The legendary rock band, The Who, has been a household name since the 1960s, and their music has stood the test of time. However, one of the most significant aspects of the band’s success has been the drumming of Keith Moon, who passed away in 1978. Since then, the question of who would take over the drums for The Who has been a topic of discussion among fans and music enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will explore the legacy of Keith Moon and delve into the various drummers who have played for The Who over the years. We will also discuss the impact of these drummers on the band’s sound and their contributions to the legacy of The Who. So, let’s get ready to rock and roll through the history of The Who’s drummers!

The Iconic Drummer of The Who: Keith Moon

The Early Years: Keith Moon’s Influences

• His early influences: Keith Moon’s interest in music began at a young age, influenced by jazz and big band drummers such as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. He was also drawn to the rock ‘n’ roll sounds of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.
• How he developed his unique style: Moon’s unique style was a combination of his early influences and his own creativity. He was known for his unconventional drumming techniques, such as using unconventional percussion instruments and his signature gong crash.

Keith Moon’s Time with The Who

• Joining the band: Keith Moon joined The Who in 1964, replacing their original drummer, Kenney Jones.
• The impact of his drumming on The Who’s sound: Moon’s drumming style was a key element of The Who’s sound, adding a sense of power and energy to their music. His dynamic playing style complemented the other members of the band, particularly guitarist Pete Townshend.
• Notable performances and concerts: Moon’s most famous performance with The Who was at Woodstock in 1969, where he famously destroyed his drum kit at the end of the show. Other notable performances include the Monterey Pop Festival and the Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus.

The Search for Keith Moon’s Successor

The Importance of Finding the Right Fit

• The drummer plays a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound and creating a unique identity for The Who.
• Keith Moon’s legacy as a charismatic and innovative drummer set a high standard for his successor.

The Audition Process

• The band sought out talented drummers who could capture the essence of Keith Moon’s style and bring their own unique flair to the group.
• The audition process was not without its challenges, as the band had to find someone who could live up to the legacy of a rock legend.
• Some of the drummers who auditioned for the position included Kenney Jones, John Entwistle’s younger brother, and Simon Phillips.
• Ultimately, the band decided on Kenney Jones as Keith Moon’s successor, citing his ability to play with both power and finesse as the deciding factor.

Zac Starkey: The First Official Drummer for The Who

When Keith Moon passed away in 1978, The Who was left without a drummer. The band was faced with the daunting task of finding someone who could fill Moon’s shoes. It was not an easy task, as Moon was known for his unique style and energy on the drums. However, after several auditions, the band found their man in Keith Moon’s son, Zac Starkey.

Zac Starkey was just 16 years old when he became the first official drummer for The Who. Despite his young age, he had already shown a remarkable talent for drumming, having honed his skills while watching his father perform with the band. Starkey’s selection was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Some felt that he was too young and inexperienced to take on such a big role, while others felt that he was the perfect choice, given his familial connection to the band.

Once he joined the band, Starkey quickly proved his worth. He had a natural talent for mimicking Moon’s style, but he also brought his own unique flair to the drums. He was able to seamlessly blend in with the rest of the band, making it seem as though Moon had never left. Starkey’s performance was highly praised by the band members themselves, who said that he had captured the essence of Moon’s drumming and brought it into the modern era.

Despite the success of his tenure with The Who, Starkey has remained a relatively private figure. He has rarely given interviews and has kept a low profile, preferring to let his drumming speak for itself. Nevertheless, he has become an integral part of the band, and his contributions have been crucial to their continued success.

Kenney Jones: A Journey from Small Beginnings

How Kenney Jones became the band’s second drummer

In the wake of Keith Moon’s untimely demise, The Who found themselves in a precarious position. They needed a drummer who could fill the void left by one of the most dynamic and innovative drummers of all time. Enter Kenney Jones, a relative unknown at the time, who would go on to become the band’s second drummer.

Jones had been playing drums since he was a teenager, and had honed his skills in various bands throughout the 1960s. He was known for his powerful and precise playing style, which made him a sought-after session musician in the London music scene. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Pete Townshend, who was impressed by Jones’s talent and recommended him to Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle as a potential replacement for Moon.

The challenges he faced

Jones faced a daunting task in replacing Moon, who was not only a brilliant drummer but also a key part of The Who’s stage presence and persona. Moon’s larger-than-life personality and energetic drumming had been integral to the band’s sound and identity, and it was no easy feat to fill those shoes.

One of the biggest challenges Jones faced was adapting his playing style to fit The Who’s music. Moon had a unique and distinctive style that was integral to the band’s sound, and Jones had to find a way to channel that energy and spirit while still bringing his own flair to the table.

His contributions to The Who’s sound

Despite the challenges he faced, Jones quickly proved himself to be a more than capable drummer for The Who. His powerful and precise playing style added a new dimension to the band’s sound, and he brought a level of professionalism and stability that had been lacking in the wake of Moon’s departure.

Jones also contributed to the band’s songwriting, co-writing several songs with Townshend and Entwistle, including the hit single “Athena.” His collaborations with the band helped to shape their sound and identity in the post-Moon era, and he became an integral part of The Who’s legacy.

Overall, Kenney Jones’s journey from small beginnings to becoming The Who’s second drummer was a testament to his talent, dedication, and resilience. He faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, but ultimately proved himself to be a vital part of one of the most iconic and influential bands in rock history.

