The Who’s Roger Daltrey Reveals Status of Keith Moon Biopic

Over the last few years, little has been heard about the long-gestating film Who frontman Roger Daltrey has been planning to produce about his band's late drummer, Keith Moon.  However, in a new fan Q&A published in U.K. music magazine Q, Daltrey reveals that the project finally may be moving forward again.

"I'm back on it, and I'm back to the first draft of the script, which I've always loved," says the singer, referring to a script written by John Lahr, who's perhaps best known for penning Prick Up Your Ears, the 1978 biography of late British playwright Joe Orton

Roger reports that he doesn't know yet who will portray Moon, "but it has to be someone new."  He also points out that when plans for the film initially got under way 20 years ago, he "had Robert Downey Jr. lined up" for the lead role.  He adds, "I had the whole damn thing down.  But the script was only 60 percent there, and all the people wanted at the time was 'Carry On Keith.'"

Answering a separate question about Moon, Daltrey discusses the biggest misconception about the drum legend, who died in 1978 at age 32 from an overdose of pills meant to treat his alcohol-withdrawal symptoms.  Roger explains, "People don't realize that he was a Shakespearean character.  Yes, he was a genius on drums, but he was also a very troubled man.  Things we find funny about him weren't really funny at all.  But because of the force of his personality everyone ends up laughing."

Daltrey also addresses The Who's reported intention to stop touring after their next trek, which is slated to launch sometime in 2015.  The singer, who just turned 70 on Saturday, says that unlike previous "farewell" outings the band has announced, "This will be the last one."  He adds, however, "that doesn't mean we won't play anymore shows ever."  He points out that The Who's 2013 trek "was great but, at our age, we can't be doing with all the schlepping around."