Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend on Keith Moon

From BBC4's "Quadrophenia" documentary. 30/06/12

[@oscarcanterbury]

Having read both Pete Townshend's and Roger Daltrey's biographies I get the impression that Pete thought he was above the others and he was in many ways a genius. But the great bands are the ones where all the members combined make them the best in the world. Moon was a massive part of that and actually, the way he played brought so much to the music and gives me so much joy when I hear those insane fills. So I have to disagree with Pete. I also think Daltrey is so underrated, what a voice!

[@loosilu]

Pete is correct that he is a genius. He managed to find 3 other guys that made it happen. Completely agree that Daltrey is underrated, should have been knighed.

[@charliesalzillio8524]

Townsend is nuts!!! Something mentally wrong, The Who 1965-1978 4th greatest rock band of all time, they should have ended the band 1978, the magic the icon status would have began the same as Zeppelin

[@daseguin]

It seriously hurts to hear that Keith was so low as a drummer on Townshend's scales. That's a real bummer to me, and although the music was all great, that disappointment really turns me off. Moon was the greatest rock drummer of all time, right beside Bonzo.

[@apexjoe4769]

Yeah, Pete often commits sacrilege when speaking.The essence of a great band is all its members,not just one person. I agree as well Daltrey is a very underrated singer.

[@thecolourrose9022]

John has one aswell its really good its called the ox

[@oscarcanterbury]

But I have to say one thing about John Entwistle. I've been to a lot of concerts in my life, but seeing him play a bass solo was one of the highlights of my life. I was literally gob smacked! I was so privileged to see that a year before he died.

[@derbystardom]

Keith's drumming made the Who sound even more original. There has never been anything else like it. It made The Who that way too.

[@richbarrowclough9721]

The who wouldn't have been the who without such a great line up. Four amazing individuals , Dropped many a trip watching quadrephenia. Peace and love

[@garyroberts1560]

Yeah - as Roger said, it made the music more dramatic and gave it more of an edge. Pete was such a harsh critic of everyone else in the band at times.

[@sirfizz6518]

It astounds me how Pete complains how we was basically forced to be the rhythm section because they had a lead drummer and a lead bass guitarist. Even all these years later, he hasn't realized that this is exactly what made their sound so special.

[@effdonahue6595]

@@sirfizz6518 Who are you talking about 🤓🚀✌️

[@johnjarpe9055]

The Who, for all of the critical praise they have garnered over the years, had a rhythm section that was absolutely radical and underappreciated. John and Keith are often singled out as individual players but are seldom considered together as a United. John reinvented the bass as the lead bass guitar with a treble sound and Keith played some sort of lead drums while maintaining an unconventional metronome.

[@markcolonna6874]

Not being an expert, but I’ve never heard a better drummer… and in quadrophonia (the greatest rock music ever produced) Keith makes a contribution as equal as any other contributor and the greatest single contribution to rock. I am in awe of his magnificence in quadrophenia

[@jcraigshelton]

Neal Peart was light years better than Moon could’ve dreamed of being. Neal also wasn’t a drunk or a dope head.

[@biffa-dl8hg]

@@jcraigshelton Moon was actually a huge influence on Peart who rated him as one of the greats.

[@ezsmith3765]

Neither of them had The HAMMER of the GODS 🥁🥁🌩⚡️⚡️💥💥

[@sukrame5331]

Many Townshend songs (like amazing journey, sparks and underture) had not been possible whithout Moons remarkable skills and I believe Townshend could'nt have written them if he did'nt have Keith in mind.

[@neilphelan145]

I Can See For Miles would never have happened if it wasn't for Keith!!

[@TheEleatic]

When you hear Townshend’s demos (he played basic drums), you hear that he provided the general direction for the rhythm. He was the greatest Rock and Roll songwriter for many years. Still, Moony contributed to the overall chaos of their sound. Bands are the magic of chemistry.

[@vinceventresca6763]

@@TheEleatic As Pete mentioned in the Forward to “There is No Substitute”, he would attempt to drum like Keith when he produced his demos, something he got away from when he started working on what would become “The Who By Numbers”. Of course, when The Who went into the studio, Keith would add a thing or two of his own to each song. Simply brilliant.

[@ozzie-sk9dh]

His drumming on Sparks is genius

[@cracklinjack___9466]

I don't care what anyone thinks. But Rodger and Pete lost their two bandmates and friends. They grew up in the same area, during the same time and achieved success together. There is so many gone, not just Keith and Ox but so many others from that era and their in their old age now. Let's just treasure who are left and raise a glass to those gone. Cheers to all '60s fans.

[@EDAHSC]

Cheers!

[@carlosrenealanis]

OOOOOOOOUUUUUU,YEAAAAAAAAA!!!!👌

[@bluemax73]

Quadrophenia has some of Keith Moon's finest drumming. He didn't keep a beat, his drumming fit into the overall picture as an essential component of the whole. All hail the Moon. Pete Townsend should have been grateful

[@waltzguy14151]

Hey hold on a minute there... if you want to really appreciate the absolute monster that Keith Moon was as a drummer, listen to "Live at Leeds". His drumming is extraterrestrial on that album. Cheers!

