Zildjian Endorsement Agreement
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Endorsement contracts with instrument companies is a hot topic. Covering the subject has been requested so much, and I’ve been asked about it so often, that I decided to do a two-part column. To get the truth out, I enlisted three of the top artist-relations directors in the drum world to help this month. They were very candid! Their input will help shed some light on the top questions. Oct 16, 2018 Product endorsement deals are particularly attractive in the music industry. After all, when musicians appear in public, they are usually accompanied by their instrument, which is a huge opportunity to raise your brand’s profile – especially if you are not yet a household name like Marshall or Zildjian. In 1967, the Ventures endorsement agreement with Mosrite ended abruptly and acrimoniously – and Semite’s trials began. Semie was a guitar promoter and a salesman more than a businessman. That was not unusual at that time nor is it untrue today.
I am proud and fortunate to be a part of a vibrant music scene in Canada which includes regular performances with The Western Swing Authority..a Texas swing band that is receiving national and international acclaim. I tour extensively with The Piano Men starring Jim Witter, a musical journey through the 70's featuring the music of Billy Joel and Elton John. I also currently drum for the always entertaining and incredibly talented Tim Louis and Canadian blues icon and treasure Cheryl Lescom and the Tuscon Choir Boys.
It has been a couple of exciting years for me. I entered into endorsement agreements with Sonor Drums, Zildjian Cymbals and Remo Drum heads. I hosted my first drum clinic and was nominated as Drummer of the Year by The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). Most notably in 2016 I was the honored recipient of the Mel Brown Award as presented by the Kitchener Blues Festival for lifetime achievement in the blues. Past recipients of this esteemed award include: Buddy Guy, Jimmy Vaughn and Bobby Blue Bland.
So please cruise my site and enjoy your time here!
A work-in-progress catalogue of Keith Moon’s product endorsements and signature series, similar to the Pete Townshend’s Endorsements and Signature Series and John Entwistle’s product endorsements and signature series sections. This section is undoubtedly incomplete. If you have additions, please contact us.
Endorsements
Premier Drums
A likely incomplete listing of promotional endorsements for Premier drums by Keith Moon. Keith signed an exclusive endorsement agreement with Premier on 6 September, 1965.
Premier ad, ca. 1966/67; showing custom offset mount for the third tom.
Click to view larger version. Premier “Stars” ad, ca. 1966.
Click to view larger version. Premier ad – “Who Goes Premier” ad, from March 1966.
Click to view larger version. Premier ad – “2+3+4+1+3 – The formula for the big sound used by Who?” Premier ad featuring first Premier double kit, from September 1966.
Click to view larger version. Premier/Selmer ad, ca. 1973. “Keith Moon: Premier Drummer With The Who (Whom?)”
Click to view larger version. Premier Drums ad, ca. 1974. “Keith’s come a long, long way with Premier … maybe you could too!” Courtesy WhiteFang’s Who Site.
Zildjian Endorsement Agreement Form
Selmer/Premier ad, ca. 1975. “The Moon. Keith Shines On Premier”
Click to view larger version.Ca. 1975, Premier/ Selmer ad for Lokfast stands. “Lokfast helps Premier stand up to Keith Moon.” Courtesy WhiteFang’s Who Site.
Click to view larger version.Ca. 1975, Premier drums endorsement ad. “The Premier Sound.”
Click to view larger version.Ca. 1976, Premier drums endorsement ad. “Premier: The name in front of the world’s greatest drummers.”
Click to view larger version.Ca. 1978, Premier poster. Courtesy WhiteFang’s Who Site.
Premier reproduction poster. “Another great sound from Premier and Keith Moon.” Courtesy Martin Forsbom.
Syndrums
In 1978, Moon had started using Syndrums, a synthesized computer drumpad, and was listed as such in advertisements.
Click to view larger version.Ca. 1978, Syndrum endorsement.
Click to view larger version.Ca. 1978, Syndrum catalogue.
Click to view larger version.Ca. 1979, Syndrum ad.
Signature Series
‘Spirit of Lily’
In January 2006, Premier have announced the release of a “Pictures of Lily” tribute kit, a replica of Keith’s “Pictures of Lily” Premier kit used 1967–68.
From the Premier site:
Premier announces limited edition Keith Moon ‘Pictures of Lily’ tribute kit
Premier has announced the introduction of a very special limited edition drumset in tribute to the legendary “Pictures of Lily” kit that the company made for Keith Moon of the Who in the 1960s. Named the “Spirit of Lily,” the new kit features faithful recreations of the unique artwork that adorned the original kit and the original drum sizes used by Moon.
