Keith Moon - Who Are You (isolated drum track)

[cletuss]

Im not posting for debate or to knock the guy becuase all the way around the dude is awesome and made quite the name for himself. But you have to admit this particular drum beat sounds fairly simple nothing really technical about it. I told buddy about this video and he said this song is The Who near the end of there run so it wasnt as good as keiths past stuff.


Who Are You (isolated drum track)

Inspires me becuase I will never be as good or as technical as neil pert, lars ulrich etc..but man I really do think i could pull this kieth moon beat off.. Party

Now ya c... look at me go D' Drummer

[big daddy]

Sounds a bit sloppy to me, but then again, is this the final drum track or an outtake from the sessions? Is it really even Moon?

Flame retardant suit on: I always liked The Who's music, but felt that Moon was a good drummer, not a great drummer. It's the old "the sum of the parts" deal in my opinion. The Who would have sounded very different (and did later) with someone other than Moon on the drums... Same goes for The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, etc...

It's been discussed countless times that his approach was to play around the vocals, not to just lock into the bass like many do.

I know that my approach IS to lock in with the bassist (assuming he's good) and then to enhance whatever happens to be the front-most part. Could be vocals, guitar or even harmonica (played with way too many blues harp guys in my day). And it's a constantly changing thing throughout the course of a song. On some tunes, all I really want to do is lock into a groove and create a solid foundation for the rest of the band. You may get a moment here or there to shine, but ultimately I play what I feel the song needs, not what I want - So far, it's worked for me :)

I'm sure some will disagree with me and that's fine. My approach is not mine alone, just what I've learned over the last 30 odd years. Many of my drum tracks would bore you if they were soloed, but in the context of the music...

Flame suit off :)

[cletuss]

Is it really even Moon?

lol... you do hear someone yelling/screaming in the recording. Surely sounds like something Moon the loon would do.


"the sum of the parts" ...I couldnt agree more, yeppers differnt band without Moon behind the set.

[brody]

Moon was persuaded to simplify his playing on later Who stuff, so that's why this playing is simpler. I t works for the track, but it's not the best showcase of him at his chaotic best!

[bishopsfinger]

there is no glory in finding the worst piece of keith moon footage and saying"i can play that" i can play the chord of c but that does not make me hendrix! keith was the most original most gifted drummer of his era along with baker,bonham and mitchell the cornerstones of modern drumming,have a look on youtube for who footage 68-72

[cletuss]

there is no glory in finding the worst piece of keith moon footage and saying"i can play that" i can play the chord of c but that does not make me hendrix! keith was the most original most gifted drummer of his era along with baker,bonham and mitchell the cornerstones of modern drumming,have a look on youtube for who footage 68-72

Nope No glory at all. Just trying to have some fun & make some conversation in henr.

[bishopsfinger]

true cletuss,its the same old thing,its not what you play but how you play.for that reason 1 moon=10 pearts

[drumhack]

true cletuss,its the same old thing,its not what you play but how you play.for that reason 1 moon=10 pearts

I disagree 100% and then some. How can you even compare Betty Ford..er I mean Keith Moon to NP? Keith Moon and Axel Rose would have made a solid pairing for sure. Neither one of them actually played the concerts they sold tickets for half the time!! I saw a clip where Moon passed out, as usual, and they pulled some dude from the audience to play the show!! I think if Keith Moon was sober, didn't smash everything in site, and overall a true professional this conversation would not be taking place. He would not be recognized as he really didn't do much to distinguish himself save for the antics and charades.

NP has pretty much defined the way to dominate music as a professional through and through. That's all I have to really say about that.



have a wonderful evening


drumhack:2Cents:guitar2Violinsinger

[cletuss]

Note 2 all: I knew by starting this thread it would possibly get me some tongue lashings, But I really meant no harm. It literalley took me 15 mins just to trying to type it to begin with. Bottom line in my eyes... Kieth Moon Rocked. I had just said that particular song or recording wasnt nothing super fancy..thats all.

Now saying kieth moon = 10 neil perts... im not so sure Eye Ball... but everyones got there favorites and there own opinions...its all in good fun in my eyes ROCK ON!!!

