Saturday, September 23rd, 1967

Disc and Music Echo features an article titled "The day WHO Keith blew up" by Penny Valentine. Keith's mom is also asked "What do the pop parents think of their son's and daughter's success?". There is also a brief mention of The Who's next single

 

Transcription:

The Day WHO Keith blew up

"WE didn't worry about other groups coming up on the scene and taking our place while we were away. I think we've always been ahead, and we've stayed that way"-Keith Moon having returned triumphant from the Who's most extensive tour to date: 12 gruelling weeks in America with Herman's Hermits.

On Monday, they arrived in London suitably jubilant, suitably satisfied for a group that had taken the US by storm — and managed to blow themselves up on television for good measure!

“It was like starting all over again,” said Keith. “Almost going back in time to three years ago, before it all happened for us.

“We did whatever we’ve done before — only better.  It was a strange feeling. Because you’re not surrounded by an aura of having so many hit records, or people who know who you are.

“So we thought ‘right,” in a minute you WILL know who I am”. It was marvelous. Before I went I thought I’d lost a lot of enthusiasm. But doing the tour only made me realize I hadn’t.

“Originally, we were a bit worried because we realized Herman’s audience would be a young one. But we just went on stage and smiled and beamed and were very sweet.”

Although the group made one stunning appearance this year on the “Murray The K” show — this was their first big visit to America.  Their summing up, said Keith, was that they loved everywhere except the South, and were most impressed by California.

EXHAUSTING

“It was very exhausting but so well organised we had plenty of time to meet people on each concert.

“The South is not nice.  And the people were not freindly. They go around pushing you through windows if they don’t like you. Of course that might have been just one instance — I better say that in case we have to go back ad they shoot me!

“California was good. Peter York came backstage to see us, I had a few words with him. And Peter Fonda, who’s a good guy.

“Really, I thought London was wilder than California. The Hippies are about as sincere as they can be. They never really say much, and when they do I found their comments a bit watery, they never seem to have much substance. It’s all very well dropping out but they don’t seem to have anything to replace it with.”

And so the Who are back with us where they belong.  Back in time to light up the autumn scene with Keith Moon’s threats that the act will get more theatrical and that he will be raving away at clubs (“I’m sure they’ve missed me”).

It all bodes well. Especially since we are bound to be able to look forward to scenes such as the Who created on their unforgettable TV appearance in America on the Smother’s Brothers top show.  It ended, said Mr. Moon, with his drum set blowing up and he himself lying in fragments on the floor.

I’d filled them with explosives of a very mild sort and suddenly the whole things went up in smoke when I wasn’t expecting it.  I ended up with a three-inch gash in my arm, rolling around the floor concussed and bleeding. I think everyone was quite impressed.”

PENNY VALENTINE