The Who are an iconic English rock band formed in London in 1964. Known for their energetic live performances and powerful music, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. Over the years, the band has had several drummers, each contributing their unique style and energy to The Who's sound.
The original drummer of The Who was Doug Sandom, who played with the band from 1964 to 1966. Sandom was known for his powerful and energetic drumming, which helped to define the band's early sound. However, he left The Who in 1966 due to creative differences.
After Sandom's departure, Keith Moon joined The Who in 1966 and quickly became one of the band's most iconic members. Moon was known for his wild and unpredictable drumming style, which added an element of excitement and danger to The Who's live performances. He was also known for his innovative use of drums and percussion instruments.
Who Was the Drummer in The Who?
Iconic English rock band formed in 1964.
- Original drummer: Doug Sandom
- 1964-1966: Sandom's tenure
- Powerful and energetic drumming
- Keith Moon joined in 1966
- Iconic and unpredictable style
- Innovative use of drums and percussion
The Who, with Moon on drums, became one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time.
Original drummer: Doug Sandom
Doug Sandom was the first drummer of The Who, playing with the band from 1964 to 1966. He was known for his powerful and energetic drumming, which helped to define the band's early sound. Sandom's drumming can be heard on some of The Who's most iconic early songs, such as "My Generation" and "Substitute."
Sandom was born in Edmonton, London, England, in 1942. He began playing drums at a young age and was inspired by jazz drummers such as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. In 1964, he joined The Who, which was then known as The Detours. The band's name was changed to The Who in 1965.
During his time with The Who, Sandom played on the band's first three studio albums: "My Generation" (1965), "A Quick One" (1966), and "The Who Sell Out" (1967). He also toured extensively with the band, helping to build their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts of the era.
Sandom left The Who in 1966 due to creative differences. He went on to play with a number of other bands, including Chicken Shack and Savoy Brown. He also worked as a session musician, playing on albums by artists such as Rod Stewart, Elton John, and David Bowie.
Doug Sandom died in 2019 at the age of 76. He is remembered as one of the most influential drummers of the British Invasion era.
1964-1966: Sandom's tenure
Doug Sandom's tenure as the drummer of The Who was a brief but influential period in the band's history.
- Early recordings:
Sandom played on The Who's early singles, including "I Can't Explain" and "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere," as well as their debut album, "My Generation." These recordings showcased Sandom's powerful drumming and helped to establish The Who's sound.
- Live performances:
Sandom was known for his energetic live performances, which helped to build The Who's reputation as one of the most exciting live acts of the era. He was also known for his improvisational skills, which allowed him to create unique and memorable drum parts on the spot.
- Creative differences:
Despite his contributions to the band, Sandom eventually left The Who in 1966 due to creative differences. He felt that the band was moving in a direction that he did not agree with, and he wanted to pursue other musical opportunities.
- Legacy:
Sandom's drumming with The Who helped to define the band's early sound and style. He was a powerful and energetic drummer who brought a sense of excitement and danger to the band's live performances. Although his tenure with The Who was relatively short, he left a lasting legacy on the band and on rock music as a whole.
Sandom's departure from The Who paved the way for Keith Moon to join the band, and Moon would go on to become one of the most iconic drummers in rock history. However, Sandom's contributions to The Who should not be forgotten, and he remains an important figure in the band's early history.
Powerful and energetic drumming
Doug Sandom was known for his powerful and energetic drumming, which helped to define The Who's early sound. He was a hard-hitting drummer who played with a great deal of force and intensity.
- Solid backbeat:
Sandom's drumming was characterized by a solid backbeat, which provided a strong foundation for the band's music. He was able to keep a steady beat, even at high tempos, and his drumming helped to drive the band's songs forward.
- Fills and improvisations:
In addition to his solid backbeat, Sandom was also known for his creative fills and improvisations. He was not afraid to take risks and experiment with different drum patterns, and his fills often added an element of excitement and surprise to The Who's songs.
- Live performances:
Sandom's powerful and energetic drumming was especially evident in The Who's live performances. He was a dynamic and engaging drummer who always gave it his all on stage. His drumming helped to create a sense of excitement and energy that made The Who's live shows unforgettable.
- Influence:
Sandom's drumming had a major influence on other drummers of his era. His powerful and energetic style helped to shape the sound of British rock in the 1960s, and his drumming continues to inspire drummers today.
Sandom's drumming was an essential part of The Who's early sound, and it helped to make the band one of the most exciting and influential rock bands of all time.
Keith Moon joined in 1966
In 1966, Doug Sandom left The Who, and the band was in need of a new drummer. They found their man in Keith Moon, a young and talented drummer who was known for his wild and unpredictable style.
- Unique drumming style:
Moon's drumming style was unique and innovative. He was known for his fast and furious playing, his use of odd time signatures, and his creative fills and improvisations. Moon's drumming brought a new level of excitement and energy to The Who's music.
- Live performances:
Moon was also known for his incredible live performances. He was a dynamic and engaging drummer who always gave it his all on stage. Moon's drumming helped to create a sense of excitement and chaos that made The Who's live shows legendary.
- Influence:
Keith Moon is considered to be one of the greatest drummers of all time. His unique drumming style and his incredible live performances have influenced generations of drummers. Moon's drumming helped to define the sound of rock music in the 1960s and 1970s, and his legacy continues to inspire drummers today.
- Tragic death:
Sadly, Keith Moon died in 1978 at the age of 32 from a drug overdose. His death was a huge loss for the music world, and he is still remembered as one of the most talented and influential drummers of all time.
Keith Moon's tenure with The Who was relatively short, but he left a lasting legacy on the band and on rock music as a whole. His unique drumming style and his incredible live performances helped to make The Who one of the most exciting and influential rock bands of all time.