[bishopsfinger]

tis true that moon squandered his talents,but its his drumming we are talking about not his antics which i dont particulary admire,he will always be an originator on the drums the same way hendrix was to the guitar,far more important than a clinical technician,so to keep up my formula 1 hendrix=10 vai's 1 moon=10 pearts, i also think that peart would be the first to admit it

[bishopsfinger]

im glad you did cletuss, the idea of these things is supposed to be entertaining and informative,nothing wrong with a little banter!

[vintagemore2000]

Fellows, i got to see the loon twice, and don't forget, the who is upper echelon of bands and with entwistle, daughtry, and townsend, moonie was their guy, for a reason!!!!. like townsend said, he tied me and the ox together like no one could, moonie did fulfil the song "hope i die before i get old", poor dougal had his hands totally full with trying to keep moonie on track, but moonie was moonie, a genius doesn't follow a path they blaze one, so to my good pal cletuss, here we are discussing one of rocks pioneer drummers and thats what really matters, moonie could not be copied, and damn i sure do miss him,, D' Drummer

[mcjnic]

Have any of you discussed the "why" Moon switched to such extremes in the early 70's? Prior to that, he was outrageous. But something triggered his change and he became self-destructive...as opposed to just zany.

If you read up on his life, you find that he was involved in a very tragic accident.

He was exiting a bar and some toughs got serious about pounding him and his chauffeur and his body guard. One of them (I can't recall if it was his body guard or his chauffeur) got out of the car to calm the scene down and Moon panicked. He jumped behind the wheel to flee the scene and accidentally backed over his friend and killed him. That plagued him for the rest of his life.

He felt that his cowardice cost the life of his friend and he couldn't deal with it. He began a downward spiral into a very self-destructive life.

So, while it's true that he missed a concert or two and his playing suffered, we really should remember the reason for his demise. It wasn't that he was less of a drummer at all. He felt that he was less of a man. He never made peace with that.

[Ludwig-dude]

The footage of Moon passing out onstage was the famous Cow Palace incident and it was a one-time occurance. Moon's offstage antics never again caused problems with gigs for the Who. He took his job with the Who 100% seriously, after all drumming and being onstage was his life.

Please don't ever compare a musical genius such as Keith Moon to a lame singer (Axl Rose) ever again. There is no comparison. Its apples and oranges.

If anyone wants to know what Moon was really all about I recommend a book by Tony Fletcher.....Moon: The life and death of a rock legend. There is no better read about the man.

[Ludwig-dude]

Sounds a bit sloppy to me, but then again, is this the final drum track or an outtake from the sessions? Is it really even Moon?

Yes this is definitely Moon playing on these isolated tracks. Definitelt hs snare sound. As far as Moon being sloppy sounding.....thats him, on most tracks the who recorded. Also, he used to scream like that on the difficult parts (fills if you will). Take a listen to Cobwebs and Strange....Moon screams in the background on that. Take a listen to Jeff Beck's song Beck's Bolero......yes that's Keith on the drums on that. The major scream in tha background when the guitars and drums get heavy....yep Keith again. No doubt that this is Moon playing ths out-take.

[drumhack]

I just don't understand how a guy like NP gets totally dissed on a drum site?
I recall a similair thread a little while back where I believe it was Mastrosnare but don't quote me (or him) on this, who said that hitting every note of Tom Sawyer was the measure of acquired chops back in his day!!

For the record, I love The Who and think their music was sweet. I just never thought of Keith Moon as an A list drummer and still have my doubts he belongs on that list. I believe the antics moreso than the technical expertise elevated him to the annals of drumming, and his sad, untimely departure only served to fuel this elevation further.

have a wonderful evening


drumhack Storm Trooperbaby crawl2Cool DudeD' DrummerGroup Hug

[Ludwig-dude]

If you want to revise your A-list of drummers with Keith on it might I suggest a few of his finest works.....Live at Leeds, Who's Next, Quadrophenia, and lets not forget about Tommy. Re-listen to them and listen to what he's playing. There is a reason he's a legend (other than the antics)......

