The Who Keith Moon Used Bass Logo Drumhead For Pictures of Lily Premiere Prototype Kit.
A bass drumhead and wrap artwork used on the prototype of Keith Moon's iconic Pictures Of Lily drum kit, the first to feature personalized custom graphics. In 1967, Moon asked the promotions manager of UK manufacturer The Premier Drum Company, Phil Franklin, to create a unique drum kit incorporating pop art designs.
Franklin asked creative director Jeff Hurst to "knock one up" - a quote from Premier's in-house publication Talking Drums - referring to creating a prototype kit for the most famous and controversial drummer at the time. It is believed that at least three final kits were made.
Provenance: These items were originally obtained by Mark Ellen, the drummer for British band Vanity Fare, from an ex-employee from the Premier factory. Ellen purchased these items for his daughter Holly as The Who were her favorite band. The hand-painted 22" bass drumhead is decorated with a pop-art 3D "The Who" logo and the Premier brand name. The brightly coloured plastic wrap is split into three panels; "The Who" logo with a miniature of Moon's face; a risque´ image of Lily (British socialite and actress Lillie Langtry); and the text "Keith Moon Patent British Exploding Drummer".
The drumhead paint has begun to peel and crack, notably in the middle, likely from when Moon played it during the testing stages. The wrap's protective top plastic layer has begun peeling and exhibits light scratching.
The lot is accompanied by a copy of A Tribute to Keith Moon (There Is No Substitute) by Ian Snowball, two handwritten letters of authenticity from Holly Ellen, and an array of images and setlists relating to her late father's time in Vanity Fare. Dimensions (drumhead): 52.5 cm x 52.5 cm x 2 cm (20 3/4" x 20 3/4" x 3/4"); (wrap) 37.5 cm x 66.5 cm (14 3/4" x 26 1/4")
An incredible piece of Keith Moon history.
Also comes with a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.