Happy Birthday Keith Moon: Performing Live With The Who In 1969

Bombastic late great The Who drummer Keith Moon was born on this day in 1946. The manic force behind the kit for the powerhouse British rock band, Moon sadly and tragically died at the age of only 32 on September 7, 1978 while battling addiction. His wildly forceful style is recognized among the best to have ever played drums and for what would have been Keith’s 74th birthday today, here’s a look back at Moon banging away at a 1969 concert with The Who.

In 1969 The Who were one of the most popular bands in the world, buoyed by the release of their double LP rock opera Tommy in May of that year. Frontman Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle and Moon held a show at the London Coliseum on December 14, 1969, which was filmed for an official release.

One of the highlights from the hometown show was a performance of the “mini rock opera” written by Townshend entitled “A Quick One, While He’s Away.” The guitarist told a lengthy story about the song prior to its performance that featured Moon leaving the kit to share a microphone (and a kiss) with Entwistle. Watch the introduction of the song followed by audio of the full performance in the two clips that follow:

Another standout moment came at the conclusion of the show. The below video captures the tail end of “My Generation” that transitions into early workings of “See Me, Feel Me” and “Naked Eye” before moving to the show closing “Sparks.” Keith shines throughout the nearly 15-minute medley, driving the group through one intense passage after another, watch:

[Originally Published: August 23, 2016]