[@bonhamcymbal]

Also his playing on a quick one...I still can't play it well

[@gregthomas1346]

To the untrained eye moony looked like he was just hitting the kit randomly but he was great, really great and in my top 10 drummers and always will be, nailed on

[@mikejohnson2638]

if you think Moon was a great drummer you have no idea what you are talking about.

[@gregthomas1346]

@@mikejohnson2638 well Pete Townshend himself slated him and people for years would rib Ringo starr but then gradually over time that changed but for me moony was the hendrix of drummers, almost as much a focal point as daltrey and the rest, whether he was technically brilliant like buddy rich or Neil peart wasn't the point and as I grew up a Who fan my stance on him will never change

[@mikejohnson2638]

@@gregthomas1346 i'm not interested nor is it my objective to change your opinion, but that is all it is , an 'opinion' noting more, the reality was moon was a very poor drummer, he compensated for his lack of talent by playing the eccentric clown but again in reality, he was just a little man with height issues, all phony.

[@mikejohnson2638]

@@gregthomas1346 Two words...JOHN BONHAM!

[@DontLickLarry]

@@mikejohnson2638 ''Just a little man with height issues''. You know this for a fact?

[@Charlito732]

I remember Townshend celebrating Moon's drumming and feeling sort of guilty of not able to help him during his last years, and in another old interview (90s) he said that when he died it was all over, and they kept going just not kill the band for that demise. In the later years, Townshend remembers Keith with affection, but in a cold way, and with some deep resentment for wasting his life. It's unfare though, Townshend in late 60s (after 67) he kept away from drugs, specially stop doing LSD. But, during the 70s he became a heavy drinker, did pills and later began to use heroin. So, by the time of "Quadrophenia" almost nobody in the band, except for Daltrey, wasn't at their best frame of mind. Zak Starkey in the best drummer they had after Keith Moon.

[@noahreaves8235]

I can’t go as far as saying Zak is the best drummer they’ve had since Keith, I give that to Simon Phillips, but Zak has best fit the band since Keith. Zak is great

[@luishernndez8367]

you have to understand that Pete in the late 60's briefly stopped substance use because he was under Meher Baba's teachings, ultimately influencing Tommy and most of Who's next. After the critical acclaim, he was distraught with the notion of fame and Baba's teachings so he ended up drinking/smoking/snorting again. So yeah, Pete definitely looks back now at Moon's life with resentment for wasting his life away.

[@aimfuldrifter]

Cause Townshend is a prick.

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

Both John Entwistle and the World Class Roger Daltrey knew what Keith Moon was and acknowledged it. Pete, I think was jealous of the fact that Keith stuck out more than he did! Speaking personally, as one who was inspired by Keith to become a pro drummist, what I caught from Keith and took with me into every band I ever played with was this 1. Keep time - a given 2. Listen to the Bass Player but 3. (Most important) follow the lead singer and back him right up!

[@mrlarvux]

Stewart Nicol as BILLY CONNOLLY no, i think hes a bit salty about the financial trouble Keith was at many times, failing to realize that the rest of the band also was very crazy most of the time.

[@ajo3085]

It's always amazing comparing Roger & Pete's interviews. One comes across like a bloke you'd love to just sit and have a drink and chat with and the other comes across like a bloke that wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire.

[@pulsarlights2825]

Pete is up there with Roger Waters and Van Morrison as the top miserable pricks that think they are better then everyone else in the room....

[@Tara-zq3il]

@@pulsarlights2825 well observed

[@bigchief8493]

@@pulsarlights2825 to be fair, Waters and Townshend both had horrific childhoods

[@pulsarlights2825]

@@bigchief8493 Maybe maybe not, so what? Most pedophiles were themselves abused as children, doesn't mean I want them around my children.....

[@jimgoodbye9973]

Pete the nonce

[@bonscott602]

They were all superb. Period. Which made the band super superb.

[@thevelointhevale1132]

Keith was the epitome of Free Rock Drumming ... like Free Jazz ... it went with his free spirit.

[@effdonahue6595]

To the Moon Alice 🌚

[@mygirlpiper]

I love Moonie, watch his drumming from the age of 20 to 23 and I would put him against anyone. He improvised and played in the moment and his instincts "you Can't Teach." And I think TOWNSHEND is allowed to have his opinion it's a hindsight comment but no one can deny they were tight, it's nothing personal Pete loved Keith and nothing can beat the early "Live WHO."

[@Johnny-lr5jt]

You just watched him for 3 years?

[@martymiles784]

because it's pete being pete. Townshend puts up a wall whenever he gets down and personal about people he really respects and loves, the more he puts them down, the deeper his feelings for them.

