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Keith Moon, drummer with 'The Who' was known in his life time as 'the sloppy drummer'. He was also highly praised and said to be the best, most entertaining drummer working the scene. And that's still said, over 50 years after his death!
So, which is it. Surely they can't both be true?
I embark on a quest to find out why these things were said about him. In the process, I found 3 key Keith Moon traits you can use in your own drumming (if you're a drummer - even if you're an air drummer actually...).
As someone MUCH too young to have been alive when The Who were plying their trade, join me in exploring how they come across from a 'modern perspective', and finding the truth: was Keith any good, or not?
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Why People Hate Keith Moon
PART 1
0:23 - Who Were 'The Who’
2:07 - What Influenced ‘The Who’?
3:11 - Rock Musician Clichés
PART 2
3:50 - Won't Get Fooled Again
4:41 - Keith Moon Trait 1
5:40 - Summary
PART 3
6:27 - Keith Moon Trait 2
6:57 - John Entwistle: Hero
7:19 - Keith Moon's Weird Habits
7:58 - Summary
8:34 - Song Analysis
PART 4
9:30 - EXCESSIVE Fills?
10:26 - Song Example (Drum Audio)
11:11 - Why Keith Moon Is Dismissed Today?
PART 5
12:15 - Keith Moon Trait 3
13:23 - What Is A Groove?
14:14 - Does 'Perfect Timing' Sound Good?
14: 52 - Other Musical Timing Traits
PART 6
15:26 - Was Keith Moon Any Good?
16:12 - Won't Get Fooled Again - Live
16:32 - Great Drummers Of The Era
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Song: Won't Get Fooled Again
Artist: The Who
Drummer: Keith Moon
Skill Level: Intermediate
You can find the original song here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NzLs-xSss0
PLUS this live version from '78. Notable for being Keith Moon's last public performance before his death, and for being filmed/restored at SHOCKINGLY good quality! Seriously, it's like it was shot today:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDfAdHBtK_Q
Other sources used in this video:
Keith Moon solo drum footage (1978 - Won't Get Fooled Again LIVE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJH8DmPfVmU
John Entwistle solo bass footage (1978 - Won't Get Fooled Again LIVE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80dsyo2Ox-0
Tanglewood 1970
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC_SyUgFoac
Exploding kit (Smothers Brothers 1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC_SyUgFoac
Mod Fashion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhIp718LGJ8
Elvis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2gM2XFJFOs&t=0s
J-Dilla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC3Cthm0HFU
Brazilian Drum Group
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyTdnj0eulo
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The fastest and 'fun-est' way to get craaaazy good on the drums, is to cover real songs. Every song is a 'study' in something. Learning this tune will help you with:
- Raw stamina
- Fill fluidity
- Fill inventiveness
- Playing with flamboyance
If you want a more detailed view what the drums play in this tune, I've a cover video for you. While I'd never attempt to play Keith Moon's drum parts 'note-for-note', I aim to convey broadly what Keith does on the track:
https://youtu.be/XxXYSTMg4e0
I hope it's entertaining and helps you get maximum fun from playing the drums!
Happy drumming,
Pete