The Drumming Genius of Keith Moon: His Impact on Drumming and Beyond
Keith Moon, the wild and free-spirited drummer of The Who, had a unique and influential style that set him apart as a lead drummer in the band. His distinctive approach to drumming, characterized by continuous rolls and a lack of traditional rudiments, captivated audiences and inspired many drummers. In this article, we explore Moon's drumming style, its origins, and its lasting impact on the music world.
The Evolution of Keith Moon's Drumming Style
Keith Moon's drumming style was a blend of various influences, including jazz, American surf music, and rhythm and blues. His early style was heavily influenced by these genres, which provided him with a broad range of rhythmic and dynamic techniques. Moon's drumming was marked by continuous rolls, single stroke rolls, and an innovative use of the snare wires and toms.
What Makes Keith Moon's Drumming Special
Moon's drumming was characterized by a linear approach and a focus on single strokes. However, he managed to achieve incredible complexity and expressiveness through these techniques. For instance, in his song 'I Can See for Miles,' his continuous rolls and wild cymbal crashes provided a captivating and engaging rhythm, as evidenced by the following lines:
He seemed to do solos in some of the songs no beats but continuous rolls throughout. He did not use rudiments but mostly used the single stroke roll. At times he did quick beautiful 32nd. note rolls.
Despite his lack of formal drumming training, Moon's dedication to his craft and his unique approach to drumming led to his success. His ability to perform drum solos while walking around his kit and playing drum solos added an element of showmanship and entertainment to his performances.
Keith Moon's Musical Inspiration
Keith Moon was a fan of several drummers, including John Henrit of Argent and Ringo Starr from The Beatles. His admiration for Starr was particularly notable, especially for Starr's bass drum patterns and his quick footwork. It is easy to see why Moon would have been inspired by Starr's drumming styles, given their shared passion for impeccable timing and rhythmic precision. However, Moon's favorite band was The Beach Boys, whose characteristic vibe and style could be heard in his own drumming.
The Keith Moon Legacy
The influence of Keith Moon's drumming can still be felt in the music world today. Many drummers cite Moon's innovative style as a source of inspiration, and his legacy lives on through The Who's music. Fans of Moon often recreate his drumming style during performances and jam sessions, ensuring that his unique and artistic approach to drumming remains relevant.
Case Study: ‘The Ox’
One of Keith Moon's most famous contributions to The Who's music is his drumming in 'The Ox,' a song that showcases his exceptional skills with accents and rolls. This track, which starts predominately with a bass and drums, demonstrates Moon's ability to create a thrilling and dynamic rhythm. As a session musician, reproducing this track as closely as possible became a point of pride, especially in performances that featured The Who's music.
Ox was Entwistle's nickname and this song is predominately drums and bass. If you listen closely Moon changes accents and rolls making the song a pretty exciting drum song. Again I did the song exactly like Moon it just had to be that way. All accented single stroke rolls off the snare snare wires off with tom sound and toms. I never liked STARTI...
Conclusion
Keith Moon's drumming style was a unique blend of jazz, American surf music, and rhythm and blues. His continuous rolls, single stroke rolls, and innovative use of the snare wires and toms set him apart as a lead drummer. Despite a lack of formal training, Moon's dedication and showmanship led to his success and inspired many drummers. His enduring influence on the music world makes him one of the most important and influential drummers in history.