[@jerryhello]

Hilarious. Pete was a brilliant songwriter, but what would The Who have been without Moon? His live performances MADE the band.

[@bjgrant1234]

exactly!

[@charliesalzillio8524]

Brilliant writer one album Tommy The rest very good writing after Moon all Garbage, they should have finished the band after Moon, today they are considered one of the greatest bands ever! Which is small bunch, if they stoped in 78 The Who today would be icon world wide status just like Led Zeppelin

[@apexjoe4769]

@@charliesalzillio8524 Exactly. They would have ended on a high note!

[@charliesalzillio8524]

Yes it's the Valintino Caruso Dean Monroe Morrison Presley Hendrix And Bruce Lee effect right to icon status

[@charliesalzillio8524]

Moon is icon status by himself

[@elflaco6654]

Never have seen this footage before. I love Kieth, Pete, Roger and that other guy, oh yeah John (the Ox). The Who was my favorite band as a young lad bought all their albums when they came out and saw them live ever chance I could, "Great Live" every time. True Rock Stars!!! Thanks for the upload.

[@haygraphics]

People should read Tony Fletcher's biography of Keith before ripping into Townshend too much for his comments. The Who took most of 1972 off and Moon, who never practiced at home, was a huge pain in the ass when 'Quadrophenia' was being recorded. He'd lost a lot of his confidence and half the time they couldn't find him to get him to the studio. When they got him there they had trouble getting him to work outside his comfort zone the way he had when they recorded 'Who's Next'. Pete is notorious for having an imaginative memory but it's likely he's being more honest here than Roger is. Daltrey and Moon didn't get along at all in the early years. At the beginning of the 1976 tour John and Roger were ready to toss Keith out after two self-inflicted medical emergencies happened without them even having played a show. It was Pete who said "no" to that. Don't misunderstand. I'm a huge fan of Moon's drumming but Alice Cooper said it all with his quip, "if you could live with him he was the greatest drummer of all time". Pete should be cut some slack. He was one of the people living with the guy.

[@thrillynewt]

Brian Hay Interesting, that!

[@denisebowers4389]

+Brian Hay Townsend is a shit. Musically yeah hes the deal. He does the writing. Other than that, he is a nasty spiteful old man. Look how he rails about keith moon. At the Albert Hall, he turned his back on Nigel Kennedy. Was rude to Noel Gallagher. And at the last us gig he took the piss out of roger daltry. Nasty miserable old man. Hey Towns, Its a long long time. That said,Zak Starkey is the best thing that happened to the Who since basher died.

[@helenbryant404]

+Denise Bowers he and Roger have always had ding dongs between each other. I don't think it means much.

[@haygraphics]

Denise Bowers Townshend can be as difficult as Moon was Denise. There's no denying it. That said, Moon kept the Who stressed constantly from the start but their non-stop flow of activity until the end of 1971 kept him reasonably focused. After that it was downhill. Their experiences during the recording sessions for "Quadrophenia" provided an unsettling look at what was to come. Pete wasn't the only one who was pissed off but he's the only one who talks about it.

[@danijelujcic8644]

And yet Quadrophenia was Moon's best studio work and the only one he couldn't outperform live :-)

[@helenbryant404]

Pete changes his stories like the wind changes direction! I have heard this said in one way or another for ages. Roger may sometimes forget stuff and there's almost certainly exaggerating going on on both sides but I know who I believe...

[@helenbryant404]

@@san5a89 usually Roger, but I doubt even him at times... I can't talk, my memory is shocking - and I don't have the excuse that I'm nearly 80!

[@christinecollins6302]

Roger- Pete likes cheap controversy

[@johnbazy]

This is probably the best made film-off-a-TV-screen video I've seen.

[@tattyshoesshigure5731]

One of the things I loved about Moonie was the visual aspect his drumming had on live WHO gigs… it was such an important, integral part of their stage show. His explosive style of drumming was also perfect for the band, it powered their sound during the late 60’s & early ‘70’s when they really were one of the greatest live bands on the planet.

[@NicanTlacaWarrior1]

He's probably angry at Keith to this very day about him dying.

[@roxannemoser]

I'd agree. How do you replace The Octopus?

[@23theseeker50]

The Who would never be the same without Keith Moon he made their sound much more upbeat he was a talented drummer but a bit crazy too but still much missed a proper rock star and the late great John Entwhistle was the two sadly missed.

[@5jerry1]

~ There's no h in the name Entwistle; why do people keep adding the h? No h!

[@effdonahue6595]

@@5jerry1 cuz they want him to whistle

[@pcnazz]

Pete has some really fucked up opinions I must say. He says he really never liked Keith Moon's drumming. Roger also said that Pete called him a sloppy drummer, which Roger states that Keith was never a sloppy drummer, in fact Keith was always spot on. Keith made the music dramatic, Roger stated. I like Pete musically but some of his opinions/comments are ridiculous. For Pete to say shit about Keith's drumming blows me away. Keith Moon made that band come alive when he joined. One thing about Roger, he says it the way it really was and is, I respect that about Roger. The original The Who was a great band together, some say the greatest ever and very well could be. The four together were simply magic at that time and the music stands the test of time and always will.

