If you are asking the question "Who is the drummer for The Who?", you are perhaps somewhat familiar with their famous anthem "Who are You", or maybe you have heard one of their other hit singles such as "Behind Blue Eyes" or "Pinball Wizard". Regardless of how or why you ended up here, I shall attempt to explain the history of The Who, the often-overlooked drummers that graced the kit, and who currently holds the drum throne for the English rock band.
The Who are an English rock band formed in London in 1964. The original lineup consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and singer Pete Townshend, bass player John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of all time, and their music has been praised for its energy, creativity, and originality. The Who have sold over 100 million records worldwide, and they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame.
As you might expect from a band that has been around for over 50 years, there have been several drummers who have played with The Who over the years, plus a long list of touring and session musicians.
Who is the Drummer for The Who
Here are 8 important points about the drummers of The Who:
- Original drummer: Keith Moon
- Known for wild antics
- Died in 1978
- Replaced by Kenney Jones
- Jones played on 3 albums
- Left band in 1985
- Simon Phillips took over
- Current drummer: Zak Starkey
The Who have had a number of drummers over the years, but Keith Moon is undoubtedly the most iconic. He was known for his wild antics and his unique drumming style. After Moon's death in 1978, The Who continued with Kenney Jones on drums. Jones played on three albums with the band before leaving in 1985. Simon Phillips then took over on drums, and he has been with the band ever since.
Original drummer: Keith Moon
Keith Moon was born in Wembley, London, on August 23, 1946. He began playing drums at an early age, and he was known for his wild and energetic style. He joined The Who in 1964, and he quickly became one of the most popular drummers in the world.
Moon was known for his unique drumming style, which was characterized by his use of fills, rolls, and cymbal crashes. He was also known for his energetic performances, which often involved him jumping around the stage and destroying his drum kit.
Moon was also a talented songwriter, and he wrote or co-wrote some of The Who's biggest hits, including "My Generation" and "Won't Get Fooled Again". He was also a gifted actor, and he appeared in several films, including "The Kids Are Alright" and "Tommy".
Moon died on September 7, 1978, at the age of 32. He had been suffering from a variety of health problems, including alcoholism and drug addiction. His death was a major blow to The Who, and they struggled to continue without him.
Keith Moon was one of the most iconic drummers of all time. He was known for his wild and energetic style, his unique drumming technique, and his songwriting skills. He was also a talented actor. Moon's death in 1978 was a major loss for The Who and for the music world as a whole.
Known for wild antics
Keith Moon was known for his wild and energetic stage antics. He would often jump around the stage, destroy his drum kit, and even set off explosives. Here are a few specific examples of his antics:
- Exploding drum kits: Moon was known for destroying his drum kits during performances. He would often set off explosives inside his bass drum, or he would smash his cymbals with his sticks.
- Jumping into the crowd: Moon would often jump into the crowd during performances. He would sometimes crowd surf, or he would simply dive into the audience.
- Destroying hotel rooms: Moon was also known for destroying hotel rooms. He would often throw furniture out of windows, or he would set fires in the房間。
- Dressing in drag: Moon sometimes dressed in drag during performances. He would often wear women's clothing and makeup.
Moon's wild antics were a major part of his appeal. He was a larger-than-life character, and his performances were always unpredictable. He was also a very talented drummer, and his unique style helped to make The Who one of the most popular bands in the world.
Died in 1978
Keith Moon died on September 7, 1978, at the age of 32. His death was a major blow to The Who, and they struggled to continue without him.
- Cause of death: Moon died of a drug overdose. He had been taking a variety of prescription drugs, and he accidentally took too many. He was found dead in his apartment by his girlfriend.
- Aftermath: Moon's death sent shockwaves through the music world. The Who were forced to cancel their upcoming tour, and they went into a period of mourning. They eventually continued without Moon, but they never quite regained their former glory.
- Legacy: Moon is considered to be one of the greatest drummers of all time. He was known for his unique style, his energetic performances, and his songwriting skills. He was also a talented actor. Moon's death was a major loss for The Who and for the music world as a whole.
- Tribute: In 1982, The Who released a tribute album to Moon called "Face Dances". The album featured guest appearances from a variety of musicians, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Elton John.
Keith Moon's death was a tragic loss for the music world. He was a one-of-a-kind drummer, and he will never be forgotten.
Replaced by Kenney Jones
After Keith Moon's death in 1978, The Who were faced with the difficult task of finding a new drummer. They eventually settled on Kenney Jones, who had previously played with The Faces and Small Faces.
Jones was a solid drummer, but he was no Keith Moon. He didn't have Moon's unique style or his energetic stage presence. However, he was a reliable drummer, and he helped The Who to continue making music.
Jones played on three albums with The Who: "Face Dances" (1981), "It's Hard" (1982), and "Who's Next" (1984). He also toured extensively with the band.
In 1985, Jones left The Who. He was replaced by Simon Phillips, who has been the band's drummer ever since.
Kenney Jones was a good drummer, but he was never able to fill Keith Moon's shoes. He was a solid and reliable drummer, but he didn't have Moon's unique style or his energetic stage presence. However, he helped The Who to continue making music after Moon's death, and he is still respected by fans of the band.
Jones played on 3 albums
Kenney Jones played on three albums with The Who:
- Face Dances (1981): This was The Who's first album after Keith Moon's death. It was a commercial success, but it was not as well-received by critics as some of the band's previous albums.
