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On August 23rd, 1946 one of the most explosive rockstars (in both drums and pranks) entered our world. Keith Moon would go on to become one of the most important drummers in rock ‘n’ roll history, especially within the career of legendary rock band The Who.

Keith Moon joined The Who in 1964 during a show where the band was using a fill-in drummer for the night. Moon convinced the rockers that he could play better, and he proved himself to be correct when he jumped on stage. The band was so blown away by his energetic and lively performance that they immediately offered him the job.

Unfortunately, Moon’s time with the band would be cut short as he died of an accidental drug overdose on September 7th 1978, at the young age of 32. Somehow, he still filled those short years on Earth with more influence than most.

To celebrate the birthday of Keith Moon, watch his famous drum explosion with The Who on “The Smothers Bros Comedy Hour Show” in 1967 here: