The Who is a British rock band that was formed in 1964, and is known for their energetic live performances and iconic hits like “My Generation” and “Pinball Wizard.” But what about the driving force behind their sound? Who played drums in The Who?
The answer is simple: Keith Moon. Keith Moon was a British drummer who was known for his powerful and dynamic playing style, and was a key member of The Who’s lineup from 1964 until his death in 1978. His unique approach to drumming helped shape the sound of The Who, and his influence can still be felt today.
But the story of Keith Moon and his time with The Who is just one chapter in the rich history of drumming in the band. From their early days as a scrappy up-and-coming act to their rise to rock royalty, The Who has always been defined by their powerful rhythm section. So join us as we explore the legacy of drumming in The Who, and discover how Keith Moon and the other members of the band’s rhythm section helped create some of the most memorable music of all time.
The Founding Drummer: Keith Moon
The Wild Man of Rock
Keith Moon, the founding drummer of The Who, was a musical genius whose energetic and unpredictable drumming style set the tone for the band’s explosive sound. He was known as the “Wild Man of Rock” for his erratic behavior both on and off stage, which only added to his legendary status.
Pioneering Drum Techniques
Moon was a pioneer in drumming techniques, incorporating a wide range of percussion instruments into his kit, including tambourines, maracas, and cowbells. He was also known for his use of drumsticks, often breaking them in half to create a unique sound. Moon’s style was characterized by his ability to create a sense of chaos and unpredictability, while still maintaining a solid rhythm.
The Legacy of Keith Moon
Moon’s influence on rock drumming is immeasurable. His unconventional style and use of unorthodox techniques paved the way for future drummers to experiment with their own sounds. Even after his untimely death in 1978, Moon’s legacy lives on through his music and the countless drummers who have been inspired by his work.
Today, Moon’s drum kit is considered one of the most iconic in rock history, and it is often displayed in museums and exhibitions around the world. His contributions to The Who’s sound and to rock music as a whole are undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
The Successor: Kenney Jones
Smooth Sailing with The Who
After Moon’s untimely death, the band was faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. They found their answer in Kenney Jones, a skilled drummer with a diverse musical background. Jones had played with several bands, including the Small Faces and the Faces, before joining The Who in 1979. His experience and versatility allowed him to seamlessly integrate into the band’s sound, ensuring that the rhythmic foundation of The Who remained intact.
Transitioning Through Change
The transition from Moon to Jones was not without its challenges. Jones had big shoes to fill, as Moon was a beloved and iconic figure in the band. However, Jones approached his new role with dedication and respect for the band’s legacy. He paid homage to Moon’s style while also bringing his own unique flair to the drumming position. Jones’ ability to adapt to the band’s sound and energy allowed The Who to continue their success without skipping a beat.
Kenney Jones’ Impact on The Who’s Sound
Jones’ contribution to The Who’s sound was significant, even though he joined the band later in their career. His technical skill and creative approach to drumming brought a new dimension to the band’s music. Jones’ playing style complemented Townshend’s guitar work, providing a dynamic and powerful rhythm section. He was able to maintain the energy and power of The Who’s music while also bringing his own distinctive style to the table. Jones’ impact on the band’s sound can be heard in their later albums, such as “Face Dances” and “It’s Hard,” where his drumming adds a fresh layer to the band’s established sound.
The Modern Drummer: Zak Starkey
The Legacy of a Rock Icon
Zak Starkey, the son of The Who’s legendary drummer Keith Moon, has big shoes to fill as he takes on the role of the band’s modern drummer. With a musical career spanning over three decades, Starkey has proven himself to be a worthy successor to Moon’s legacy. His energetic and powerful drumming style has won him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Bringing New Energy to The Who
Since joining The Who in 1996, Starkey has brought a fresh perspective to the band’s sound. His innovative drumming techniques and creative approach to the instrument have added a new dimension to The Who’s music. His ability to blend seamlessly with the other members of the band has made him an integral part of their live performances.
One of Starkey’s greatest strengths is his versatility. He is able to switch between a variety of drumming styles, from the explosive energy of “Baba O’Riley” to the more delicate rhythms of “Hey Jude”. His adaptability allows him to enhance the band’s sound and keep their music relevant for a new generation of fans.
The Sound of Today’s Drumming in The Who
Starkey’s influence on The Who’s sound is evident in their more recent albums, such as “Endless Wire” and “Who”, which feature a more modern and experimental approach to drumming. His unique style has helped to redefine the role of the drummer in the band, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the instrument.
Despite his success, Starkey remains humble and grounded. He has said in interviews that he never intended to follow in his father’s footsteps, but rather stumbled into the role of drummer for The Who by chance. His approachable demeanor and down-to-earth personality have made him a fan favorite, and his dedication to his craft has earned him the respect of his fellow musicians.
In conclusion, Zak Starkey’s tenure as The Who’s modern drummer has been marked by his innovative approach to the instrument and his ability to bring new energy to the band. His legacy as a rock icon and his impact on the sound of today’s drumming in The Who cannot be overstated.
The Influence of Drumming in The Who’s Music
The Power of the Beat
The beat is the heart of any musical performance, and The Who’s drumming was no exception. Keith Moon, The Who’s original drummer, was known for his energetic and powerful drumming style, which added a sense of urgency and excitement to the band’s music. His drumming was so influential that it became a defining characteristic of The Who’s sound, and his playing style influenced countless other drummers.
Experimentation and Innovation
In addition to his powerful beat, Moon was also known for his experimental and innovative approach to drumming. He was one of the first drummers to use a variety of unconventional percussion instruments, such as timpani and chimes, in rock music. He also used a variety of drumming techniques, such as playing with his fingers instead of sticks, to create unique sounds and textures.