[vintagemore2000]

If you want to revise your A-list of drummers with Keith on it might I suggest a few of his finest works.....Live at Leeds, Who's Next, Quadrophenia, and lets not forget about Tommy. Re-listen to them and listen to what he's playing. There is a reason he's a legend (other than the antics)...... Kieth moon was a total genius, if you didn't see his live performances then video is the next best thing, keith moon's place in history as a innovator and absolutely an A Lister is with out any question,THE WHO is comprised of pete Townsend, roger daughtry, john entwistle, and kieth moon, these 4 individuals were and are pioneers in their perspective fields, they are and will always be Rock royalty,they are heads above the band rush,i've seen rush 4 times they are a great band, but the who are ROYALTY, the who show is an experience you don't forget.

[big daddy]

Wow, this is really good stuff. If I may, let me chime in on Neil Peart also. When I was 16 or so, I heard a local band perform Tom Sawyer and thought "hmmm... I'll have to give this band Rush a listen." And I did. What I came away with was a total appreciation for the technical expertise that NP showed in his playing. Ditto for Geddy and to some degree Alex, but emotionally, I felt drawn to drummers like Bonham, Krupa and even Ringo.

We can argue all day about who had better chops, but in the end it's the personal connection one feels with another human that makes an impact on us, right? I can appreciate Buddy Rich's technique but I still find Krupa's unique feel to be the thing that makes me smile when I hear a song like Sing, Sing, Sing. I've seen videos of the drum battles between Krupa and Rich - And it looks to me like Buddy is holding back a bit. Maybe I'm just seeing what I want to see, but I get the feeling that even the great Buddy Rich was able to appreciate what Krupa did for drummers, and therefore, not step on his toes too much.

There's no doubt in my mind that Buddy's chops were "better" than Gene's, and Peart's are "better" than Moon's. Big deal. Chops aren't the only thing which makes a musician great, in my opinion.

Antics and wackiness aside, Moon made history as a member of The Who. I can appreciate his contribution to drumming, but I feel that plenty of other drummers of that era were just as good, if not better.

BTW... I love the drumming on Beck's Bolero, screams included. Have a listen to Jeff Beck's The Pump from his album There And Back - Simon Phillips is (IMHO),on this particular recording, the perfect balance of chops and feel.

[drumhack]

That's cool. I never really saw anybody live except for the Oak Ridge Boys with my grandma when I was a kid. Concerts really aren't my thing. The reality of the situation is it is ridiculous for me or anyone really to really criticize a pro drummer who sold a lot of records. It is like guys who never played a down of football watching tv saying how much a player sucks. Laughing H

It is a matter of taste and personal preference and I think I will jam to some Big Money right now, then maybe follow that up with some Teenage Wasteland. How bout that for a compromise?

have a wonderful evening

drumhack flowerSailing2Soap Boxx-mas3Burger Kin

[Super B]

Put on the Who's Next lp/cd and that should end the debate on Keith Moon. His playing can not be touched on that release. Pure genius. I find it funny when someone says "that was simple" or "I can do that". Ok, go ahead and do it if it's so easy. By "Who Are You", Keith is not in the best shape and is trying to clean up. He dies in the next year. I love Keith Moon, I can't play like him, but, I will air drum with all the Who songs. A true drumming legend. In the clip, it's funny that Keith is playing the hihat, because, he never played the hihat.

Now, Neil Peart is also a great drummer. But, he should not be in the same discussion/thread with Keith Moon. Two totally different styles of drumming. One guy (Peart) thought out every note he played and the other (Moon) played his guts in the moment.

[brody]

I love both drummers, but they couldn't be further apart, even though Peart notes Moon as an influence. An interesting footnote to this debate: On Rush's cover's CD, Feedback, they do a cover of The Seeker. Though Peart is technically the better player, you'll simply find more life in the drumming on the original - Peart's better coming up with his own stuff, as his style is different - I think he took the busy fill approach from Moon and mixed it with his other influences, some of which were much more controlled drummers.

[Ludwig-dude]

THE WHO is comprised of pete Townsend, roger daughtry, john entwistle, and kieth moon.