Premier has painstakingly researched the original “Pictures of Lily” kit to ensure absolute authenticity in the recreation of the original artwork. Premier was given unique access to photograph and examine the original drums in detail, most of which are currently stored at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Premier also worked with Roger Daltrey of The Who and John Wolfe[sic], Keith Moon’s chauffeur and Who “roadie” at the time, who had intimate knowledge of the original kit.
The “Spirit of Lily” drumset features Premier Series Birch drums with authentic replica artwork finish with Premier Series lugs, fittings and die-cast hoops. The setup emulates the original 8-pc setup and comprises three 14″ × 8″ mounted toms, two 16″ × 16″ floor toms, two 22″ × 14″ bass drums and 14″ × 5.5″ steel snare drum. The kits will only be available for a period of 14 months, one month to represent each of the 14 years of Keith Moon’s relationship with Premier.
The “Spirit of Lily” Drumset is officially authorised by the estate of Keith Moon and also by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who. The first set made by Premier will be donated for auction to raise funds for The Who’s Teenage Cancer Trust charity.
See the Premier site for more information.
Report on 2006 NAMM show in Los Angeles, from mikedolbear.com
Biggest news from Premier is the “Spirit Of Lily” drum kit. This is a modern recreation of the classic Keith Moon drum kit. Premier spent months analysing the remaining drums and all photos they could find to recreate the finish of the drums onto a wrap that they could copy to build multiple kits. The kits will be built to order for only 14 months (one month for every year that Moon was associated with Premier) and are built with the blessing of Keith’s daughter and the Who. The kit has three 14×8″ toms, two 16×16″ floor toms, two 22×14″ bass drums and a Modern Classic 2000 steel snare. The shells are modern Premier Line birch models with Premier Line lugs and the finish looks stunning.
Photos of the Spirit of Lily kit from NAMM 2006
Click to view larger version. Images courtesy of mikedolbear.com.
Premier Spirit of Lily kit brochure
Click to view larger version. Images courtesy Martin Forsbom and property Premier Percussion Ltd.
Vic Firth Keith Moon Signature Sticks
Click to view larger version©Vic Firth
In January 2016, Vic Firth introduced Keith Moon Signature Sticks, model SKM, based on the Premier “C” sticks Keith used, with full cooperation of Keith’s daughter, Amanda DeWolf (née Mandy Moon).
Per longtime Whotabs site contributor Stuart Ritchie, these are a very faithful reproduction of the sticks Premier “C” sticks Keith used throughout his career.
From the Vic Firth site:
Zildjian Endorsement Agreement Texas
At the invitation of and in consultation with the Keith Moon Estate, Vic Firth is excited and proud to immortalize Keith’s drumming legacy. The new Keith Moon signature model matches the exact specifications of the stick used by Keith throughout his storied career.
The Keith Moon Signature Stick is unique in its design with the combination of a medium shaft, fast-sloping medium taper and a length just short of 16″. Crafted in hickory with an oval wood tip, this stick packs plenty of punch when needed and can work in a variety of musical settings.
“We wanted this new Keith Moon model to be made by the very best drumstick company,” states Keith’s daughter Amanda DeWolf. “By choosing Vic Firth, we have accurately replicated the design and provided the enhanced quality that Vic Firth is renowned for.”
Specs
- Diameter: .560″ ( 1.42cm)
- Length: 1513/16″ (40.17cm)
- Medium Taper
- Material: Hickory
- Surface coating: Lacquer
- Tip:
- Type: Wood
- Shape: Oval
- Surface area: Medium
- MSRP: US$18.00
See: vicfirth.com
Resources and Information
Contributors:
Many thanks to the following, who have made this page possible:
- Martin Forsbom (forsbom@gmail.com)
- Brad Rodgers at whocollection.com.
- Huw Owens (huw.owens@ntlworld.com)
- Stuart Ritchie
Additional information:
- Brad Rodgers at whocollection.com.
- David Brewis at Rock Stars Guitars, for pictures of Moon’s drumsticks, timbales, claves and drumheads.
- Tam Rankin at vintprem.moonfruit.com for information on vintage Premier drums.
Bibliography:
- Drums & Drumming magazine, October/November 1989.
- Modern Drummer, September 2003.
- Moon, the Life and Death of a Rock Legend, by Tony Fletcher. 1999.
Manufacturers’ sites
- Premier Drums: premier-percussion.com
- Ludwig Drums: ludwig-drums.com
- Paiste Cymbals: paiste.com
- Zildjian Cymbals: zildjian.com
- Slingerland Drums: slingerland.com (now owned by Gibson)
- Vistalites Drums: vistalites.com
- Zickos Drums: zickosdrums.com