The recent Tri-State area performances of Robert Plant and the Who brought back many special memories for fans of both groups.
While the latter never joined Led Zeppelin for any studio collaborations, 38 years ago this week, the Who’s legendary drummer, Keith Moon joined Led Zeppelin and fellow drumming contemporary, John Bonham on stage during the band’s June 23, 1977 performance at the Forum in Los Angeles. Although the encounter was brief, two of the greatest rock and roll drummers who ever lived shared the stage together, resulting in one of music’s most historic moments.
In a rare scene which saw Plant playing drums on Bonham’s kit, Moon, who was living in Los Angeles at the time, took to the stage and addressed the audience. Knowing Moon was always one to let things get of hand rather quickly, Plant came down from the drums to take the microphone from the drummer, who proceeded to grab a tambourine for Led Zeppelin’s performance of “Rock and Roll.” Seeing Moon hammer away on Bonham’s timpani during the song’s epic drum solo is truly priceless.
Sadly, this was the last time Moon appeared on an American stage, as he and Bonham would soon suffer the same fate. On September 7, 1978, Moon became a rock and roll casualty when he overdosed on pills intended to curb his cravings for alcohol. Two years later, Bonham was the victim of an accidental alcohol-related death. Both drummers were just 32 years old.
While Moon and Bonham are gone, both of their legacies will live forever. While Led Zeppelin broke up after Bonham’s death in December 1980, the Who have soldiered on, and will revisit the area one last time on November 4, when they’ll perform a show at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
Thankfully, there’s classic video of Keith Moon with John Bonham and Led Zeppelin, which you can see below.
By Joe Vallee
