Keith Moon

Keith John Moon was an English musician and actor who is best known for his work as the drummer for The Who, as well as appearances in films such as Tommy and Stardust. His wild drumming style and personality made him a legendary figure in rock music.

Personal and Family Life

Keith Moon was born into a working-class family on August 23, 1946, in Wembley, London. He grew up showing an early interest in music, joining the Sea Cadet Corps at 12, where he received his first instrument, a bugle. At 15, he left school and began playing in local bands, eventually joining The Who at 18. He was married to Kim McLagan from 1966 until their divorce in 1975, and they had one daughter, Mandy.

Career Highlights

Moon was known for his energetic and unpredictable drumming style, which helped define The Who’s sound. He was also infamous for his destructive behavior both on and off stage, often destroying his drum kits and hotel rooms. Despite his erratic lifestyle, he produced memorable music and had a flair for the dramatic, becoming a prominent figure in rock culture. Moon recorded his only solo album, “Two Sides of The Moon,” in 1975, featuring various guest artists.

Death and Legacy

Keith Moon passed away on September 7, 1978, from an accidental overdose in London. He died in the same apartment where Cass Elliot had lived, further marking his tragic end. Moon’s legacy endures through his innovative drumming style and the impact he made on rock music, remembered as one of the greatest drummers in history.

Filmography

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Title Release Date Character
Tommy 1975-03-19 Uncle Ernie
The Kids Are Alright 1979-06-15 Himself
The Who: At Kilburn 1977 2008-11-17 Drums
That’ll Be The Day 1973-05-13 J.D. Glover
Stardust 1974-10-24 JD Glover
200 Motels 1971-11-10 Hot Nun
Monterey Pop 1968-12-26 Self – The Who
The Who: Maximum R&B Live 1994-08-15 Himself
Classic Albums: The Who – Who’s Next 1999-10-21 Self
Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who 2007-09-14 Himself (archive footage)
Listening to You: The Who Live at the Isle of Wight 1998-11-03 Himself
Quadrophenia: Can You See the Real Me? 2013-06-29 Himself
Carousella 1966-12-31 Himself
The Who: Live in Texas ’75 2012-07-29 Himself
The Who – The Making of Tommy 2013-10-25 Himself
The Who: Sensation – The Story of Tommy 2014-03-08 Himself
Rolling Stone Magazine: The 10th Anniversary 1977-11-25 Self
Les Chemins perdus 1967-01-01 Himself
Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words 2016-05-03 Self (archive footage)
The Who: Live at the London Coliseum 1969 2008-11-17 Himself – drums
Son of Dracula 1974-04-19 Musician: The Count Downes
The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus 1996-10-12 Self – Drums
Sextette 1978-03-03 Dress Designer
The Who ‎– Live At Tanglewood 1970 1970-06-07 Himself
The Who – Live at the Silverdome Himself
Lambert & Stamp 2014-01-20 Himself
Woodstock 1970-03-26 Self – The Who
Sonic Boom 1974-01-01 Mad Doctor Cherman
The Who: Purple Hearts and Power Chords 2011-04-11
Hellraisers 2000-08-26 Self
Beat Club: The 40th Anniversary Edition 2008-01-01
Radio Wonderful 1973-06-06
Our World 1967-06-25 Self
The Who : pile et faces – La double vie d’un groupe anglais de légende 2022-08-26 Self – The Who Member
The Who: French TV Archives 1965-1967 2015-01-01
The Who: Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 2009-02-05 Himself
Let There Be Drums! 2022-10-28 Self (archive footage)