Customer Reviews

Full Moon: The Amazing Rock and Roll Life of the Late Keith Moon

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's too bad this book is out of print, because these are the adventures (many very funny but in the end very sad) of one the greatest (if not THE greatest) drummers of all time. And besides that, it's written by a guy who knew Moonie and witnessed his antics 1st hand. I wish the guy who's trying to make a screenplay the best of luck. The next step after consulting Butler is to get permission from the Who to use their songs. To close this review, I'd like to paraphrase the last sentence in the book, "Keith Moon ups and [very] well dies."

Nobody lived his life like Keith Moon. Those who knew him were astounded at his all consuming passion to get everything possible out of life. Dougal Butler has written, in a unique and incredibly humorous way, the best book I've yet read about the life and incredible times of Keith Moon. Don't miss this one. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

I found this book in the late 1980's, when I was really discovering the Who and figuring out what they all meant to rock n' roll and its history.

My real awakening was the film "The Kids Are Alright," and after that finding this book, written by Peter "Dougal" Butler, Moon's longtime "man," or personal assistant.

Butler's rollicking tale of ten-plus years with the madman of rock is a sometimes nasty one, following his string of practical jokes, endless escapades and occasionally spotlighting his musical prowess.

But it really mostly is the relationship Butler established with Moon, and some of the insights that later came out about Moon's personality, and what may have been wrong with him.

Butler notes that Moon sometimes would get into a state where he just could not discern the real world from the false. Case in point his work on the film "That'll Be The Day," where he plays a drummer. The star of the film is David Essex ("Rock On"), and Moon is unable to handle it. His dive into a mental pool of despair and thinking the whole affair is real is pathetic...and as Butler notes sometimes you just don't have a straight jacket available when you really need one.

Butler notes the problems in Moon's relationships with his wife Kim as well as Annette Walter-Lax, whom Moon had said he intended to marry toward the end of his life. Moon's friends, if ever he had close ones include Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson, as well as Vivian Stanshall of the Bonzos.

One problem I have is finding that Butler seems to have placed himself at events that he was not present for. He also I think in retrospect put too much emphasis on the zaniness without really getting deeper into the causes, etc.

But perhaps he just didn't know; Butler was no psychiatrist.

He also skips over certain pivotal moments in Moon's life; the accidental death of his close friend and driver Neil Boland (though in fairness, Butler was not present for that) and his longtime fling with groupie extraordinaire Pamela Des Barres (who has her own insights on Keith).

Either way, some interesting and funny photos, some intriguing stories and a sad, but truthful ending that pretty much says the only thing that really happened was that Moon up and died.

Dougal did an excellent job relaying the tragic story of his dear friend.

Even if you're not a fan of The Who or Keith Moon, this book is quite entertaining. For those who are, there's no better book. Dougal has seen it all, so who better to tell the story besides one of the bandmembers?

the best book ive ever read. it has some amazing unknown facts about moonies life. like his involvement with marylon worshipers.(trust me he wasnt one)

An excellent collection of stories and insights into the late drummer, as told by his roadie and personal assistant. Some myths are dispelled while other tall tales are created, all in the lingo of a British mod (complete with phrase dictionary). Required reading for any true fan of the Who.

The entire while I was reading this book I envisioned it all on the big screen. In fact, I was inspired to begin writing a screenplay which virtually adheres verbatim to the book. However, all attempts to reach Dougal Butler have been unsuccessful. I shall persevere with this project until the screenplay is completed and production of the film begins!

My copy is called "Moon the Loon." It's one of the funniest books I've ever read. Totally unique. It is just a collection of stories about Keith Moon that do justice to his genius. I have lent my copy to at least 12 people (most of whom have never heard of Keith Moon) and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. When I went to London I tried to contact Peter Butler to compliment him on his fine work - but there are too many Peter Butlers living in London!