 During this time Moon joined his first serious band : the Escorts , replacing his best friend Gerry Evans . In December 1962 he joined the Beachcombers , a semi @-@ professional London cover band playing hits by groups such as the Shadows . During his time in the group Moon incorporated theatrical tricks into his act , including " shooting " the group 's lead singer with a starter pistol . The Beachcombers all had day jobs ; Moon , who worked in the sales department at British Gypsum , had the keenest interest in turning professional . In April 1964 , at age seventeen , he auditioned for the Who as a replacement for Doug Sandom . The Beachcombers continued as a local cover band after his departure . 