[@loosilu]

Keith was a genius drummer, as well as a nightmare to live with. I suspect similar can be said of Pete. They adored each other.

[@carlweaver3243]

I've seen, heard and read so many interviews with Townshend over the last 50 years. He is basically a study in Contradiction. I think what Pete found fault with was Moon's erratic behavior, especially the last 2 or 3 years of his life. But, like Roger said, no one could touch him when Keith was on his game. NO ONE.

[@PatrickSherman-dg6co]

Moony’s drumming was insane he would do bridge drum fills damn near drum solo through the whole songs and it fit he was great a man on a mission

[@eliaslekodimitris7459]

wouldnt be who without moon..who made the band explosive.

[@polarbianarchy3333]

Moon made the Who, driving the rick and roll, without Keith Moon the Who would have stalled early. That is what I think anyway. Hus filling the mysic allowed the others to play around

[@ballhawk387]

It appears to me that Townshend has never been able to fully come to terms with Moon for wasting such talent and having been so undisciplined. I've been in bands with very talented people who fucked up and/or didn't "do their homework," and know how frustrating and infuriating it can be. But one can only do so much for anyone else, and beyond that take or leave them as they are. Daltrey is obviously better able to accept him as he was, and simply appreciate his fleeting genius as a musician and entertainer. I highly doubt Townshend would have composed the songs around Moon's drumming to such a then unheard-of degree on the first few Who albums and they'd have had the interplay they did on stage had he not appreciated Moonie's drumming genius at some level, not to mention keeping him in the band, even as dissipated and untogether as Moonie sadly was toward the end. But then, I'm biased, because I've yet to hear any drummer who could energize a song like Moonie did, at least up until 1976. Hearing Moon was was made me take up drumming.

[@aprilgosa6315]

+ballhawk387 Pete is just Pete he loved Keith its a tragedy a life was wasted like that and all that talent on a substance Pete is very anti drug he has his troubles he knows what they do to him and others

[@pgiglio1024]

WRONG. Pete comes off like he’s always unhappy, always annoyed. Not much cheer. It’s how he’s perceived.. However, he loved Keith.. he knows Keith loved him. As time is going on and we are getting smarter to peoples reasons for doing what they do, we realize that Keith Moon didn’t drink and do drugs cause he LOVED IT. he did it for other reasons we weren’t privy to knowing back then. Keith could of been saved was it now, and not with HEMINVEVRIN pills! Cause doctors today would even prescribe it, and they don’t. Never mind prescribe it to a man who took things in access..Goes how far money will get you, and how clueless doctors were.. ever see “tears of a clown”. That’s Keith Moon. Smiling but sad inside. If I got to tell you most likely “why Keith did what he did” then your not really a Keith Fan. And don’t hit me back with “Depression”

[@pgiglio1024]

It’s more likely he’s upset he didn’t try harder and sooner to help his mate , not thinking about his still very successful, untouchable classic band

[@pgiglio1024]

April Gosa Yea sure Peter is ANTI-DRUG, possible now! But when Keith was around. Sure as shit he parties. Roger is anti drug. He stopped a concert for weed smoke a few years ago. He consciously made the decision while Keith was alive NOT TO PARTY. cause that effected his voice, ability to sing and hit notes. He said something along the lines of “ I had to make a decision was either do drugs and party, or my career he picked his career. But even he partied !! For example ROGER was on Acid at Woodstock, Roger was on Dexys. Not often. But he did do stuff once in awhile. Pete loved his DEXYS (Purple Hearts, black beauties). So you are miss informed. And I’m not being a bitch. Some are fortunate enough to be strong minded, and not get hooked. Some have problems beyond comprehension, at the time. And they inevitably got hooked. Like Keith

[@brianorakpohit]

@@aprilgosa6315 Pete is anti drug now cos he survived, and for no other reason. Its easy for a man aged 70 who used to be a heroin addict and alcohol dependent 'dont do drugs'. Give me a break!

[@tommcconville677]

Pete and Roger, if you ever should read this mates, Keith was a stupendous drummer, and consummate showman as well. He had a method to his madness, the wild drumming technique, which some called sloppy, was really a classic display of his skill on the kit. His playing perfectly complemented your guitar riffs, John's bass runs and Roger's vocals. He was one of the best, probably the best drummer in rock.

[@bsottile]

I just heard Roger say "Keith made it drummatic"? I think he meant dramatic but that cockney sounded like he said drummatic. Drummatic works!!!!

[@billvw1974]

All I know is without keith moon the band is not what it was.keith is the who.May his spirit live on .love ya Keith!

[@markhunter8554]

Or without the Ox.

