 Moon grew up in Alperton , a suburb of Wembley , northwest London , and took up the drums during the early 1960s . After playing with a local band , the Beachcombers , he joined the Who in 1964 before they recorded their first single . Moon remained with the band during their rise to fame , and was quickly recognised for his drumming style , which emphasised tom @-@ toms , cymbal crashes , and drum fills . He occasionally collaborated with other musicians and later appeared in films , but considered playing in the Who his primary occupation and remained a member of the band until his death . In addition to his talent as a drummer , however , Moon developed a reputation for smashing his kit on stage and destroying hotel rooms on tour . He was fascinated by blowing up toilets with cherry bombs or dynamite , and by destroying television sets . Moon enjoyed touring and socialising , and was bored and restless when the Who were inactive . His 21st birthday party in Flint , Michigan , has been cited as a notorious example of decadent behaviour by rock groups . 
