Keith Moon
August 23, 1946 – September 07, 1978
Keith John Moon is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock and roll drummers of all time, if only because of his wholly unique playing style and over-the-top behavior. Moon joined London-based band, the Who in 1964, just before they recorded their debut album and took their place as one of the tent poles in what would become the legendary “British Invasion” era of rock and roll. Though he often quipped that he “was just filling in” on drums with the band (he claims he was never formally asked to join) Moon played with the iconic group for nearly 15 years…through the absolute height of their productivity and popularity.
Taking cues from the likes of Gene Krupa and contemporaries like Ginger Baker, Moon infused all manner of influences into his playing. To the chagrin of fellow rhythm section mate, John Entwistle, he was constantly changing times and adding drum fills where no one else in their right mind would. Of course, this ultimately made the Who’s music stand apart.
Moon loved to play. He was happiest when they were on tour. He got bored easily when they weren’t and that led to self-destructive habits. As a kid, he loved to blow things up. As an adult with lots of money…he loved to blow things up. Keith’s behavior in hotel rooms became the stuff of rock legend. He was known to detonate a toilet or two and he even took to destroying his drum sets during live shows. He drank. He did drugs. He was the very epitome of the hedonistic rock star lifestyle.
As one might imagine, a deep need to be the life of the party, an explosive personality, intense fame and unfettered access to any substance he desired started to affect Moon. He was constantly impaired. He passed out during concerts. He continued destroying anything he wanted and he racked up all the debt that would come with such decisions. The band hired a full-time assistant to shadow Moon in efforts to keep him out of trouble. But, by 1978, even that assistant couldn’t keep up. Moon settled in London that year to try and kick his alcoholism on his own using a prescription drug used to help withdrawal symptoms. While living in a rented flat (one where Cass Elliot had died 4 years prior) Moon was told to take no more than 3 of the pills per day. When his girlfriend discovered him dead on the afternoon of September 7th, he had 32 of them in his system. The Who have continued to exist in some form or another since Moon’s death, but his was a presence that could never completely be replaced.
Burial
Golders Green Crematorium – London, UK
Specific Location
Keith’s plaque is located in the West Memorial Court on the left as you enter from the car park. Just above and to the right side of the brick arch. His ashes were scattered in the main lawn, section 3-P.
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