon, Melody Maker, September 1970[31], Moon's style of drumming was considered unique by his bandmates, although they sometimes found his unconventional playing frustrating; Entwistle noted that he tended to play faster or slower according to his mood. According to Louder Sound, he had been trying to reduce his drug use, even going so far has to use the sedative Heminevrin to combat his alcohol cravings. While touring with the Who, on several occasions he passed out on stage and was hospitalised. "[152], On 6 September, Moon and Walter-Lax were guests of Paul and Linda McCartney at a preview of a film, The Buddy Holly Story. 1. See more. "[173], Several rock drummers, including Neil Peart[174] have cited Moon as an influence. BA1 1UA. Rocks greatest drummer was just 32 years old when he died. It was just another night in the life of a successful rock star: a film premiere and a party. By Ken Sharp. Keith Moon was cremated on 13 September 1978, at Golders Green Crematorium in . Keith John Moon was born to Alfred Charles (Alf) and Kathleen Winifred (Kit) Moon[2][5] on 23 August 1946 at Central Middlesex Hospital in northwest London, and grew up in Wembley, in the UK. [13] Moon also admired Elvis Presley's original drummer DJ Fontana, the Shadows' original drummer Tony Meehan[14] and the Pretty Things' Viv Prince. [150] The pills were prescribed by Geoffrey Dymond, a physician who was unaware of Moon's lifestyle. [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. Keith John Moon (23 August 1946[2] 7 September 1978) was an English drummer for the rock band the Who. "[183], In 2008, English Heritage declined an application for Moon to be awarded a blue plaque. Daltrey, Townshend, Robin Gibb and Moon's mother Kit were present at the ceremony. Curbishley told Townshend, who informed the rest of the band. Keith with Annette on the night he died. Outside the cinema Keith spotted Melody Maker journalist Roy Carr and grabbed him in a bear hug. Moon grew up in Alperton, a suburb of Wembley, in Middlesex, United Kingdom, and took up the drums during the early 1960s. Townshend went on to describe Moon's wildman antics, explaining that, "Keith was an eccentric player, and seemed to be showing off all the time, pointing his sticks up in the air and leaning over the drums with his face thrust forward as if to be nearer the front of stage. 1. "[144] Although he was a loyal companion to Moon, the lifestyle eventually became too much for him; he phoned Curbishley, saying that they needed to move back to England or one of them might die. Cole: He said I feel great, Ive given up everything except women. Article. Author Nick Talevski described him as "the greatest drummer in rock", adding that "he was to the drums what Jimi Hendrix was to the guitar. Keith Moon: Classic Images of the Iconic Drummer . Tony Fletcher wrote that "no toilet in a hotel or changing room was safe" until Moon had exhausted his supply of explosives. The drummer knocked out part of his front tooth; at the hospital, doctors could not give him an anaesthetic (due to his inebriation) before removing the remainder of the tooth. [41] At the end of "Happy Jack", Townshend can be heard saying "I saw ya!" To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. GEORGE WASHINGTON. [adsense-gallery] [zergnet] Prev 7 of 7 Next. He was noted for his unique style of playing and his eccentric, often self-destructive behaviour. "He was too much of a child himself. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). "[77] His performance was not appreciated by animal lovers, several of whom called the station with complaints. She still remembered the last time they met. "We used to fight regularly", remembered Moon in later years. Keith Moon's Death Remembered. [50], The drummer produced the violin solo on "Baba O'Riley". His drumming continues to be praised by critics and musicians. "My Generation," released late in the previous year, shot to No. While he was still using cocaine, the fact that he didnt go wild on the free champagne was considered progress. During the 1973 Quadrophenia tour, at the Who's debut US date at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California, Moon ingested a mixture of tranquillisers and brandy. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. These were his last words. Sat 24th Apr 2021 15.30 BST. Townshend later said that Jones "was one of the few British drummers who could fill Keith's shoes";[159] Daltrey was less enthusiastic, saying that Jones "wasn't the right style". I'd several drinks to get me courage up and when I got onstage I went arrgggGhhhh on the drums, broke the bass drum pedal and two skins, and got off. Keith Moon with the Who in 1970 - 74 was just a force of nature, and one I'm glad to have witnessed up close 3 times. His band recently released their new album called . The couple arrived at Peppermint Park, where Annette has since insisted Moon didnt drink or, if he did, limited himself to just two drinks. Moon grew up in Alperton, a suburb of Wembley, in Middlesex, United Kingdom, and took up the drums during the early 1960s.After playing with a local band, the Beachcombers, he joined the Who in . [137] Moon later became friends with Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band