Keith Moon, drummer with The Who, died in London on 7 September 1978 after an accidental overdose of Heminevrin. He was 32.
The prescription drug had been given to Moon to help combat his alcoholism. His drinking had become an increasingly serious problem during the 1970s, affecting his health and his work with the band.
Moon spent part of the decade living in California, where he appeared in films and recorded a solo album. He returned to Britain in 1977 and resumed work with The Who.
His final recordings with the group were for the album Who Are You. By then his health had deteriorated, and recording had become more difficult, but Moon completed his work on the album.
Who Are You was released in August 1978. Less than a month later, Moon died at a flat in Curzon Place, Mayfair, after taking the medication prescribed to help him deal with his alcohol dependence.
The overdose was recorded as accidental. Moon’s death left The Who without the drummer who had been part of the group since 1964 and had played on its first eight studio albums.
