The One Who Started It All...

The Who is a band from the 1960's and are still playing touring today. The Who formed in 1964 and their members are: Roger Daltrey (vocalist), Pete Townshend (guitarist), John Entwistle (Bassist), and Keith Moon (Drums). The Who has sold about 100 million albums and made 27 top songs in the U.S. and U.K. They also have released many albums including: My Generation (1965), A Quick One (1966), The Who Sell Out (1967), Tommy (1969), Who's Next (1971), Quadrophenia (1973), The Who By Numbers (1975), Who Are You (1978), Face Dances (1981), It's Hard (1982), Endless Wire (2006). Keith Moon is who I am going to blog about today, on how great he was...

Keith Moon was born on August 23 1946 and died on September 7 1978. Moon was known for dramatic, suspenseful drumming—often making basic back beats for a fluid, busy technique focused on fast, fresh rolls across the toms, fluent double bass drum work and wild cymbal crashes and washes. He is mentioned in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the greatest of all rock and roll drummers. Keith lived in London when he was a boy and grew up there.
Often on his way home from school Keith would go to Macari's music studio in Ealing Road and would take instruction and practice on the drums there, where he learned his basic drumming skills. Keith joined the Who when he was 17. Keith's lack on humor caused his band mates to love him and laugh on the microphone several times. Eventually he was put on lead microphone for a few songs, including Bell Boy, Bucket T, and Barbara Ann. Keith was an amazing drummer and it is sad that he died at a young age of 32. Keith's style and of drumming was just amazing, so here is his kit:
Moon's Classic Red Sparkle Premier setup comprised two 14x22-inch bass drums, three 8x14 mounted toms, one 16x16 floor tom, a 5x14 Ludwig Supraphonic 400 snare and one extra floor tom of different sizes but mainly 16x18 or 16x16. Moon's classic cymbal setup consisted of two Paiste Giant Beat 18" crashes and one 20" ride. In 1973, Moon added a second row of tom-toms (first four, then six) and, in 1975, two more timbales.

Keith inspired many drummers out there and made a lot more people recognize who he was when he died. Here is a video in remembrance of Keith moon. Please enjoy...