On This Day in 1974: Keith Moon Collapsed on Stage On This Day in 1974 Keith Moon Collapsed on Stage Took Over on Drums to Finish The Who’s Show
Photo by Jim Summaria, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Show at Cow Palace
On November 20, 1973, during a U.S. concert at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California, the drummer for The Who, Keith Moon, collapsed on stage. At one moment, he faltered during “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and was helped off his drum kit by roadies. Later, he attempted to resume playing but again collapsed during “Magic Bus.”
Backstage, Moon was revived in a cold shower and given an injection before returning to the set. He collapsed a second time and could not continue. Guitarist Pete Townshend asked the audience: “Can anyone play the drums? I mean somebody good!” A 19-year-old fan named Scott Halpin stepped forward and volunteered.
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Scott Halpin’s Moment on Stage
Halpin and his friend had traveled to the show from Monterey. They were close to the stage when Moon first showed signs of trouble. As the show continued without its usual drummer, Townshend and bassist John Entwistle held together the set. Halpin was brought up, given a drink, and took over the drums for the remaining songs.
He played three numbers: “Smokestack Lightning,” “Spoonful,” and “Naked Eye.” After the show ended, Halpin took a bow on stage alongside Townshend, singer Roger Daltrey, and Entwistle. In a later tribute, Townshend wrote, “Scott is often in my mind and always with the greatest gratitude and affection. He showed such youthful courage and humour standing in for Keith Moon that fateful day. Scott played so well too… I measure my life by great and good people I have occasionally met. Scott is one of the great and good ones.”
What Led to the Collapse
Moon’s collapse was linked to drug use and alcohol, a pattern that dogged him for years. On this night, he reportedly mixed sedatives and brandy. The combination caused him to lose control during the performance. Townshend later reflected that Moon might have taken “three elephant tranquilliser pellets” and tried to carry on.
The audience witnessed a surreal scene: the band continued without their drummer, a fan filled in on the kit, and Moon was taken backstage for medical attention. Halpin later said, “I only played three numbers and I was dead.”
Watch the video below:
After the Show
Although Moon was assisted back briefly, the band finished the show with Halpin on drums. The incident became one of rock’s most unusual performances. Moon’s health continued to decline in the following years. For Halpin, the unexpected moment brought both praise and a lifelong story.
