Fast-living drummer with heavy rockers Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, who died on 25 September, 1980, aged 32, was one of the most respected and accomplished drummers of his generation.
With a unique style that combined intense power with immense technical skill, he made up a crucial quarter of one of the biggest rock acts ever.
Nicknamed 'Bonzo', he was loved by both fans and peers alike, and left a huge legacy in the rock and heavy metal world.
His explosive style is most in evidence on such Led Zeppelin classics as 'Immigrant Song', 'When The Levee Breaks', 'The Ocean' and the remarkable 'Moby Dick'.
John Henry Bonham was born in Redditch, Worcestershire on 31 May, 1948. By the age of five he was playing on drum kits made from containers and tins.
After leaving school he worked in construction whilst drumming for various local bands. In the mid-sixties he met future Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, with whom he formed Band of Joy in 1967.
In 1968, Jimmy Page, guitarist in The Yardbirds, was seeking a new band. He recruited Robert Plant who suggested Mr Bonham for the drum stool, and with John Paul Jones on bass guitar completing the line up, Led Zeppelin was born.
By this stage Mr Bonham had earned a reputation as the loudest drummer in Britain, something uncompromisingly proven on the band's eponymously titled first album.
Over the next few years, Led Zeppelin enjoyed phenomenonal international success, each of their albums achieving enormous sales, with the band extensively touring the world several times.
The band soon developed their live show to include elaborate effects and lengthy solos, including Bonham's on 'Moby Dick' which often lasted as long as half an hour and featured him playing with his bare hands.
Throughout the band's period of massive popularity in the seventies, Mr Bonham often did session work for other artists, including Screaming Lord Sutch, Roy Wood and Wings.
His premature death occurred after choking on his own vomit following a night of heavy drinking. His fondness for alcohol and larrikin spirit endeared him to many during his life.
John Bonham's singular drumming style, one of extreme power and aggression, has ensured his status as one of the greats.
As well as his strength, he was also known for his versatility, frequently visiting Latin and funk both on record and in concert.
His tragic death brought an immediate end to Led Zeppelin, the other members refusing to reform without their totemic percussionist.
His incorrigible spirit and justified confidence in his own talent is summed up by a comment he made to Robert Plant following a concert: "You're alright, but you're only half as good a singer as I am a drummer."
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27 years on this day, RIP John Henry...
Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, who died on 25 September, 1980, aged 32, was one of the most respected and accomplished drummers of his generation.
With a unique style that combined intense power with immense technical skill, he made up a crucial quarter of one of the biggest rock acts ever.
Nicknamed 'Bonzo', he was loved by both fans and peers alike, and left a huge legacy in the rock and heavy metal world.
His explosive style is most in evidence on such Led Zeppelin classics as 'Immigrant Song', 'When The Levee Breaks', 'The Ocean' and the remarkable 'Moby Dick'.
John Henry Bonham was born in Redditch, Worcestershire on 31 May, 1948. By the age of five he was playing on drum kits made from containers and tins.
After leaving school he worked in construction whilst drumming for various local bands. In the mid-sixties he met future Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, with whom he formed Band of Joy in 1967.
In 1968, Jimmy Page, guitarist in The Yardbirds, was seeking a new band. He recruited Robert Plant who suggested Mr Bonham for the drum stool, and with John Paul Jones on bass guitar completing the line up, Led Zeppelin was born.
By this stage Mr Bonham had earned a reputation as the loudest drummer in Britain, something uncompromisingly proven on the band's eponymously titled first album.
Over the next few years, Led Zeppelin enjoyed phenomenonal international success, each of their albums achieving enormous sales, with the band extensively touring the world several times.
The band soon developed their live show to include elaborate effects and lengthy solos, including Bonham's on 'Moby Dick' which often lasted as long as half an hour and featured him playing with his bare hands.
Throughout the band's period of massive popularity in the seventies, Mr Bonham often did session work for other artists, including Screaming Lord Sutch, Roy Wood and Wings.
His premature death occurred after choking on his own vomit following a night of heavy drinking. His fondness for alcohol and larrikin spirit endeared him to many during his life.
John Bonham's singular drumming style, one of extreme power and aggression, has ensured his status as one of the greats.
As well as his strength, he was also known for his versatility, frequently visiting Latin and funk both on record and in concert.
His tragic death brought an immediate end to Led Zeppelin, the other members refusing to reform without their totemic percussionist.
His incorrigible spirit and justified confidence in his own talent is summed up by a comment he made to Robert Plant following a concert: "You're alright, but you're only half as good a singer as I am a drummer."
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27 years on this day, RIP John Henry...
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