Moon’s innovative approach to drumming helped to push the boundaries of what was possible in rock music, and his influence can be heard in the music of many later drummers.
The Evolution of The Who’s Sound
As The Who’s music evolved over time, so did their drumming. Moon’s drumming became more complex and sophisticated as the band’s music matured, and he continued to experiment with new sounds and techniques.
After Moon’s death in 1978, The Who’s drumming continued to evolve under the leadership of replacement drummer Kenney Jones. Jones brought a more precise and technical approach to the band’s drumming, which was reflected in the band’s later music.
Overall, the influence of drumming in The Who’s music cannot be overstated. From the power of the beat to the innovative approaches to drumming, The Who’s drumming was a key element of their sound and helped to define the band’s unique style.
The Drummers’ Impact on The Who’s Stage Presence
The Visual Appeal of Drumming
The visual appeal of drumming in The Who was a crucial element of their stage presence. Keith Moon’s energetic and theatrical style captivated audiences with his wild drumming techniques, such as smashing cymbals and drumsticks, and even destroying his drum kit at the end of the show. This visually striking performance added to the overall excitement and spectacle of The Who’s live shows.
The Dynamics of Performance
The drummers’ dynamic performance played a significant role in The Who’s stage presence. They provided the rhythmic foundation for the band’s music, while also adding a sense of urgency and tension with their powerful drumming. Their dynamic performance was evident in their ability to transition seamlessly between quiet and loud passages, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience.
The Connection between Drumming and Audience Engagement
The drummers’ connection with the audience was a key factor in The Who’s stage presence. By engaging with the audience through their drumming, they created a sense of unity and connection between the band and the audience. This connection was strengthened by the drummers’ ability to interact with the audience through facial expressions, body language, and even by playing to specific sections of the audience. The drummers’ connection with the audience was a vital aspect of The Who’s stage presence, and it contributed to their enduring popularity and influence.
The Legacy of Drumming in The Who’s Music
The Continuity of Sound
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Who’s music is the continuity of sound that is maintained throughout their songs, thanks to the drums. From the early days of “My Generation” to the later years of “Baba O’Riley,” the drumming style remained consistent, contributing to the overall cohesion of the band’s sound. The driving rhythm and power of the drums served as the backbone of the music, anchoring the guitar riffs and vocals and ensuring that each song had a distinctive, energetic pulse.
The Enduring Appeal of The Who’s Music
The legacy of drumming in The Who’s music can also be seen in the enduring appeal of their songs. Even decades after their initial release, many of The Who’s tracks remain popular and relevant, with their powerful drumming playing a significant role in this. The energetic and innovative drumming style of Keith Moon and later, Zak Starkey, has contributed to the timelessness of The Who’s music, making it accessible to generations of listeners.
The Impact of Drumming on The Who’s Legacy
Finally, the impact of drumming on The Who’s legacy cannot be overstated. The distinctive and innovative drumming style of Keith Moon, and later, Zak Starkey, helped to establish The Who as one of the most influential bands of their generation. The use of power chords, thunderous basslines, and explosive drumming in their songs set them apart from their contemporaries and paved the way for countless other rock bands to follow. Today, The Who’s music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, with their groundbreaking drumming playing a significant role in their enduring legacy.
The Future of Drumming in The Who
Embracing Change
As The Who continues to evolve and adapt to changing musical trends, the role of drumming remains a crucial element in their sound. The future of drumming in The Who is one that embraces change while staying true to the band‘s core values.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
One of the most important aspects of the future of drumming in The Who is keeping the legacy of their drummers alive. Keith Moon’s innovative style and energetic performances are still celebrated today, and his influence can be heard in the drumming of current member, Zak Starkey.
The Evolution of Drumming in The Who’s Music
The future of drumming in The Who is not just about keeping the legacy alive, but also about continuing to evolve and push the boundaries of what is possible on the drums. As the band’s music continues to evolve, so too will the role of drumming in their sound. This evolution will likely be driven by new technologies and techniques, as well as the creative vision of the band’s members.
Overall, the future of drumming in The Who is one of continued innovation and growth, while staying true to the band‘s unique sound and style. With the right balance of tradition and experimentation, the band’s drumming is sure to remain a vital part of their music for years to come.
FAQs
1. Who played drums in The Who?
The drummer in The Who was Keith Moon. He was a founding member of the band and played with them from their formation in 1964 until his death in 1978. Moon was known for his energetic and unpredictable drumming style, which was a key element of The Who’s sound.
2. What made Keith Moon’s drumming unique?
Keith Moon’s drumming was known for its power, precision, and creativity. He was a pioneer of rock drumming, using unconventional techniques like playing with his feet and using multiple drums at once. Moon also had a keen sense of rhythm and was able to create complex and dynamic drum parts that added a lot to The Who’s music.
3. How did Keith Moon’s drumming influence The Who’s music?
Keith Moon’s drumming was a major influence on The Who’s music. His powerful and dynamic playing added a lot to the band’s sound, and his creative use of drums and percussion helped to shape their unique style. Moon’s drumming also helped to drive the band’s live performances, which were known for their energy and intensity.
4. What happened to Keith Moon?
Keith Moon died on September 7, 1978, at the age of 32. The cause of death was an accidental overdose of a prescription drug called Clomicalm. Moon had struggled with drug addiction throughout his life, and his death was a tragic loss for The Who and the music world.
5. How has The Who continued after Keith Moon’s death?
After Keith Moon’s death, The Who continued to record and perform without a drummer for several years. In 1989, they recruited former Small Faces and Faces drummer Kenney Jones to take over the drumming duties. Jones has been with the band ever since, and they have continued to tour and release new music. While Moon’s presence is certainly missed, The Who has been able to maintain its legacy and continue to make important contributions to rock music.
