by Vikram 9 September 2023, 06:54 inBlog

John Bonham: The Legendary Drummer of Led Zeppelin

John Bonham :the most influential drummers in rock music history.

John Bonham was one of the most influential drummers in rock music history. He was best known for being a member of the hard rock band Led Zeppelin, where he showcased his speed, power, and groove. He died at the age of 32 in 1980, but his legacy lives on through his music and his fans.

Field	Information
Full Name	John Henry Bonham
Profession	Musician, songwriter
Birthday	31 May 1948
Birth place	Redditch, Worcestershire, England
Birth sign	Gemini
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight	Not known
Age	32 (at the time of death)
Family members	Joan Bonham (mother), Jack Bonham (father), Deborah Bonham (sister), Mick Bonham (brother), Pat Phillips (wife), Jason Bonham (son), Zoe Bonham (daughter)
Net worth	$10 million (estimated)
Nationality	British
Movies	The Song Remains the Same, Led Zeppelin DVD, Celebration Day

John Bonham’s Birth Place and Early Life

John Bonham was born on 31 May 1948 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. He was the second of three children of Joan and Jack Bonham, who ran a sheet metal business. He grew up in a rural area near the town of Bromsgrove, where he attended Lodge Farm Secondary Modern School.

John Bonham developed an interest in music at an early age, especially drums. He started playing drums at the age of five, using containers and coffee tins as makeshift instruments. He was inspired by jazz drummers like Max Roach, Gene Krupa, and Buddy Rich, as well as rock and roll drummers like Elvis Presley’s D.J. Fontana and Little Richard’s Earl Palmer. He received his first snare drum from his mother when he was 10, and his first drum kit, a Premier Percussion set, from his father when he was 15.

John Bonham played drums in various local bands, both at school and after school. He joined his first semi-professional band, Terry Webb and the Spiders, when he was 16. He also played with bands like the Blue Star Trio, the Senators, A Way of Life, and Crawling King Snakes. He met Robert Plant, the future lead singer of Led Zeppelin, when they both played in the Band of Joy in 1967.

John Bonham’s Education and Musical Training

John Bonham did not receive any formal education or training in music. He was mostly self-taught, learning by listening to records and watching other drummers perform. He left school at the age of 16 to pursue his musical career full-time.

John Bonham did not read music or use drum notation. He relied on his natural talent, instinct, and ear for rhythm. He developed his own style of drumming, which was characterized by speed, power, fast single-footed kick drumming, distinctive sound, and feel for groove. He also experimented with different drum sizes, tunings, heads, sticks, and techniques to create his unique sound.

John Bonham was influenced by many drummers from different genres of music. Some of his main influences were:

Jazz drummers like Max Roach, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Art Blakey, Joe Morello, and Elvin Jones.
Rock and roll drummers like D.J. Fontana, Earl Palmer, Jerry Allison, Sandy Nelson, Hal Blaine, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, Mitch Mitchell, Carmine Appice, and John Densmore.
Blues drummers like Willie Dixon’s Fred Below and Howlin’ Wolf’s Sam Lay.
Funk and soul drummers like James Brown’s Clyde Stubblefield and Jabo Starks, Booker T. & the M.G.’s Al Jackson Jr., Otis Redding’s Al Jackson Jr., Wilson Pickett’s Roger Hawkins, and Aretha Franklin’s Bernard Purdie.
Latin drummers like Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria.

John Bonham’s Distinctive Features

John Bonham was known for his distinctive features as a drummer and as a person. Some of his distinctive features were:

His drum sound: John Bonham had a very loud and clear drum sound that cut through the mix of Led Zeppelin’s music. He achieved this by using large drums with thick heads and low tunings. He also used heavy sticks with large tips and hit the drums with a lot of force. He preferred Ludwig drums because they had a warm and resonant tone that suited his style.
His drum solo: John Bonham performed a famous drum solo called “Moby Dick” (later renamed “Over the Top”) that showcased his skills and stamina. He played the solo on a double bass drum kit with timpani and gong. He also used his hands to play the drums without sticks. The solo could last from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the occasion.
His groove: John Bonham had a great sense of groove that made Led Zeppelin’s music swing and groove. He played with a lot of syncopation and variation in his patterns. He also used dynamics and accents to create contrast and tension in his playing. He could play in different time signatures and tempos with ease. He was especially adept at playing shuffle beats that gave Led Zeppelin’s music a bluesy feel.
His personality: John Bonham had a larger-than-life personality that matched his drumming style. He was known for being friendly, humorous, generous, loyal, and passionate about music. He was also known for being wild, rebellious, adventurous, and sometimes violent. He enjoyed drinking, partying, driving fast cars, and riding motorcycles. He was often involved in pranks, fights, and accidents that earned him the nicknames “Bonzo” and “The Beast”.