Not to nitpick but its Roger DALTREY, not daughtry. Cool Dude

[vintagemore2000]

Not to nitpick but its Roger DALTREY, not daughtry. Cool Dude yeah your right, i used my spell check, and it put that in, but thanks correct is correct Cool Dude

[bishopsfinger]

check out high numbers gotta dance on you tube,moon at 18 with super classic kit showing a million rock drummers the way,there was no such thing as a rock drummer prior to this

[vintagemore2000]

the who when they did the ROLLING STONES ROCK AND ROLL CIRCUS, THE WHO had just come off from the tour circuit, and this was a quote from the stones themselves, the DAMN WHO STOLE THE SHOW, watch it and tell me this is easy to do, yeah your right it is easy for THE WHO!!! moonie is simply brilliant, once again pioneers don't follow a trail they blaze their own!!!Bowing

[Mike T]

Kieth was a very busy drummer and it worked for the Who while it would not have worked in a band say like the Byrds or the Rolling Stones and alot of vocalists would have been miffed at any drummer playing alon g with and on top of their vocals, but Roger D was not bothered b y it a bit because he knew like Pete did that it made the music fly...

There have been no repeats of Moon since we lost him he was original but for my money the beginning of true hard Rock drumming was Camine Appice You only have to listen to "You keep me hanging on" from what 66 or 67 to see what i mean he beat the heck out of the drums and did double bass work and harddriving beats He was the influence on Bohnam and also credit should be given to Ginger Baker his brilliance on Rythyms is just off the charts want a good example listen to "We're Going Wrong"..

[drumhack]

Not to nitpick but its Roger DALTREY, not daughtry. Cool Dude

Not to nitpick your nitpicking but it's Townshend, not TownsendLoLoLoLoLoLoLoLo

[Ludwig-dude]

The only drummer to come close to filling Keith's shoes is Zak Starkey....but then again, "Uncle Keith" did show him a thing or three over the years before his passing, and Zak even got one of Keith's kits as a gift! The white Premier with the copper hardware now owned by the Hard Rock I believe...

[drumhack]

Best drummer ever = NP

Second best drummer ever = Steven Adler

Mind BlowiMind BlowiMind BlowiMind BlowiMind Blowi

[Ludwig-dude]

Best drummer ever = NP

Second best drummer ever = Steven Adler

Mind Blowi

Are you kidding me??? Steven no talent addicted to drugs forever Adler???

Falling DoLaughing HLaughing H

[Super B]

Best drummer ever = NP

Second best drummer ever = Steven Adler

Mind BlowiMind BlowiMind BlowiMind BlowiMind Blowi

Steven Adler? He only plays on one G+R release and gets kicked out for doing a boat load of drugs. Think about that, Guns and Roses thought the man was doing too much drugs. I saw the "Appetite of Destruction" tour, Adler did a good job, but...a true drumming great? No way.

[drumhack]

I read Slash. Good book. Sex, drugs and rock and roll doesn't begin to describe them. He said Adler had killer chops but they wanted a four/four drummer to just keep time while the lead/rythym guitars drove the music. It worked!!

I only put that on there to get a rise out of you know who LoLoLoLo

He can't resist himself when I go out on a limb like that..............


have a wonderful evening

drumhack Cool1Cool1guitar2

[bishopsfinger]

moon,baker,bonham,mitchell, all of rock drumming is here,all these technicians like peart and co drive me crazy with their noodling tom fills and triggered bass drums,somewhere someone forgot about the beat,my choice of american drummers? give me uriel jones or benny benjamin or richie haywood

[Ludwig-dude]

moon,baker,bonham,mitchell, all of rock drumming is here,all these technicians like peart and co drive me crazy with their noodling tom fills and triggered bass drums,somewhere someone forgot about the beat,my choice of american drummers? give me uriel jones or benny benjamin or richie haywood

Don't forget about Al Jackson Jr. All that great old Stax/Volt and Motown soul....those guys were the true geniuses. Not only was Bonham influenced by Carmine Appice, but also Gene Krupa and all those Motown and Stax/Volt guys.....so when anyone says Bonham was the best...keep in mind what influenced him!