[@paulosullivan8747]

Great moon the loon

[@paulosullivan8747]

God bless you Kith

[@EDAHSC]

In an interview with Roger, I think early 70's, he state's when Keith joined, that's what kicked us to the next level.

[@metsfan769]

Kieth Moon is simply the best drummer ever and let’s not forget the quiet guy of the group John Entwhistle who I think is the greatest rock bassist

[@nycinstyle]

I agree with you. Can't possibly be his real thoughts on Moon. Townshend must of really held him in very high regard, just didn't speak his true feelings. Maybe he wanted to be the absolute centerpiece of the band (which as the songwriter in many ways he was). Keith grabbed a lot of attention. If Townshend really thought Keith was not that good, he would have gotten another drummer from the start. Keith Moon was/is regarded as a terrific drummer by practically everyone in the recording business.

[@Robcatist]

Your 100% right the original Who died with Moon. Its good to see Daltrey and Townsend still have much affection for ole Moon the loon!!

[@tomq5180]

I'm not a musician but I know what drummer I like to listen to and who is my favorite..hands down, KEITH MOON!

[@rowley1950]

Great to see this. Wish it had gone longer and deeper because both guys seemed to have different opinions. But in the end, both loved Moonie.....I'm sure the video stopped just as Brighton beach came into view :)

[@SL-vi4tk]

Entwistle loved his drumming. That's the only opinion that counted.

[@Trunkspowsword]

Where does he bash Keith's drumming skills anyway? When he says "Keith wasn't at his best as a human being" he refers to Keith's alcohol addiction.

[@johnwestcott5612]

I've been watching quite a few Townsend interviews on here recently and I'm starting to wonder if he likes anyone besides himself.

[@RedArrow73]

John Westcott People who exhibit this at the core don't like themselves.

[@johnwestcott5612]

RedArrow73 Possibly. Townsend always struck me as a very cranky, generally unhappy guy, both with his music and himself and bandmates.

[@IxfinnMC]

John Westcott Well maybe if you had tinnitus as bad as him, you probably would be very cranky and unhappy too

[@johnwestcott5612]

Finn Connell Possibly, but he always seemed pretty cranky to me. Did he always have that problem?

[@IxfinnMC]

hmm don't know but meh thats his life, and there are more cranky rockstars than him bahaha. but you should check out some of petes autobiographies. it's pretty interesting how he grew up and formed The Who. but yes he did have some unfortunate events in his childhood and throughout his life so i dont really blame him

[@Every-picture-tells-a-story]

If it wasn’t for Keith Moon 🌙 I don’t we would have much to talk then. The Who would be just another band from the 1960s

[@gastonlopez8547]

Genios creadores, libres!!!! Sólo disfrutar!!!!

[@joebrewer4529]

I think the most important player of The Who with John! When his Starla base finally developed after they started playing a lot more live. He changed the way booth, Keith and Pete played. And the moment that John to finally develop that style, they just flew off like a rocket. The most underrated thing about Keith is that he was a Jan & Dean fan!

[@pulsarlights2825]

Ever hear that story how Moon and Entwhistle were going to quit the Who and form a band with Jimmy Page, that ultimately became The New Yardbirds/Led Zeppelin. I think it was Keith who came up with the idea of Led Zeppelin aka a "Lead Balloon"....

[@markhunter8554]

John also claimed to have came up with the name Led Zeppelin.

[@musicffan1863]

Loved MooN.... what personality.

[@Johnny-lr5jt]

Townshend has a way with putting down his bandmates, especially when they aren't around to defend themselves. He recently talked about how he didn't like Entwistle's too-busy bass playing. Too bad. That crazy rhythm section was a big part of what made The Who stand out from other bands.

[@diverdave4056]

and the next day he was the best Bass player in the world !

[@SunshineSuperstar]

I think you're miss understanding him. He's likely reminiscing about specific instances. Like in this where he says he didn't think much of Moons drumming, sacrilegious I know... he's talking about a specific instance. Like the very first time hearing him. The fact that he even worked with these men shows what he really thinks!

[@saifonlawrence2044]

The Who,Zep,Floyd....all from far far greater galaxies than our own .

[@abercrombie1416]

No drummer surely could not do what Keith done on the song young man blues on the stop where he hits the drum and the stick flys up in the air and he catches it ,an amazing feat 😊

[@LightenUpMcGraw]

I've never seen this before, surprising to hear Pete say he didn't think much of Keith as a drummer. I think Keith deserves more credit for Pete and The Who's success then he is giving Keith, but WHO knows. His energy certainly drove that band live in their heyday. He was limited in his style but still it was a perfect match for the other players in that band.

[@cheothegeo2742]

Then you missed the most important thing he said about Keith. “He listened”. Meaning the fact that he wasn’t much of a drummer didn’t fucking matter cuz he knew how to listen and connect to his band mates which is infinitely more important.

[@blindsteinofthemountain3831]

Pete's stated opinion of Moon's skill in this interview was merely his first impression that changed within a period of one show. The first show. Otherwise, Moon would have been elsewhere.

