Simon Philips

["Korb, Dave" <dkorb@dsrnet.com>]

Okay, I'll take the bait about comparing Keith Moon to Simon Philips..

In my opinion, they can be compared to a point.  When I first saw Simon perform
on the Deep End Live video, I was struct by how versatile he was.  He could
alternately play the snare with his left hand or right hand and overall seemed
much more fluid than most drummers I've seen.  As has been said about Keith,
Simon seems to be naturally able to move his arms and legs independent of the
other.  (Quite a feat without A LOT of practice.)

I haven't heard anyone come as close to Keith as Simon has.  He seems genuinely
intent on playing the songs in the original style as Keith.  Kenney Jones
always seemed to go through the motions, but not the intensity.  (Kenney is a
solid drummer, however).

Where the two differ, is technique.  Simon can emulate Keith because I feel
that Simon is a better technical drummer than Keith.  Simon no doubt has had
lots of formal training and lots of practice.  It shows in his versatility and
emulation ability.  Keith, however, was entirely self-taught and had a natural
gift for the drums.  Because of his lack of formal training, though, he put
rolls and fills anywhere HE thought appropriate.  He put things in songs that
had never been there before - and it was probably because he hadn't had an
instructor to say "No!  The fill doesn't go there - it comes later!"  

That was the genius of Keith.  Until Keith, drummers just kept the beat.  Drums
where not in the forefront of the band.  They were the backbone.  Keith, almost
single handedly, made the drums stand out and equalized them with the guitar. 
Take a listen to other bands in 1965 or 1966.  Listen to the drums.  Then go
listen to "I Can't Explain" or "My Generation" - you'll hear the difference.

People have asked me why I think Keith Moon is such a great drummer.  What's
wrong with Stewart Copeland, Charlie Watts or Larry Mullen?  I always say -
nothing.  They are all good drummers.  What made Keith great was his style - it
was totally made up in his own head.

Just my opinion,
Dave Korb (dkorb@dsrnet.com)

P.S. - In a book I read about Ringo Starr, Pete Townshend was quoted as saying
that Zak Starkey (Ringo's son) was the closest he has come to hearing someone
play like Keith.  Pete attributed it to Zak's growing up around Keith.  (As
Keith and Ringo were notorious drinking buddies.)