Bill Ward vs Keith Moon: The Drumming Battle for the Ages

Drumming battles can be hotly contested. When it comes to discussing great drummers, two names often come up: Bill Ward and Keith Moon. Both seasoned professionals with distinct styles and legacies, each drummer excelled in the respective bands they led or joined. However, the comparison of these two drummers is like apples and oranges#8230;

Bill Ward: Versatile and Adaptable

Bill Ward is a top-tier drummer based out of California. He has worked with a variety of artists, ranging from Carly Simon, B.B. King, Bill Champlin, and Bruce Gildis. Each of these artists has a distinct style, but Ward's adaptability is what sets him apart. He can seamlessly blend his drumming styles to fit with the diverse range of musicians with whom he has collaborated.

Keith Moon: The One and Only

Keith Moon, the legendary drummer of The Who, was a one-of-a-kind hard rock player. He was as much a soul of The Who as John Bonham was to Led Zeppelin. Moon was not just a drummer; he was a showman, a showboater, and a monster on stage. His drumming brought a new level of artistry to the drummer's role, making it as important as the bassist, vocalist, and guitarist, all of whom were also masterful in their respective roles with The Who.

The Comparison: Apples and Oranges

The comparison between Bill Ward and Keith Moon is somewhat apples and oranges. While both are exceptional drummers, each excels in different styles and with different bands. Moon's drum parts can be duplicated by many good drummers, while Ward's versatility and adaptability shine through in his collaborations. The current drummer for The Who, Zack Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, brings a more traditional steady tempo to the band, which many argue is a far better fit for the band's style.

Bill Ward: The Power Drummer

Bill Ward's drumming is most impressive in bands that require a lot of power, such as Black Sabbath. However, his drumming during recordings and live performances often leaves something to be desired. His fills are frequently described as sloppy and his playing can feel clumsy and staggered. Some even rate him overrated, a sentiment that was echoed about his Black Sabbath bandmate, Terry "Geezer" Butler.

Keith Moon: The Showman and the Showboater

Keith Moon, on the other hand, was a monster on stage, a showman who loved to showboast. He was passionate, energetic, and brought a unique energy to his performances. While his tempo can be described as sometimes sloppy, one must remember that being a good showman and a showboaster can be incredibly captivating on stage, drawing in crowds in ways that a steady drummer might not. However, his tendency to be a sloppy timekeeper did not sit well with all bandmates, notably the suspiciously wild John Entwistle.

In Conclusion

The question of who is the better drummer between Bill Ward and Keith Moon often stirs up debates. While both are exceptional in their own right, the answer largely depends on the context and the requirement of the music. Bill Ward brings versatility and adaptability, which are crucial attributes for a contemporary drummer. Keith Moon, on the other hand, is a legendary figure, a showman whose energy and showboasting cannot be easily replicated. However, it is important to recognize that a steady tempo can be far better for some bands, and Moons' timekeeping issues might have been a significant factor in his bandmates' perceptions.

Disclaimer: This opinion was edited a few years after posting, and my perspective has been slightly revised since then.