Keith moon's influences included that stuff, swing era stuff, and surf music.....especially surf music. Moon, another innovator....musical genius when it comes to the Who. Steven Adler.......just another boom, bash 80's wasted heavy metal wastoid. A three year old can play what he played on Appetite. He was just in the right place at the right time, much like most of the Hairspray bands were......man what were we thinking back then?? x-mas3

[bishopsfinger]

you can never forget al jackson, or bernard purdie.these are what i call drummers,ban noodling tom fills now!

[Super B]

Al Jackson jr and Pretty Purdie are wonderful. Can we also add Jeff Porcaro and Steve Gadd?

[mcjnic]

No. 'cause that would lead to other banter.

What the heck?

When did this forum turn into the Youtube diatribe that defends drummers like they're superheroes? It's like reading some of those stupid rants that go back and forth about whether or not Travis Barker is just no-talent hype.

Come on, guys. We are above this juvenile tripe...I would hope.

Yes, Moon was a great talent. Yes, some other guy was a great talent. I'm sure your favorite drummer was a great talent. Now, can we drop this "my drummer can kick your drummers butt" garbage and get back to what really counts.....whether Rogers is better than Ludwig!!! :D

[bishopsfinger]

that told us,anyway premier drums are better than either!

[kevins]

Best drummer.... that cat on the Free Credit Report.Com commercials
He rockshttp://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPzHr9v6FRw

[mcjnic]

Odd that you would mention that particular brand. I'm currently looking for a nice Premier kit. I have offered to trade a Ludwig kit for one. I haven't located one in good shape and complete as of yet...but I'm looking. There is a thread on here stating just this.

[bishopsfinger]

i know of a tasty kenny clare resonator in lilac,12,13 14,16 22,any good?

[mcjnic]

A tiny bit later than I would be hoping for. Those are mid to late 70's (I think). I'm searching for late 60's to very very early 70's. Nice kit with a nice wrap and hardware. The Reso kits were more for louder rock. Not quite the sound I'm seeking.

[bishopsfinger]

the resos can be very jazzy with the right heads,mr clare himself being one of britains jazz greats,the price of sixties premiers are on the way up tho you can still buy three for the price of a super classic here

[Ludwig-dude]

get back to what really counts.....whether Rogers is better than Ludwig!!! :D

How so? Are we talking hardware? If so, the swivomatic hardware had it all over everybody back then....sound-wise I still prefer Ludwig... :D

[drumhack]

No. 'cause that would lead to other banter.

What the heck?

When did this forum turn into the Youtube diatribe that defends drummers like they're superheroes? It's like reading some of those stupid rants that go back and forth about whether or not Travis Barker is just no-talent hype.

Come on, guys. We are above this juvenile tripe...I would hope.

Yes, Moon was a great talent. Yes, some other guy was a great talent. I'm sure your favorite drummer was a great talent. Now, can we drop this "my drummer can kick your drummers butt" garbage and get back to what really counts.....whether Rogers is better than Ludwig!!! :D


HMMMMM. I would think that a free spirited poster such as yourself would be a bit more tolerant when the thread veers slightly off course. I did read about some marvelous looking waffles once on a post about selling drums.............

have a wonderful evening

drumhack Clapping Happy2D' DrummerEye Ball

[mcjnic]

You are absolutely correct. It's the competition that I stand against. I might have been a bit harsh. Good call Mr Hack. I tip the fedora.

[drumhack]

Laughing HYou are absolutely correct. It's the competition that I stand against. I might have been a bit harsh. Good call Mr Hack. I tip the fedora.

It's all good. The Mr. Hack bit had me rolling though....

[Super B]

and get back to what really counts.....whether Rogers is better than Ludwig!!! :D

Rogers is (was) better than Ludwig. Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro still should get their due. Give 'em their due mcjnic! Or not. I still don't understand how I got sucked into this vortex, anyway.

[bishopsfinger]

porcaro and gadd are welcome to join my groovy american drummers club super b! got to go stevie wonder is trying to join

[bishopsfinger]

oh and i maintain that premier are still the better made than either of those two!