- It's Hard (1982): This album was a more experimental effort for The Who. It featured a wider range of musical styles than their previous albums. It was not as commercially successful as Face Dances, but it was praised by critics for its originality.
- Who's Next (1984): This album was a return to form for The Who. It was a commercial success, and it was praised by critics for its strong songwriting and energetic performances.
Kenney Jones' drumming on these albums is solid and reliable. He doesn't have Keith Moon's unique style or his energetic stage presence, but he is a competent drummer who helps to keep the band's sound together.
Left band in 1985
Kenney Jones left The Who in 1985. There are a few different reasons why he left the band.
- Musical differences: Jones and the other members of The Who had different musical tastes. Jones wanted to explore more experimental and electronic sounds, while the other members of the band wanted to stick to their traditional rock sound.
- Personal problems: Jones was struggling with personal problems at the time. He was going through a divorce, and he was also having financial difficulties.
- Desire for a solo career: Jones wanted to pursue a solo career. He felt that he was being held back creatively by The Who.
Whatever the reasons, Jones left The Who in 1985. He was replaced by Simon Phillips, who has been the band's drummer ever since.
Simon Phillips took over
After Kenney Jones left The Who in 1985, the band recruited Simon Phillips as their new drummer. Phillips is a highly skilled and experienced drummer who has played with a variety of artists, including Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, and Toto.
- Musical style: Phillips is known for his technical proficiency and his ability to play a wide range of musical styles. He is also known for his powerful and energetic drumming.
- Live performances: Phillips is a dynamic live performer. He is known for his energetic and engaging stage presence.
- Studio work: Phillips is also a highly sought-after studio drummer. He has played on hundreds of albums, including albums by The Who, Jeff Beck, and Mick Jagger.
Simon Phillips has been the drummer for The Who since 1985. He is a highly skilled and experienced drummer who has helped the band to continue making great music.
Current drummer: Zak Starkey
Zak Starkey is the current drummer for The Who. He is the son of Ringo Starr, the drummer for The Beatles. Starkey has been playing drums since he was a child, and he has played with a variety of artists, including Oasis, Johnny Marr, and Sheryl Crow.
Starkey joined The Who in 2006. He replaced Simon Phillips, who had been the band's drummer for over 20 years. Starkey is a highly skilled and experienced drummer, and he has quickly become an integral part of The Who.
Starkey is known for his solid drumming and his ability to play a wide range of musical styles. He is also known for his energetic live performances. Starkey has helped The Who to continue making great music, and he is a valuable member of the band.
In addition to his work with The Who, Starkey has also released two solo albums. He is also a member of the band SSH, which features his father Ringo Starr and guitarist Steve Lukather.
Zak Starkey is a talented and experienced drummer who has helped The Who to continue making great music. He is a valuable member of the band, and he is sure to continue to be a major force in the music world for many years to come.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Who:
Question 1: Who are The Who?
Answer 1: The Who are an English rock band formed in London in 1964. The original lineup consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and singer Pete Townshend, bass player John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon.
Question 2: What is The Who's most famous song?
Answer 2: The Who have many famous songs, but their most iconic song is probably "Who Are You". Other popular songs include "My Generation", "Behind Blue Eyes", and "Pinball Wizard".
Question 3: Who is the current drummer for The Who?
Answer 3: The current drummer for The Who is Zak Starkey. He is the son of Ringo Starr, the drummer for The Beatles.
Question 4: How many albums have The Who released?
Answer 4: The Who have released 12 studio albums, 2 live albums, and numerous compilation albums.
Question 5: How many Grammy Awards have The Who won?
Answer 5: The Who have won 1 Grammy Award. They won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 1997 for their album "Quadrophenia".
Question 6: Is The Who still touring?
Answer 6: Yes, The Who are still touring. They have a number of tour dates scheduled for 2023.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about The Who. If you have any other questions, feel free to do a search online or ask a Who fan.
Now that you know a little bit more about The Who, here are a few tips for getting the most out of your Who experience:
Tips
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your Who experience:
Tip 1: Listen to their albums.
The Who have a long and storied career, and they have released many great albums. Take some time to listen to their music and get to know their sound. Some of their essential albums include "Who's Next", "Quadrophenia", and "Who Are You".
Tip 2: See them live.
The Who are known for their energetic and exciting live performances. If you have the opportunity to see them live, don't miss it. You're in for a treat.
Tip 3: Read about them.
There are many books and articles written about The Who. If you're interested in learning more about the band, their music, and their history, do some reading. You'll find a lot of interesting information out there.
Tip 4: Connect with other fans.
There are many Who fan clubs and online forums where you can connect with other fans of the band. This is a great way to share your love of The Who and learn more about them.
These are just a few tips for getting the most out of your Who experience. By following these tips, you can learn more about the band, their music, and their history. You can also connect with other fans and share your love of The Who.
The Who are one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. They have released many great albums and singles, and they have toured the world for decades. If you're a fan of rock music, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Who.
Conclusion
The Who are one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. They have released many great albums and singles, and they have toured the world for decades. Their music is known for its energy, creativity, and originality.
The Who have had a long and storied career, and they have seen their share of ups and downs. They have lost two of their original members, Keith Moon and John Entwistle, but they have continued to make music and tour.
The Who are a testament to the power of rock music. They have inspired generations of fans with their music, and they continue to be one of the most popular live bands in the world.
If you're a fan of rock music, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Who. You won't be disappointed.