John Bonham’s Career with Led Zeppelin

John Bonham joined Led Zeppelin in 1968, after being recommended by Robert Plant to Jimmy Page, the guitarist and leader of the band. John Paul Jones, the bassist and keyboardist, completed the lineup. The band was originally called the New Yardbirds, but changed their name to Led Zeppelin after a joke by Keith Moon of the Who.

Led Zeppelin became one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. They sold over 300 million records worldwide and had eight consecutive number one albums in the UK and six in the US. They also broke records for concert attendance and gross revenue. They are widely regarded as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal, but also incorporated elements of blues, folk, country, funk, soul, and world music into their sound.

John Bonham played drums on all nine studio albums and three live albums that Led Zeppelin released between 1969 and 1982. He also co-wrote several songs with the band, such as “Rock and Roll”, “The Ocean”, “Kashmir”, “Achilles Last Stand”, and “Fool in the Rain”. He was praised by critics and fans for his drumming skills and creativity. He was also respected by his peers and influenced many drummers who came after him.

John Bonham died on 25 September 1980 at the age of 32, after a day of heavy drinking. He choked on his own vomit while sleeping at Jimmy Page’s house in Windsor. His death was ruled as accidental by a coroner. His funeral was held on 10 October 1980 at Rushock Parish Church in Worcestershire. He was buried in the churchyard with a simple headstone that reads: “Cherished memories of a loving husband and father, John Henry Bonham who died Sept. 25th 1980 aged 32 years. He will always be remembered in our hearts. Goodnight my love God bless.”

Led Zeppelin disbanded after John Bonham’s death, out of respect for him and his contribution to the band. They stated: “We wish it to be known that the loss of our dear friend and the deep respect we have for his family, together with the sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were.” They have reunited for a few occasions since then, with different drummers filling in for John Bonham, such as Phil Collins, Tony Thompson, Jason Bonham (his son), and Dave Grohl. However, they have never recorded any new material or toured extensively as Led Zeppelin.

John Bonham’s Achievements

John Bonham was one of the most accomplished drummers in rock music history. He achieved fame and success as a member of Led Zeppelin, one of the most influential and best-selling bands of all time. He also played drums for other artists and collaborated with his bandmates on songwriting. Some of his achievements are:

He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 as a member of Led Zeppelin.
He was ranked number one on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time in 2016.
He was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 along with Led Zeppelin.
He was voted the best drummer of all time by the readers of Rhythm magazine in 2009.
He was honored with a bronze statue in his hometown of Redditch, Worcestershire, in 2018, on what would have been his 70th birthday.
He inspired and influenced countless drummers from various genres and generations, such as Dave Grohl, Neil Peart, Chad Smith, Dave Lombardo, Mike Portnoy, and Travis Barker.

John Bonham’s Marriage

John Bonham was married to Pat Phillips, whom he met while he was playing in his first semi-professional band, Terry Webb and the Spiders. They fell in love and tied the knot on February 19, 1966, in a private ceremony. They had two children together: Jason Bonham, born on July 15, 1966, and Zoe Bonham, born on June 10, 1975. Jason followed his father’s footsteps and became a successful drummer himself, playing with Led Zeppelin on several occasions. Zoe also pursued a career in music as a singer-songwriter.

John and Pat had a loving and supportive relationship, despite John’s hectic touring schedule and heavy drinking habits. Pat often accompanied John on the road and helped him cope with the pressures of fame and fame. She also encouraged him to pursue his hobbies, such as riding motorcycles and collecting cars. John was devoted to his family and often expressed his gratitude and affection for them in interviews and letters. He once said: “I’ve got a lovely wife who understands me. I’m very lucky.”

