John Bonham (1948

Biography

John Henry Bonham was an English musician who was the drummer of the rock band Led Zeppelin. Noted for his speed, power, fast single-footed kick drumming, distinctive sound, and feel for groove, he is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential drummers in history.

Timeline

The story of John Bonham, told in moments.

1968 Event

Joined Jimmy Page's New Yardbirds, soon renamed Led Zeppelin. Page had seen Bonham play with Tim Rose and insisted on him. Bonham turned Page down three times before accepting.

Turning Page down three times. What finally convinced you? Page insisting on you. Did that pressure help or weigh?

1969 Life

Led Zeppelin's debut album reached number 10 in the U.S. Bonham's drumming on "Good Times Bad Times" stunned other musicians. His bass drum triplets sounded like two feet. He used one.

Bass drum triplets sounding like two feet. Was that strength or technique? Led Zeppelin's debut reaching number 10. Did you expect that speed?

1971 Event

Led Zeppelin IV was released, featuring "Stairway to Heaven" and Bonham's solo showcase "Moby Dick." Live, he'd stretch that solo past 20 minutes, finishing bare-handed on the drum skins.

Stretching Moby Dick past 20 minutes, bare-handed on the skins. Was that possession? 'Stairway to Heaven' alongside your showcase. Which mattered more?

1975 Life

Physical Graffiti cemented Led Zeppelin as the biggest rock band in the world. Bonham's drum sound on "Kashmir" used a kit positioned in a stairwell at Headley Grange. The room was the instrument.

The kit positioned in a stairwell. Was the room always your secret instrument? The biggest rock band in the world. Did that feel true from inside?

1980 Death

Died at Jimmy Page's house in Windsor at 32. He'd consumed 40 measures of vodka during rehearsals the previous day. Asphyxiated in his sleep. Led Zeppelin disbanded within three months.

40 measures of vodka. Was that unusual for you, or just a Thursday? Led Zeppelin disbanding within three months. Would you have wanted that?