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

Townshend never even realised that all his Birthdays. Christmasses etc etc all turned up at once with Keith.

[@RichardMedhurst]

This is the best comment in history about The Who.

[@bsnf-5]

What do you mean?

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

@@bsnf-5 Pete did not appreciate the massive visual, show-off talent of Keith. I think he would have preferred a straight time keeper.

[@kayandaeddings4803]

There is something that some people do know and some people don't. Keith was the one who taught Ringo stars son Zack how to play drums. In fact, he was a part of the who around the 90s and 2000s. And Zach plays almost identical to Keith if you listen to the who's live laterwork.

[@garyroberts1560]

Love that segment of Pete on who's paying for the Rolls Royce

[@simplesecretof]

'Jealous' Pete T........so sad as it could have been him whose life was tragically taken. Keith M - often cited as the greatest rock drummer of all time and a Star in his own right. Get over it Pete.🕉

[@isabeleccles8962]

Roger

[@wiiliamgarwood2158]

Keith Moon what an excellent drummer.

[@user-jz3lk1oo5e]

I know but what can you do.He is the best drummer of all time

[@williamparker1085]

dont be stupid, as a drummer I can tell you his kit bag was very limited........Townsend was right !!

[@kewlfonz]

One of the best drummers in rock EVER!!!

[@qdog568]

One reason I can only think of is how Roger ripped apart Kenney Jones's drumming and that pissed Pete off because Kenney was Pete's choice to replace Keith. And Pete over the years has loved getting under Roger's skin with remarks like that and I'm guessing this is another of his trying to piss Roger off moments.

[@bobbarry1547]

I have always preferred Pete’s voice to Roger’s… but it is the power and delivery of Daltrey’s voice that sets Pete’s vulnerability and honesty (like it or not) apart…the contrast between them being greater as a whole than the sum of their respective parts. Keith’s playing complimented John’s virtuosity in such a unique way… weaving in, out, and around Entwistle’s complex runs, with Pete slamming power chords underneath (or over) it all…at the height of their musical powers (Who’s Next, Quadrophenia) they were one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

[@charliesalzillio8524]

Where does Townsend get off putting down Moon's drumming is he NUTS????? Would be like Page putting down Bonham!!

[@isaiahangelo]

I think what Pete is saying is that Keith was never a pocket drummer. He wasn't. Pete has said this before. Keith was very much an improvisational drummer. And he is the sound of the Who. Without Moon there is no Who sound. Quadrophenia was his peak work as a drummer.

[@mrbobevans]

I completely agree. After Keith, the Who never sounded the same, especially after John died.

[@johnny-p]

Saw them a few times with Moon, the a couple of times with Kenny Jones, who I'd seen in the Faces. He was perfect for the Faces but not right for a rock band. I never went to see them again. Just not the same without Moon.

[@user-xu4ow3bu6f]

Yes I was at the Paramount theater in Passaic New Jersey in 1978 after Moon had just died and Kenny Jones stopped and it was really a big nothing I have to tell the truth. 42 years later

[@waynej2608]

After Moon, the best drummer for the Who, is Zack Starkey. Saw him with them a couple of times, and he blows Kenny off the map.

[@gow03333]

@@waynej2608 that's the truth 👍, saw the who in earls court 96 , but more recently on a number of occasions with Zac ,he is the next best thing

[@johnshields6852]

Pete is honest, gotta love that. So much of rock is following, someone says, oh, that's the best musician ever, and people just fall in line, it's refreshing to hear the brutal truth.

[@FooFilmOfficial]

According to Moon's biography, Pete and Keith had a very tense relationship. Pete never showed much shock to Keith's death and was always annoyed with his personality.

[@Cinemagoer_64]

It is my belief that Pete loved Keith deeply and has held it against Keith for dying. Pete cut himself off from his feelings.

[@apexjoe4769]

@@Cinemagoer_64 True. I always thought that myself.

[@vinceventresca6763]

@@Cinemagoer_64 Pete admits that Moon’s death was not much of a surprise. I don’t believe he’s ever truly come to terms with his death either. In one interview he’s bashing Keith as being not much of a drummer, and then later praising his musical genius. Even now he’s expressing sorrow that he didn’t, or couldn’t, do more to keep Moon alive. With all that, I do believe Pete loved Keith dearly, and Moon’s death hurt him far more than he’d ever let on.

[@strangebloke7]

Yes, It's from BBC4's "Quadrophenia" documentary. Broadcast in the UK on 30/06/12.

[@joe1972]

I'd like an interviewer to set Pete up and as soon as the question about Keith's drumming is answered with "He wasn't all that great a drummer", then show Pete another clip of him extolling Keith as a musical genius, just to see Pete's reaction. Pete's like the wind changing direction time and again. Hard to take his word seriously.

