I just saw the Rockumentary on The WHO and it was so good, and so telling in so many ways. First off, I gotta tell you these guys are some of my hero's. They're not a bunch of cold words on a screen, but living GIANTS in my world, and in many ways they live inside. One of my favorite experiences was renting a car with a buddy and driving over 1,500 miles to Oakland in '89 to see them in the Coliseum. (Two weeks before the earthquake that collapsed the 880 bridge) But as I watched wide-eyed to what they were saying on VH1, about how the band was formed, about how Tommy came together, Quadraphenia and other projects, and even the songs themselves which ultimately do stand the test of time. One of the things that moved me most is the piece they did on Keith, aka "Moon the Loon." He was the epitome of wearing ones heart on his sleeve. I know, to the elitist reading this they'll say, "but it's easy being a child when you're drunk all the time, instant gratification does not equate to honest emotion." Perhaps not. However, this gentleman was the real article. Brazen and brash, and honest whether you liked it or not! I guess in some respects I don't feel as hurt about his passing because I know he got so much out of life. Between him, Bonzo, Bonn and me? We woulda had a helluva time! But that's kind of the point. Is it better to go full tilt 24/7/365 and do the maximum in the minimum, or try to stretch out your amount of time? Currently I'm on a tortoise pace, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to go find those running shoes? But I digress, it was interesting what Roger was saying about how when things got a little boring at rehearsal, Keith started double timing the beat, which then produced harder and faster music, or, "Music with attitude!" Roger gave the example of tapping a beat, and then pounding a beat in his hand in the same time signature. Keith was definitely a pounder! As the rockumentary went on they did a great piece on the Ox too. The whole band is just phenomenal individually, but Johns bass lines were always right on, and usually WOW! He's another of the great-greats that went too early because of his habits. Just four days after he died though, the remaining two fulfilled their contractual obligation by playing a concert in Vegas. Pete said the first time he looked over and really realized that John wasn't there, he just wanted to die. I can't say I don't blame him on that one. Whereas Keith was the unknown quantity, John was always the steady. Pete also said, that now more than ever he and Roger have found a togetherness they've never felt before, and that they're truly brothers even though they couldn't be less like one another off-stage. All in all, I think VH1 did a pretty good job presenting them. I'm looking forward to the Honors where other bands do covers of their songs; With of course The WHO themselves doing the encore...