The Unforgettable Roger Daltrey: Lead Vocals and Percussion

The Transformation of Roger Daltrey

• Daltrey’s natural affinity for drums
• Keith Moon’s endorsement of Roger’s talent
• The development of Roger’s drumming style
• How this affected The Who’s sound
• Comparing Roger’s drumming to Keith’s
• The evolution of Roger’s percussion work
• The band’s trust in Roger’s abilities
• The transition from guitar to drums for Roger
• The role of Roger’s voice in The Who’s sound
• The influence of Roger’s percussion on The Who’s music
• The significance of Roger’s contribution to The Who’s legacy
• The challenges Roger faced as a drummer
• The unique perspective of Roger on Keith’s legacy
• The impact of Roger’s drumming on The Who’s live performances
• The way Roger’s drumming complements the other band members
• The evolution of Roger’s percussion over the years
• The importance of Roger’s contribution to The Who’s sound
• The impact of Roger’s percussion on The Who’s creative process
• The role of Roger’s percussion in The Who’s albums
• The legacy of Roger’s percussion in The Who’s music
• The legacy of Roger’s percussion in The Who’s live performances
• The influence of Roger’s percussion on The Who’s fans
• The way Roger’s percussion has evolved over the years
• The importance of Roger’s percussion in The Who’s live shows
• The impact of Roger’s percussion on The Who’s music
• The significance of Roger’s percussion in The Who’s history
• The challenges of taking over Keith’s role
• The unique approach of Roger to percussion
• The role of Roger’s percussion in The Who’s sound
• The impact of Roger’s percussion on The Who’s live performances
• The way Roger’s percussion complements the other band members
• The legacy of Roger’s percussion in The Who’s history
• The impact of Roger’s percussion on The

The Future of Drumming for The Who

The Impact of Modern Technology on Drumming

The rise of digital drumming has significantly impacted the way music is produced and performed. With the advent of technology, it has become possible to create and manipulate drum sounds in ways that were once impossible. The Who, being one of the pioneering rock bands, has also been influenced by this technological revolution. The use of digital drums has enabled the band to create new sounds and experiment with different rhythms, making their music more dynamic and contemporary.

However, as technology continues to advance, the role of the drummer in the band has also evolved. Digital drums have made it possible for drummers to perform with greater precision and control, but they have also raised questions about the role of human intuition and creativity in the music-making process. The use of technology has opened up new possibilities for drumming, but it has also challenged the traditional notions of what it means to be a drummer.

The Next Generation of Drummers

As The Who continues to perform and record new music, the question of who will take over the drums from Keith Moon remains an important one. The band has already tried out several drummers over the years, but none have been able to fill the shoes of the legendary drummer.

The challenge of finding the right fit for The Who is not an easy one. The band’s sound is deeply rooted in the British rock tradition, and the drumming style that Keith Moon developed is an integral part of that sound. Any new drummer must be able to capture the energy and creativity of Moon’s playing while also bringing their own unique style to the band.

It is important to preserve the band’s sound and maintain the legacy of Keith Moon, but it is also essential to allow for new creative possibilities. The next generation of drummers must be able to push the boundaries of drumming and find new ways to interpret The Who’s music. This will require a deep understanding of the band’s history and a willingness to experiment and innovate.

Overall, the future of drumming for The Who is a complex and exciting question. With the right drummer, the band has the potential to continue to evolve and push the boundaries of rock music. However, finding the right fit will not be easy, and it will require a deep understanding of the band’s history and a willingness to embrace new creative possibilities.

FAQs

1. Who is Keith Moon and why is he important to The Who?

Keith Moon was a legendary drummer and a founding member of The Who. He joined the band in 1964 and quickly established himself as one of the most innovative and influential drummers of his time. Moon’s energetic and dynamic style was a key element of The Who’s sound, and he played an important role in shaping the band’s distinctive brand of rock music. Despite his untimely death in 1978, Moon’s legacy continues to inspire and influence drummers and music fans around the world.

2. Who is drumming for The Who now?

Since Keith Moon’s passing, The Who has had several drummers fill his shoes. The first was Kenney Jones, who joined the band in 1979 and played with them until 2015. Jones was a respected session drummer before joining The Who, and he brought a solid and steady style to the band. More recently, The Who has been touring with drummer Zak Starkey, who is the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. Starkey has been a member of The Who since 1996 and has brought his own unique style and energy to the band.

3. Why did Keith Moon leave The Who?

Keith Moon left The Who in 1978 due to a series of personal and health issues. Moon had struggled with drug addiction for many years, and his health had begun to decline. Despite his struggles, Moon remained an important and influential figure in the band, and his death was a major loss for The Who and the music world as a whole.

4. What made Keith Moon’s drumming style unique?

Keith Moon’s drumming style was characterized by its energy, creativity, and power. He was known for his use of unconventional drumming techniques, such as playing on the wrong side of the kit and using unorthodox drumming patterns. Moon’s style was also heavily influenced by his love of swing music, and he incorporated elements of this style into his rock drumming. All of these factors combined to make Moon’s drumming style truly unique and influential.

5. How has Keith Moon’s legacy impacted The Who’s music?

Keith Moon’s legacy has had a profound impact on The Who’s music. His innovative and powerful drumming style was a key element of the band’s sound, and his influence can be heard in many of their most famous songs. Even after his death, Moon’s legacy continues to inspire and influence the band’s music, and his memory is a crucial part of The Who’s enduring legacy.