[@beekay5914]

Not the best drummer of all time, but he was my favorite. He played loosely and with unbridled abandon, and he was the right drummer for the band. I saw The Who less than two years after Moonie died, and I am very disappointed that I never got to see him play, but the band was incredible to see and hear, nonetheless.

[@effdonahue6595]

King live Moondoggy!!

[@ernestconnell8087]

Come on Pete 😆. Isn’t Keith Moon at or near the top of the rock drummers all time list? Keith played his part in help making The Who, one of the all time greatest rock bands.

[@qdog568]

I believe Pete's cheap shot at Keith is to piss Roger off. This has to go back to Roger not liking Kenney Jones as the replacement for Keith. And it was Pete who pushed to get Kenney into the band.

[@garynash7594]

Keith Moon was the Who!!! Sorry Mr. Townshend! , You wrote the lyrics, it was your vision yes, fantastic guitar and chord progressions top notch 👍 John's contribution , magnificent!, Roger perfect front man, lotsa' heart ❤️!! All three love them. But to me listening since 1966... I perceived that the 3 band members were communicating the entire sought after end product to this Dali-esque madman because they knew that it was him alone that could do the final slinging of the paint 🎨 and clarify the message as it was intended. I noticed from the first time I heard the Who, that their drummer was constructing an entire reality for them to get the point across! I suspect he must have been an incredibly loyal person.

[@serviceshuttleergm1106]

Keith Moon was awesome. Period!!

[@randomguyontheinternet7940]

I've never seen someone have this much fun during an interview.

[@toniquinn9270]

K I would just like to tell you, my husband and I are such loyal fans of yours. I think Keith Moon is the best rock ‘n’ roll drummer there ever has been an ever will be I hope you are resting and playing lots of music with all your friends who are in rock ‘n’ roll heaven with you. And I hope one day to see you there.

[@billmay7364]

THE WHO. Not the same without MOonie. Keith brought the fire and Unpredictable element to the Band. Add the OX. As far as the goods. THE WHO LIVE. Back then. Can't touch them. Look at Live at Leeds. Zeppelin couldn't even touch them live. THE WHO and maybe JIMI were the best to see LIVE. 69 KING CRIMSON as well. They all brought that Power. That tension between Pete Townsend and Moon made them great . All four brought it.

[@thelongtrotter]

i never listen to Townsend much just his music and there is no one better if you can get your head around my meaning

[@joesimon2018]

He was a great drummer. Pete is daft

[@tonym994]

I am a true blue WHO fan. but except for a couple of incidents (I saw one)where he was physically unable to play because of pills ,Moon and his partner in crime,John Entwistle were ,in general, night in night out, pound for pound ,more musically reliable than Pete and Roger. many YT bootlegs are spoiled by either Roger's often off key, sluggish voice or Pete sounding like dog shit while flying thru the air. Moon played off what Pete wrote pretty faithfully most of the time.I fully understand ,having read the book Brian Hay recommends ,that he was,on and off stage ,especially near the end, an impossible person.they are considered by many, to be the best live band ever, and (although they can do no wrong, almost ,in my eyes) that's actually very generous .you do have to play your instrument some times, and not only hit it with your fist. in the ODORONO 'AD' on SELLOUT you can see the little cuts on Pete's hand.ironically, they are an underrated studio band.

[@jonapplegate6695]

You nailed it.

[@neckarsulme]

I never knew Pete didn't think too much of Keith's drumming

[@tommywomack9530]

Pete Townshend is known for saying one thing one day and completely opposite thing the next day, but he absolutely meant what he said… when he was saying it!

[@jasonrubin5545]

Note "The Beach Boys" at 1:30. Keith loved them.

[@earlmaguire6781]

I agree but I can't wait to see them play in NH in Feb

[@smith9808]

Moon was the Who, pete hates that fact.

[@AlmostEthical]

Both The Who and The Police showed the appeal of having the guitar stay at home while the drums adds the colour and flair. Tool's another one.

[@teamviagraham]

Pete forgets, without Keith & John Pete's just another musician song writer.

[@craigmcgill4393]

lol poor pete getting it tight here. a think everyone is getting a a bit sensitive to his comment because it's about our beloved dear boy who's no longer with us. but a think all he means is at times less is more, when Keith couldn't help himself going into a wold of his own and playing a 5 minute long drum fill... Tommy wouldn't have been as successful if it wasn't Keith playing those drums. a generally believe if keith wasn't cutting it townshend would of sacked him long before he died. a think townshend like to say things for a reaction aswell. Wouldn't look too much into it Who fans. Sleep well tonight

[@billyidol2115]

You can see this whole documentary done by the BBC and HQ sound if you just go search for it. The sound on this is absolutely deplorable. It's like a seven-part documentary on KZbin with the BBC being the channel you should be looking for, or just in the search box inter BBC documentary The Who

[@mell3109]

I have heard Pete T slate Moons drumming a lot however I don’t think he will ever get the fact listeners love his drumming

[@flynntaylor5459]