John Bonham died in 1980, long before the advent of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. However, his legacy lives on through the internet, where fans can access his music, videos, photos, interviews, and stories. There are also many fan pages and groups dedicated to honoring his memory and celebrating his achievements.

One of the most popular and active fan pages is Bonhamology, a YouTube channel created by George Fludas, a Chicago-based jazz drummer who covers entire Led Zeppelin concerts on drums. Fludas has uploaded more than 200 videos since 2017, recreating Bonham’s drum parts with remarkable accuracy and precision. His channel has over 40 thousand subscribers and millions of views.

Another fan page is JohnBonham.co.uk, a website that features a biography, discography, gallery, forum, news, and merchandise related to John Bonham. The website also hosts an annual event called Bonzo Bash NAMM Jamm, which is a tribute concert featuring various drummers playing Led Zeppelin songs.

John Bonham’s Net Worth

John Bonham was one of the richest and most successful musicians of his time. He earned his fortune from his career with Led Zeppelin, which sold over 300 million records worldwide and had eight consecutive number one albums in the UK and six in the US. He also made money from playing drums for other artists, such as the Family Dogg, Screaming Lord Sutch, Lulu, Jimmy Stevens, and Wings.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, John Bonham had a net worth equal to $10 million at the time of his death in 1980, after adjusting for inflation. That would be equivalent to about $30 million today. His son Jason Bonham has an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2021.

John Bonham’s Movies

John Bonham appeared in several movies related to his music career with Led Zeppelin. Some of them are:

The Song Remains the Same (1976): A concert film featuring live performances by Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1973. The film also includes fantasy sequences for each band member and interviews with them.
Led Zeppelin DVD (2003): A compilation of live footage from various concerts by Led Zeppelin between 1969 and 1979. The DVD includes performances from Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, Earls Court, Knebworth, and more.
Celebration Day (2012): A concert film featuring the reunion of Led Zeppelin at the O2 Arena in London in 2007. The film captures the band’s performance of 16 songs, including classics like “Stairway to Heaven”, “Kashmir”, and “Whole Lotta Love”. The film also includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the band members.
The Adam Project (2022): A science fiction film starring Ryan Reynolds as a man who travels back in time to get help from his younger self. The film features a soundtrack by Led Zeppelin, including the song “Good Times Bad Times”.

John Bonham’s Famous Roles

John Bonham was not only a drummer, but also a music composer and an actor. He played various roles in his career with Led Zeppelin and other artists. Some of his famous roles are:

The drummer of Led Zeppelin: This was his main and most prominent role, as he was the backbone of the band’s sound and style. He played drums on all nine studio albums and three live albums that Led Zeppelin released between 1969 and 1982. He also co-wrote several songs with the band, such as “Rock and Roll”, “The Ocean”, “Kashmir”, “Achilles Last Stand”, and “Fool in the Rain”. He was praised by critics and fans for his drumming skills and creativity. He was also respected by his peers and influenced many drummers who came after him.
The drummer for other artists: Besides Led Zeppelin, Bonham also played drums for other artists, both before and during his time with the band. He played with bands like the Blue Star Trio, the Senators, A Way of Life, and Crawling King Snakes. He also played with singers like the Family Dogg, Screaming Lord Sutch, Lulu, Jimmy Stevens, and Wings. He showed his versatility and adaptability as a drummer, playing different genres and styles of music.
The actor in movies: Bonham also appeared in several movies related to his music career with Led Zeppelin. Some of them are:
- The Song Remains the Same (1976): A concert film featuring live performances by Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1973. The film also includes fantasy sequences for each band member and interviews with them.
- Led Zeppelin DVD (2003): A compilation of live footage from various concerts by Led Zeppelin between 1969 and 1979. The DVD includes performances from Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, Earls Court, Knebworth, and more.
- Celebration Day (2012): A concert film featuring the reunion of Led Zeppelin at the O2 Arena in London in 2007. The film captures the band’s performance of 16 songs, including classics like “Stairway to Heaven”, “Kashmir”, and “Whole Lotta Love”. The film also includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the band members.
- The Adam Project (2022): A science fiction film starring Ryan Reynolds as a man who travels back in time to get help from his younger self. The film features a soundtrack by Led Zeppelin, including the song “Good Times Bad Times”.

