John Bonham

John Henry (Bonzo) Bonham (May 31 1948 - September 25, 1980), was the drummer of rock band Led Zeppelin, and is respected widely throughout music as one of the best drummers of all time. His groovy feel, amazing chops, versatile skills, hard hitting power, and his passion for the instrument make him one of the most influential drummers ever. Bonham died prematurely, but his approach to hard rock and heavy metal drumming continues to be a standard by which all others are judged. His signature licks live on as played by the modern drummers of today.

Early years

Bonham was born at Redditch, Worcestershire, England. He first learned how to play drums at the age of five, making a drum kit out of containers and coffee tins, and copying the moves of his idols Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. He received his first proper drum kit at the age of fifteen, a Premier.

Related Topics:
Redditch - Worcestershire - England - Gene Krupa - Buddy Rich

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After leaving Wilton House public school, he worked for his father Jack Bonham in the construction industry in between drumming for bands. In 1964, Bonham joined his first band, Terry Webb and the Spiders, meeting his future wife Pat Phillips at a dance in Kidderminster. He also drummed for local Birmingham bands such as The Blue Star Trio and The Senators who released a moderately successful single "She's a Mod". Bonham enjoyed the experience and decided to take up drumming full-time. Two years later, he joined A Way of Life however the band became inactive and in desperation for a regular income, joined blues group Crawling King Snakes whose lead singer was a young Robert Plant. During this period, Bonham developed a reputation of being the loudest drummer in England, often breaking drumheads and being asked by clubs to stop playing. Asked to leave one Birmingham studio because he was too loud for the owner, he was told that there was no future for a drummer as loud as him. Ten years later, the owner received a note reading "Thanks for the career advice..."; and accompanied by a Led Zeppelin gold record. By 1967, A Way of Life asked Bonham to return to their group, during this period Plant kept in constant contact with Bonham and when he decided to form Band of Joy, Bonham was first choice for the drum throne. The band recorded a number of demos but no album. In 1968 American singer Tim Rose toured Britain and invited Band of Joy to open his concerts. When Tim Rose returned for another tour months later, Bonham was formally invited by the singer to drum for his band which gave him a regular income. Both singers Joe Cocker and Chris Farlowe had also sought out Bonham for their touring bands.

Related Topics:
1964 - Kidderminster - Birmingham - The Blue Star Trio - The Senators - A Way of Life - Blues - Crawling King Snakes - Robert Plant - 1967 - Band of Joy - 1968 - Tim Rose - Joe Cocker - Chris Farlowe

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