Offered Here: The Who Keith Moon Used Bass Logo Drumhead For Pictures of Lily Premiere Prototype Kit. This auction features a bass drumhead and wrap artwork that were part of the prototype for Keith Moon's iconic Pictures Of Lily drum kit, the first to feature personalized custom graphics. In 1967, Keith Moon enlisted Phil Franklin, the promotions manager of UK manufacturer The Premier Drum Company, to create a unique drum kit incorporating pop art designs. Creative director Jeff Hurst produced the prototype kit for Moon, a renowned and controversial drummer of his era. The drumhead is hand-painted with a pop-art 3D "The Who" logo and the Premier brand name. The wrap features three panels: "The Who" logo with a miniature of Moon's face, a risque´ image of British socialite and actress Lillie Langtry, and the text "Keith Moon Patent British Exploding Drummer."
Additional Information: In 1967, the year these drum elements were created, The Who released "Pictures of Lily," a song that became one of their most well-known hits. This period marked the band's embrace of pop art in their visuals and design, which was mirrored in Keith Moon's eccentric and innovative drum kit, contributing to the band's iconic status in rock history.
Provenance/Authenticity: These items were originally obtained by Mark Ellen, drummer for the British band Vanity Fare, from an ex-employee of the Premier factory. Ellen purchased these items for his daughter Holly, a fan of The Who.
Condition: The 22" bass drumhead shows signs of use, with peeling and cracking paint, particularly in the middle, likely due to testing by Moon. The wrap's protective top plastic layer is peeling, and light scratching is evident.