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.

Led Zeppelin

When Jimmy Page wanted to start a band in the wake of The Yardbirds break-up, His first choice for singer was Terry Reid, however Reid had already signed with Mickie Most for a solo career. Reid suggested Robert Plant, who in turn suggested Bonham, who had already drummed with Plant and knew Page from session work. Page's choice for drummer included Procol Harum's B.J. Wilson, session drummers Clem Cattini and Aynsley Dunbar. Ginger Baker was also rumoured to be on Page's list. After seeing Bonham drum for Tim Rose in Hampstead, north London, in July 1968, Page and Peter Grant were convinced to sign up Bonham.

Related Topics:
Jimmy Page - The Yardbirds - Terry Reid - Mickie Most - Robert Plant - Procol Harum - Ginger Baker - Tim Rose - London - 1968 - Peter Grant

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During Led Zeppelin's first tour of the United States in December 1968, Bonham became friends with Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice who introduced him to Ludwig drums, which he then used for the rest of his career. Bonham used the longest and heaviest sticks available, which he referred to as "trees". His hard hitting style was displayed to great effect on "Immigrant Song" (Led Zeppelin III), "When the Levee Breaks" (untitled fourth album), "The Ocean" (Houses of the Holy), and "Achilles Last Stand" (Presence). He is credited by the group for thinking up the riff in "Kashmir" as well as the riff to "Out On the Tiles". On later albums, Bonham rather adeptly handled funk and Latin influenced drumming on several cuts.

Related Topics:
Led Zeppelin - United States - 1968 - Vanilla Fudge - Carmine Appice - Led Zeppelin III - Untitled fourth album - Houses of the Holy - Presence - Kashmir - Funk - Latin

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His work behind the drum kit has influenced nearly every hard rock and heavy metal drummer since. Bonham's signature style was a steady rhythmic beat that swung with enormous amounts of feel, explosive fills, and a unique use of inverted rhythm often executed between his bass and snare drums. All this combined with his sheer attack made Bonham immediately recognisable to the listener. That trademark sound has become famous among fans and musicians alike and was one of the defining elements that propelled Led Zeppelin musically and commercially. Bonham to this day is held as the defining rock drummer. Many now recognise Bonham as one of the greatest drummers of all genres.

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His drum solos, first "Pat's Delight" then later "Moby Dick" and finally "Over the Top", would often last for half-an-hour and regularly featured his use of bare hands to achieve different sound effects. Rap artists such as the Beastie Boys would heavily sample his drumming. Bonham is also credited (by the Dallas Times-Herald) with the first in-concert use of electronic timpani drum synthesizers (most likely made by Syndrum) during a performance of the song "Kashmir" in Dallas, Texas in 1977.

Related Topics:
Beastie Boys - Dallas - Syndrum - Kashmir - Texas - 1977

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In 1974, Bonham appeared in the film Son of Dracula, playing drums in Count Downe's (Harry Nilsson) backing band. This was an Apple film made by Ringo Starr. Bonham appeared in an overcrowded drum line-up including Keith Moon and Starr on the Apple Records soundtrack album. Bonham's action sequence for the film The Song Remains the Same featured him in a drag race at Santa Pod speedway to the sound of his signature drum solo, "Moby Dick". During his time with Led Zeppelin, Bonham was also an avid collector of antique sports cars and motorcycles, which he kept on his family's farm called The Old Hyde. He even bought a pub in the nearby village of Shenstone; which shows signs of conversion work to allow him to drive his bikes or cars right behind the bar. This was not, however, the pub featured in the film The Song Remains The Same.

Related Topics:
1974 - Harry Nilsson - Ringo Starr - Keith Moon - Starr - Apple Records - Soundtrack - The Song Remains the Same - Led Zeppelin - Shenstone

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As well as recording with Led Zeppelin, Bonham also found time to session with other artists. In 1970, Bonham drummed for Screaming Lord Sutch on his album Lord Sutch and Heavy Friends. Bonham also drummed for his Birmingham friend, Roy Wood, on the 1979 Wizzard album, On the Road Again. Then for Wings on their Back to the Egg Rockestra project.

Related Topics:
Led Zeppelin - 1970 - Screaming Lord Sutch - Birmingham - Roy Wood - 1979 - Wizzard - Back to the Egg

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