I think Townsend was angry at Keith in this interview... come on Townsend is a musical genius he knows that moon put the who in a different league with what he could do with a set of sticks and an attitude. He can't fool me on that one. But choosing to admit to the ears of the world well thats something else. For myself moon was the first true drummer that had an energenized passion to say something with his drums... a true connection of how he feels. Sure there are technical drummers who hit the right tone with a beat as told. They even can be monsters on their kits. But Keith didn't play that way he played as a way to express this thoughts about Townsend music and lyrics. It's emotional. He could his heart out there. Only one drummer I know that plays in the same style with those extra fills and that's Danny serpentine of the group chicago. Keith is a legend, a man who showed us that drums can truly be your own and that joy you experience from playing can free you. Keith didn't play by the rules in anything in life really including his drums but that what made him an orginal.he had that sparkle and shine when all of us stood in awe. I wish it had been a little longer but that music never dies. What a phenomenal musical he was... ❤❤❤❤❤❤ Never be another moon. Rip 🙏

[@Youman71463]

i forget which who dvd it was but there are interview clips dealing with the near decision to fire moon because he'd lost his ability to time his rapid fire flare for fills and they show clips of him trying to play and fucking up terribly yet trying to come up smiling like it was all going to be ok, towser claims he tried to get him to play at a mellower pace but he just wouldn't and he died not long afterwards - i'm sure some who-phile on here knows which film that would be - i'm just saying, believe me i know full well their best years were the moon years, but it did get pathetic near the end of his life

[@Ginger7024]

starman714 we all know Keith self destructed. 1) The band both lost money from is ways (this is why Kit and Chris got fired and sued - many incidental touring expenses were on Keith) BUT the publicity that he got for his wild antics made up for it 2) There was no way Keith could continue to drum at his level and speed as he aged, let alone his lifestyle which (I believe added pressure on him) 3) They tried to get him help towards the end, but he was totally out of control long before that. Maybe they didn't see it because he was living in LA for a while, but they knew he had a self destructive personality and I don't think they really tried to help until it was too late (he tried to sober up because he was killing himself and then the reality of the damage he had done to his body set in and he knew that he could never be the drummer he had been and it killed him.....HE GAVE HIS LIFE TO THE WILD AND CRAZY LIFESTYLE HE HAD TO LIVE TO MAKE THE MUSIC. Without the excesses and drugs and alcohol, he would not have been the same and most likely not played/sounded the same. I am not endorsing drugs and alcohol, unless you too want go to an early grave, but don't belittle the contribution he made to the band because the lifestyle and afflictions killed him because The Who wouldn't have had the sound they did with a normal drummer......He sounded great in 75 it was only the very end he was out of shape and nearly dead from the booze when he was a more average drummer and not super Moon, phenomena anymore.... Pete should have appreciated the time he was here more instead of taking bad of him....

[@jonapplegate6695]

Easy. He is still in denial because they lost him and Pete is trying to lessen the emotional blow to this day. Roger champions Keith even though they were the most at odds. Pete cannot except Keith is gone. Not a knock on any of them, people handle loss in different ways.

[@theram4320]

Funny isn't it? For all Townsend's arrogance and songwriting ability, very few people remember Townsend for his ability on the guitar. He's left nowhere near the same instrumental legacy as Moon the drummer. Moon was absolutely unique on a drum kit, no doubt.

[@toreckman8899]

Not sure I agree with Pete here but I understand to a point. But Pete, what made the Who famous was their unique approach to music. That said, I’ll always admire Pete for decking Abbie Hoffman at Woodstock.

[@borisyelp5195]

Ever see the photo of Keith moon running one of his sports cars into his swimming pool I LMAO rip Keith.

[@robschachter-rj2uo]

Two things can be true at once - Keith was the heart and soul of the group but Pete and john realized he could no longer play during The Who are you sessions. It’s frustration that lead them to pick Jones for stability.

[@caseyjoanz]

He was no drummer, but what defines a drummer in rock? John Entwistle carried the bottom end, and Moon was flash. It worked. Keith Richards is sloppier than Ron Wood - who may not be a genius, but he’s a guitarist - but the Stones without Richards would be like The Who without Moon.

[@chrisfournier6144]

It’s pretty rich to go on about Pete’s comment regarding Keith. You like the Who? Me too. Did you play with Keith? Me neither so our opinions are as listeners only. Pete played with Moon and most drummers Would agree that Keith kept time poorly. Keith’s chaos on the drums is absolutely part of the Who sound. No doubt. Pete was there, he spoke his mind and that’s all it is. People who know a lot less talk like they know a lot more. That’s ridiculous.

[@pulsarlights2825]

I like Keith's wild dramatic crazy drum rolls, but I do understand what Pete is trying to say....Moon was very unconventional.

[@fredtheted2259]

Pete was an absolute genius song writer, but he comes across as such a bitter man, when it comes to the other members of the band particularly Keith and John, without those two those songs would be seriously lacking, and when it comes to the live gigs even more so