members Vivian Stanshall and "Legs" Larry Smith, and the trio would drink and play practical jokes together. The press party for the release of the Who's Next album was held at Tara. Technical details. . Someone somewhere will say, 'Remember Keith Moon?' Paperback. "[89], According to Townshend, Moon began destroying hotel rooms when the Who stayed at the Berlin Hilton on tour in late 1966. Moon filled in for Peel in 1973's "A Touch of the Moon", a series of four programmes produced by John Walters. Keith Moon's (original drummer for The Who) last words were "if you don't like it, you can fuck off!" So rock and roll. The band was looking for a replace their original drummer, Doug Sandom, and his audition became a quintessential Keith Moon display: already loaded, Moon played hard enough to destroy the drum kit, busting through two drumheads and breaking off the bass pedal. Lilly called back with a. Posted by 6 years ago. Not a man prone to public displays of emotion, Entwistle continued with the interview until asked when The Who plans for the future. to Moon as he tries to sneak into the studio. That's the same as around $40 million today after adjusting for inflation. In 2000, the book was released in the US as Moon (The Life and Death of a Rock Legend). Next article These maps show how the world would look if the ice melted; [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. He would join them at clubs, forming a particularly close friendship with Ringo Starr. Moon's lifestyle began to undermine his health and reliability. "[92], In a limousine on the way to the airport, Moon insisted they return to their hotel, saying "I forgot something." [122] By the end of the year she discovered she was pregnant. "[182], In 1998 Tony Fletcher published a biography of Moon, Dear Boy: The Life of Keith Moon, in the United Kingdom. Moon died shortly after the release of Who Are You. [100][184], Anatomy of a Drum Solo DVD, Neil Peart (2005) accompanying booklet. [107] During the band's recording sabbatical between 1976 and 1978, Moon gained a considerable amount of weight. [149], After moving in, Moon began a prescribed course of Heminevrin (clomethiazole, a sedative) to alleviate his alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Moon led a destructive lifestyle. [133] Butler agrees; despite his relationship with Annette Walter-Lax, he believes that Kim was the only woman Moon loved. The film is supported by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. [154], Moon's death came shortly after the release of Who Are You. During some stages of a lunar eclipse, the Moon can appear reddish. "[158] The New Book of Rock Lists ranked Moon No. A furious Holiday Inn management presented the groups with a bill for $24,000, which was reportedly settled by Herman's Hermits tour manager Edd McCann. But the evening was also Keith Moon's last. With a focus on news, media, and humor, we are a RARE voice in todays media landscape. He was bloated and out of practice. The late '70s proved a double whammy for the "Let My Love Open the Door" singer and his surviving bandmates. Edgy! TIL that Keith Moon, the drummer for The Who, asked his then-girlfriend, Walter-Lax, to cook him steak and eggs. the classic rock band which still performs to this day. I said, mild as you please: 'Yes, yes?' After the pair socialised for a few days, Moon and Entwistle brought Johnston to the set of Ready Steady Go!,[63] which made them late for a show with the Who that evening. He us the author of Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd, Is This the Real Life: The Untold Story of Queen, Magnifico! [153], Curbishley phoned the flat at around 5:00p.m. looking for Moon, and Dymond gave him the news. At the end of the 1976 US tour in Miami that August, Moon became delirious was treated in Hollywood Memorial Hospital for eight days. [15] He also enjoyed singing, with a particular interest in Motown. Moon also played timpani on another track, a cover of Jerome Kern's "Ol' Man River". [95] Around the same time he became a severe alcoholic, starting the day with drinks and changing from the "lovable boozer" he presented himself as to a "boorish drunk". (Moon was close with all the Beatles, especially John Lennon and Ringo Starr.) [130], In 1973 Kim, convinced that neither she nor anyone else could moderate Keith's behaviour, left her husband and took Amanda;[131] she sued for divorce in 1975 and later married Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan. A true rollercoaster career that would epitomise the folly of being a rock star, Moon has remained a tragic figure ever since. He was offered the job on the spot and immediately began drumming for The Who. After all, the corpse of Keith Moon, legendary drummer for the Who, is right there on the first page. On September 6 Paul McCartney threw a party at the Covent Garden diner Peppermint Park to celebrate what would have been Buddy Hollys 42nd birthday. [160] Keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick, who had rehearsed with Moon earlier in the year,[115] joined the live band as an unofficial member. Keith Moon was born on 23 August 1946, spending his formative years in Wembley, not far from the famous stadium.