The day Mick Jagger almost stabbed Keith Moon (The Who): “I got scared and looked for something to defend myself with”
A shocking encounter between rock legends reveals the thin line between friendship and rivalry in the chaotic world of 70s rock and roll.
It is well known worldwide that the history of rock music is filled with memorable and surprising moments. Today, we will focus on the incident where Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the British rock band the Rolling Stones, almost stabbed his friend and party companion, Keith Moon, the legendary drummer of The Who.
The wild night of 1972
This incident took place in 1972, during the peak of the wild and reckless lifestyles of both bands and their iconic members. According to those involved, the night began like any typical rock-and-roll party in the 70s, filled with music and excess.
At one point in the evening, Moon, known for his eccentric humor, decided to burst into Jagger’s room dressed as Batman. While we might now find that image amusing and innocent, it was anything but that night.
A Moment of confusion
The Rolling Stones frontman did not perceive the situation as a joke but rather as an attack. Disoriented by the entrance of “Batman” into his room, Jagger grabbed the nearest object for protection and managed to lift a knife he had in his hand at the time. In that moment, he thought he was being attacked, and his instinctive reaction was to defend himself. Fortunately for everyone, Moon quickly shouted Jagger’s name, allowing him to come to his senses and recognize the situation, preventing any serious mishap.
Reflections on 70´s rock culture
Although the situation was surreal, it reflects the rock culture of the 1970s, where the line between reality and madness was very blurry. Over the years, both figures have become legends in music, and their relationship has always been marked by a blend of friendship and rivalry for the top spot on the charts.
The premature death of Keith Moon was a hard blow for music at the time, leaving us without the opportunity to hear the legendary drummer’s take on their experiences.