The Story of Cass Elliot and Keith Moon Dying in the Same Flat Owned by Harry Nilsson, at the Same Age

Harry Nilsson, the American singer famous for hits like “Without You” and “Everybody’s Talkin’,” bought the top-floor flat at 9 Curzon Place in London’s Mayfair in the early 1970s. He was attracted to its prime location near Apple Records (due to his close friendship with The Beatles), as well as its proximity to the Playboy Club and Tramp nightclub, which were central to London’s vibrant social scene at the time . The flat was stylishly decorated by ROR, a design company owned by Ringo Starr and Robin Cruikshank. Nilsson often lent the apartment to musician friends while he was away.

9 Curzon Place in Mayfair (now 1 Curzon Square)

Cass Elliot of The Mamas & the Papas was in London for a series of solo concerts at the Palladium, a comeback of sorts after years of personal struggles. After her final performance, she stayed at Nilsson’s flat as a guest. In the early morning hours of July 29, 1974, she suffered heart failure in her sleep, at age 32.

Rumors spread that she had choked on a ham sandwich because a partially eaten sandwich was found nearby, but the coroner confirmed no food was in her windpipe—her death was due to heart attack brought on by obesity and strain. Nilsson was devastated; he reportedly considered selling the flat but kept it for a while.

One of the last photos of Cass Elliot, taken on July 27, 1974.

Four years later, on September 7, 1978, The Who’s drummer Keith Moon, also 32, checked into the very same flat with his girlfriend Annette Walter-Lax. Moon was in London to attend the preview of The Buddy Holly Story film and to meet Paul McCartney for dinner. Moon had long struggled with alcoholism and was trying to come off sedatives. That night, he took Heminevrin (clomethiazole)—a prescription meant to curb alcohol withdrawal—but ingested at least 32 pills, far exceeding the recommended dose. He died in his sleep from an overdose of the sedative, which slowed his heart and lungs.

One of the last public appearances of Keith Moon with Annette Walter-Lax on September 7, 1978. He would die a few hours after this photo was taken.

The two deaths, occurring in the same residence to two rock icons who were both 32 years old, led to the apartment being dubbed “cursed.” Distraught by the tragic coincidences, Harry Nilsson sold the flat shortly after Moon’s death to Moon’s bandmate, Pete Townshend and returned to Los Angeles permanently.

In the late 1990s, the building underwent significant redevelopment, and Harry Nilsson’s former flat was transformed into part of a luxury apartment complex now known as 1 Curzon Square.