By 1966, The Who with their generation-defining sound and fiery live performances had made them rock stars across Britain.But Moon the drummer, wasn’t always so keen on being a part of the band that included the tempestuous relationships of himself Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and John Entwhistle. Moon began looking to other London-based bands to showcase his talents. The Animals turned Moon down after an unsuccessful pitch and so Moon decided to ask Paul McCartney if there was room in the band for him.
Dryly, McCartney replied the group weren’t really looking for a drummer. The Beatles may have had some hard times in the latter part of their career but unlike many other groups they never replaced members. Even when Ringo and George Harrison walked out on the group in 1968 and 1969, The Beatles returned as the Fab Four once more.
In Mark Blake’s Pretend You’re in a War, the Who biographer noted that Moon approached McCartney at the Scotch of St. James, a shadowy central London club. After making his way to McCartney’s booth he suggested that he should “join” The Beatles. Without missing a beat McCartney suggested that the drummer take it up with Ringo.
Whether he ever did speak to Ringo about that night he almost tried to take his job is unclear but Moon and Starr enjoyed a great friendship before Moon’s untimely death. In fact, the pair were so close that Moon was the man to give Zak Starkey, Ringo’s son, his first drum kit. Zak has since performed on the drums for The Who many times. His last outing was on their 2019 tour.
No comments:
Post a Comment