Iconic and unpredictable style
Keith Moon's drumming style was iconic and unpredictable. He was known for his fast and furious playing, his use of odd time signatures, and his creative fills and improvisations. Moon's drumming brought a new level of excitement and energy to The Who's music.
- Fast and furious playing:
Moon was known for his incredibly fast and furious drumming. He was able to play at a breakneck pace without sacrificing accuracy or power. His fast drumming helped to create a sense of urgency and excitement in The Who's music.
- Odd time signatures:
Moon was also known for his use of odd time signatures. He was not afraid to experiment with different time signatures, and he often used them to create a sense of surprise and complexity in The Who's songs. His use of odd time signatures helped to push the boundaries of rock music.
- Creative fills and improvisations:
Moon was a master of the drum fill. He was always coming up with new and innovative ways to fill the spaces between the beats. His fills were often complex and unpredictable, and they added an extra layer of excitement to The Who's songs. Moon was also known for his improvisational skills. He was not afraid to take risks and experiment with different drum patterns, even during live performances.
- Influence:
Keith Moon's drumming style has influenced generations of drummers. His unique approach to drumming helped to define the sound of rock music in the 1960s and 1970s, and his legacy continues to inspire drummers today.
Keith Moon's iconic and unpredictable drumming style made him one of the most exciting and influential drummers of all time. His drumming helped to make The Who one of the most popular and successful rock bands of all time.
Innovative use of drums and percussion
Keith Moon was known for his innovative use of drums and percussion. He was not afraid to experiment with different sounds and techniques, and he often used unconventional objects to create unique and interesting drum sounds.
- Variety of drums and percussion instruments:
Moon used a wide variety of drums and percussion instruments in his playing. In addition to the traditional drum kit, he also used bongos, timbales, cowbells, and even anvils. His use of different instruments helped to create a rich and textured sound.
- Unusual techniques:
Moon was also known for his use of unusual drumming techniques. He would often play the drums with his hands, his feet, or even his elbows. He also experimented with different ways of striking the drums, such as using brushes or mallets. His innovative techniques helped to create a unique and personal sound.
- Sound effects:
Moon was also a master of sound effects. He would often use his drums and percussion instruments to create sound effects that added to the atmosphere of The Who's songs. For example, he would use bongos to create the sound of thunder, and he would use timbales to create the sound of gunfire. His use of sound effects helped to make The Who's music more immersive and engaging.
- Influence:
Keith Moon's innovative use of drums and percussion has influenced generations of drummers. His unique approach to drumming helped to define the sound of rock music in the 1960s and 1970s, and his legacy continues to inspire drummers today.
Keith Moon's innovative use of drums and percussion made him one of the most unique and exciting drummers of all time. His drumming helped to make The Who one of the most popular and successful rock bands of all time.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Who:
Question 1: Who was the original drummer of The Who?
Answer: The original drummer of The Who was Doug Sandom.
Question 2: When did Keith Moon join The Who?
Answer: Keith Moon joined The Who in 1966.
Question 3: What was Keith Moon's drumming style like?
Answer: Keith Moon's drumming style was iconic and unpredictable. He was known for his fast and furious playing, his use of odd time signatures, and his creative fills and improvisations.
Question 4: How did Keith Moon's drumming influence other drummers?
Answer: Keith Moon's drumming influenced generations of drummers. His unique approach to drumming helped to define the sound of rock music in the 1960s and 1970s, and his legacy continues to inspire drummers today.
Question 5: What are some of The Who's most famous songs?
Answer: Some of The Who's most famous songs include "My Generation," "Substitute," "Who's Next," and "Baba O'Riley."
Question 6: How many Grammy Awards has The Who won?
Answer: The Who have won two Grammy Awards.
Question 7: Is The Who still touring?
Answer: Yes, The Who are still touring. They have a number of tour dates scheduled for 2023.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about The Who. If you have any other questions, please feel free to search online or ask a Who fan.
In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for learning more about The Who:
Tips
Here are a few tips for learning more about The Who:
Tip 1: Listen to their music.
The best way to learn about The Who is to listen to their music. Their discography is extensive, so you're sure to find something you like. Some of their most popular albums include "My Generation," "Who's Next," and "Quadrophenia."
Tip 2: Watch their live performances.
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'll be amazed by their musicianship and stage presence.
Tip 3: Read books and articles about them.
There are many books and articles available about The Who. These can provide you with a deeper understanding of their history, music, and cultural impact. Some popular books about The Who include "The Who: Maximum R&B" by Richard Barnes and "Who I Am" by Pete Townshend.
Tip 4: Visit their official website and social media pages.
The Who have an official website and social media pages where you can find the latest news, tour dates, and other information about the band. You can also connect with other Who fans and discuss your favorite songs and albums.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
These are just a few tips for learning more about The Who. By following these tips, you'll be able to deepen your appreciation for one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Now that you know more about The Who, you can enjoy their music and live performances with a greater appreciation.
Conclusion
The Who are one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. With their powerful and energetic music, their innovative use of drums and percussion, and their incredible live performances, The Who have left a lasting legacy on rock music.
From their early days with Doug Sandom on drums to their later years with Keith Moon behind the kit, The Who have always been known for their unique and exciting sound. Their songs are full of energy and passion, and their live shows are legendary.
The Who have also been pioneers in the use of technology in music. They were one of the first bands to use synthesizers and other electronic instruments, and their music has always been at the forefront of innovation.
The Who are a band that has truly stood the test of time. Their music is still enjoyed by millions of fans around the world, and their influence can be heard in the music of countless other artists.
Closing Message:
If you're a fan of rock music, then you need to check out The Who. Their music is timeless, and their live shows are unforgettable. You won't be disappointed.