There are concerts that, for some fans, take an unexpected twist, but above all unforgettable. This is what happened to Scot Halpinthen a young student of barely 19 years old, who came attending the concert of his favorite group, The Who, on November 20, 1973 at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California. An important date for Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, Roger Daltrey et John Entwistlewho were embarking on the very first performance in the United States of their tour Quadrophenia.
Keith Moon completely stoned in full performance
That evening, and like every other evening, Keith Moon, affectionately nicknamed “Moon the Loon” – otherwise known as Crazy Moon – lightly abused some illicit substances. On the daily menu: a good dose of cognac, but above all a very large quantity of ketaminea tranquilizer known in the equine community that is particularly effective in destroying any human individual. If drugs were part of the common lot of many rock groups of the time, this time, the mayonnaise does not take: instead of being full of energy, Keith Moon wants to take his best nap.
Despite all the substances he has in his body, the legendary drummer manages to hold out at least until the fifteenth songbefore collapsing in the middle of his performance on Won’t Get Fooled Again. Very quickly, the musician is brought out of sight, where he receives a good dose of cortisone and a jet of cold water, while guitarist Pete Townshend keeps the audience busy with a few jokesseemingly nothing.
30 minutes later, Keith Moon is back. Completely drunk and stoned of course, but he wants to continue playing. He then sits down in front of his drums, and the group then launches into Magic Bus. But a few seconds later, again: Moon collapses on his drums.
A savior of just 19 years old
As Moon is brought backstage, the band continues to play without drums, with one idea in mind. : find a replacement. In the boxes, there are many Artemus Pyle, who is no less than the drummer of the group Lynyrd Skynyrdbut the latter does not want to replace him, because he does not know the songs of The Who. So, should we stop the concert? Pete Townshend has another idea: solicit someone from the public.
It is there that a young man raises his hand, pointing to the one accompanying him: his friend Scot Halpin, musician, and above all a big fan of the group. For 30 minutes, Scot, who was paralyzed with stress, made the dream of many fans come true: play with your idols. He will do two covers of Howlin Wolfas well as an original title, Naked Eye. If Scot left that evening with a group jacket and their eternal recognitionhe especially returned home with unforgettable memories.
But the story doesn't end there: years later, Scot Halpin died at the age of 54 in 2008. His wife then took the initiative of writing to Peter Townshend to inform him of the death of her partner. The latter will take the time to write a letter full of emotions, which will be read at Halpin's funeral. A strong gesture, which shows that the musician has never forgotten what Scot had done for the group.
