Under A Raging Moon

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are cranking up the vibes with Under a Raging Moon by Roger Daltrey from his 1985 album of the same name! This track is a powerhouse tribute to Keith Moon, the legendary drummer of The Who, who left us too soon in 1978. Written by John Parr and Julia Downes, the song captures Moon’s wild spirit, with Parr drawing inspiration from stories told by The Who’s former tour manager about Keith’s larger-than-life antics. Picture Moon drumming under the moonlight at Woodstock, where The Who didn’t hit the stage until 5 a.m.—that’s the kind of imagery Parr wove into the lyrics. The song’s epic finale features a jaw-dropping drum salute by seven rock legends, including Stewart Copeland of The Police, Roger Taylor of Queen, Cozy Powell, Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Zak Starkey, Martin Chambers of The Pretenders, and Mark Brzezicki of Big Country. Daltrey called this idea an “outrageous” nod to The Who’s original producer Kit Lambert, and it’s a fitting homage to Moon’s chaotic brilliance.

Here’s a juicy tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: John Entwistle, The Who’s bassist, loved this song so much he pushed to play it at Live Aid in 1985 instead of Won’t Get Fooled Again. Pete Townshend shot the idea down, so Entwistle later recorded his own version for his 1999 live solo album Left for Live as a tribute to Moon. AllMusic’s Mike DeGagne described Daltrey’s performance as a “thunderous but passionate ode,” where you can feel the raw emotion in every line. Daltrey himself said the album got “great airplay and sold an awful lot,” and he poured his heart into making it a record he truly believed in. The track hit #43 in the UK and #10 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock charts, but its real impact lies in its heartfelt nod to a fallen friend. Fun fact: the album’s producer, Alan Shacklock, got the gig after working with Meat Loaf, and it was his idea to bring in that star-studded drum crew for the song’s climax.

Let’s rewind and talk about how Roger Daltrey kicked off his incredible career. Born on March 1, 1944, in London, Daltrey was a working-class kid with a rebellious streak. He was expelled from school, which he later thanked in his memoir Thanks a Lot Mr. Kibblewhite: My Story, as it pushed him toward music. As a teen, he built his own guitar and started skiffle bands, but his real break came in 1964 when he co-founded The Who with Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon. Daltrey’s powerful voice and energetic stage presence—complete with his signature microphone-swinging—made him the perfect frontman for The Who’s explosive live shows. Early on, he was the band’s leader, but as Townshend’s songwriting took over, Daltrey focused on delivering those iconic vocals for hits like My Generation, Pinball Wizard, and Baba O’Riley. He started his solo career in 1973 while still with The Who, releasing ten solo albums, including Under a Raging Moon, and even dabbled in acting, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Tommy in 1975.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Roger Daltrey on his official website, where you’ll find tour dates and news. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and throwback posts. Fans are buzzing on The Who’s official site, which often shares Daltrey content, and you can join the conversation in fan groups like the The Who Fans on Facebook. For more fan-driven love, check out The Who Forum, a dedicated space for diehards to share stories and celebrate Daltrey and the band’s legacy. So, crank up Under a Raging Moon, feel that Keith Moon energy, and keep it wild, Zoo Freaks!