Keith Moon, the drummer of the legendary British rock band, The Who, was known for his outrageous antics on and off stage. But one incident that stands out in his career is the infamous Keith Moon drum explosion that occurred on November 20, 1967, during a performance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. The incident not only shocked the audience but also made headlines around the world.
The Incident
During the performance, Keith Moon's drum kit was loaded with a large amount of explosives, which were supposed to go off at the end of the song. However, due to a miscommunication, the explosives went off prematurely, causing a huge explosion that destroyed the drum kit and injured Moon, his bandmates, and the crew members on stage.
The explosion was so powerful that it blew a hole in the stage floor and shattered the studio's glass doors. Moon was thrown off his seat and suffered burns on his face and arms. Guitarist Pete Townshend was hit by flying debris and suffered hearing loss. Bassist John Entwistle was hit in the head by a cymbal and needed stitches. The crew members also suffered minor injuries.
The Aftermath
The incident caused a lot of damage and chaos on the set, and the show had to be stopped. However, the band decided to continue the performance after a short break, with Moon using a spare drum kit. Despite the injuries, the band members managed to finish the song and received a standing ovation from the audience.
The incident made headlines around the world and became one of the most memorable moments in rock history. It also earned Keith Moon the nickname "Moon the Loon" and cemented his reputation as a wild and unpredictable performer.
The Cause of the Explosion
The cause of the explosion was attributed to a miscommunication between Moon and his pyrotechnics expert, who had loaded the drum kit with more explosives than Moon had requested. Moon had asked for a small explosion to be timed with the end of the song, but the expert misunderstood and loaded the kit with enough explosives to cause a massive blast.
The Legacy
The Keith Moon drum explosion remains one of the most infamous incidents in rock history, and it continues to be talked about and referenced in popular culture. It has inspired countless musicians and performers to push the boundaries of what is possible on stage, and it has also served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive showmanship.
Despite the incident, Keith Moon continued to perform with The Who for several years, until his untimely death in 1978 at the age of 32. He remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of rock music, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
Conclusion
The Keith Moon drum explosion was a shocking and unforgettable moment in rock history that continues to capture the imaginations of music fans around the world. It was a testament to the wild and unpredictable nature of rock and roll, and it remains a powerful reminder of the risks that performers are willing to take in pursuit of their art.