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Keith lives on in a blue Moon
Danny Brierley09.03.09
The original wild man of rock, drummer Keith Moon of The Who has been honoured with a historic blue plaque.
It was unveiled last night at the site of the Marquee Club in Soho, where The Who played their first gig in the Sixties.
Moon died in 1978 at the age of 32 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.
Roger Daltrey, The Who's lead singer, was present at the unveiling ceremony along with Moon's mother, Kit.
Awarding Moon the blue plaque attracted some controversy.
English Heritage turned down the drummer saying he did not yet meet its criteria However, several bodies can award the prestigious plaques and The Heritage Foundation stepped in and brokered the deal for Moon.
The Marquee in Wardour Street was chosen because The Who made their debut there on 24 November 1964, and went on to play the venue 29 times. Mobs of scooter-riding fans turned up at the event.
David Graham, trustee of the Heritage Foundation, said: "He was one of the great drummers of that era, it was right we celebrated him.
"A lot of people turned up for the ceremony. Roger Daltrey was there and said some nice words, Keith's family were present. It was a really jolly event."
A spokeswoman for English Heritage said: "The application to commemorate Keith Moon with a blue plaque was considered very carefully by the English Heritage Blue Plaques panel.
"Moon met the basic criteria for consideration under the English Heritage scheme but the panel concluded that not enough time has elapsed to allow him to be judged alongside his peers, most of whom are still living."
She added: "This is not to say that Moon will not be eligible for commemoration under the English Heritage scheme in the future when a more comprehensive appraisal of his reputation and contribution can be concluded."
Reader views (8)
I wish I had known and would have tried to be there! Good on ya, Moonie!
Love,
G
- Georgiana, Glendale, CA. USA
Considering the amount of attention and fame Moon and The Who brought to England, I'm not sure of the reason for the objection over the honor. (Excuse the spelling, I'm American). Pete Townshend was awarded a medal for his contribution to the arts at Kennedy Center (in Washingtion DC) recently, and there were no complaints about it over here.
- Broombie, Pennsylvania-USA
Heh-heh, he'd have had a chuckle at this, Bet he's creating a storm whereever he ended up!
- Gavin, Sydney Australia
Keith deserves the recognition and was the most unique drummer in rock'n roll and he played in the greatest 'live' band of them all. I'll tip my hat to this.
- Derick Bhupsingh, Tunapuna, Trinidad
Unfortunately I could not be there. Honour to the best drummer at last. Keith will probably laugh and try to destroy the blue moon.
- Jelle, Emmeloord, Netherlands
I knew Keith, he would have a good laugh at it !
- Jon, Edgware Middx
given the many now legends alive and gone to the great r'n'r jam in the sky, wardour street will eventually become a sea of plaques. it wasn't just the marquee that witnesses the good, bad and ugly of rock. the ship, la chasse and many other venues played host and would benefit from an honour to hendrix, lennon, lynott to name a few of the dear departed.
rave on.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk
I am soooo proud of him!! I'm sure he would have been absolutely thrilled to know that the people would honor him in such a way!! He was truly the greatest drummer of all time...no doubt about it!!
- Amber Moon, Phila., PA-USA