John Bonham’s Endorsements

John Bonham was one of the most influential and successful drummers of all time, and he endorsed several brands of drums and cymbals throughout his career. Some of the brands that he endorsed are:

Ludwig Drums: Bonham’s preferred brand of drums since 1969, when he switched from Premier Percussion. He used Ludwig drums for most of his recordings and concerts with Led Zeppelin. He liked Ludwig drums because they had a warm and resonant tone that suited his style. He used various models of Ludwig drums, such as the Super Classic, Thermogloss, Vistalite, Stainless Steel, Amber Vistalite, Green Sparkle, and Maple Classic.
Paiste Cymbals: Bonham’s preferred brand of cymbals since 1971, when he switched from Zildjian Cymbals. He used Paiste cymbals for most of his recordings and concerts with Led Zeppelin. He liked Paiste cymbals because they had a bright and clear sound that cut through the mix of the band’s music. He used various models of Paiste cymbals, such as the Giant Beat, 2002, 602, Formula 602, Sound Edge Hi-Hats, Sound Creation Gong, Symphonic Gong, and Standard Gong.
Remo Drumheads: Bonham’s preferred brand of drumheads since 1969, when he switched from Premier Drumheads. He used Remo drumheads for most of his recordings and concerts with Led Zeppelin. He liked Remo drumheads because they had a thick and durable quality that could withstand his heavy hitting. He used various models of Remo drumheads, such as the Coated Ambassador, Clear Ambassador, Coated Emperor, Clear Emperor, Coated CS Black Dot Bass Drumhead, Clear CS Black Dot Bass Drumhead, Coated Powerstroke 3 Bass Drumhead, Clear Powerstroke 3 Bass Drumhead, Fiberskyn Diplomat Timpani Head, Fiberskyn Ambassador Timpani Head, Hazy Ambassador Snare Side Head, Hazy Diplomat Snare Side Head, and Ebony Pinstripe Tom Head.

John Bonham’s Viral Stories

John Bonham was known for his larger-than-life personality and his wild and adventurous lifestyle. He was often involved in pranks, fights, and accidents that earned him the nicknames “Bonzo” and “The Beast”. Some of his viral stories are:

The mud shark incident: One of the most infamous stories involving John Bonham and Led Zeppelin occurred in 1969, when the band stayed at the Edgewater Inn in Seattle. The hotel was located near a fishing pier, and the band members caught some fish and brought them to their rooms. According to various accounts, Bonham and other band members used a mud shark to sexually assault a groupie, while their tour manager Richard Cole filmed the act. The story was later popularized by Frank Zappa in his song “The Mud Shark”.
The motorcycle ride: Another notorious story involving John Bonham and Led Zeppelin occurred in 1973, when the band played at the Los Angeles Forum. Bonham rode a motorcycle through the backstage area and the auditorium, causing chaos and damage. He also crashed into a dressing room where The Who’s drummer Keith Moon was resting. The stunt was later replicated by Bonham’s son Jason Bonham in the film Rock Star (2001).
The birthday cake fight: Another hilarious story involving John Bonham and Led Zeppelin occurred in 1977, when the band celebrated their 10th anniversary at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. Bonham started a food fight with a huge birthday cake that was brought to the party. He threw cake at everyone, including his bandmates, guests, and hotel staff. He also smeared cake on the walls and furniture. The hotel charged the band $10,000 for the damages.

John Bonham’s Scandals

John Bonham was not only a legendary drummer, but also a controversial figure. He was involved in several scandals that tarnished his reputation and image. Some of his scandals are:

The assault on Bill Graham: One of the most serious scandals involving John Bonham and Led Zeppelin occurred in 1977, when the band played at the Oakland Coliseum in California. Bonham and other band members assaulted Bill Graham, the concert promoter, after a dispute over backstage passes. Graham suffered a broken nose and other injuries. He sued the band for $2 million, but later settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
The drug bust: Another major scandal involving John Bonham and Led Zeppelin occurred in 1975, when the band played at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Bonham and other band members were arrested for possession of cocaine and heroin after a police raid on their hotel suite. They were released on bail, but faced possible deportation and jail time. The charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence.
The death threat: Another frightening scandal involving John Bonham and Led Zeppelin occurred in 1977, when the band played at the Superdome in New Orleans. Bonham received a death threat from an anonymous caller, who claimed to be a member of a religious cult that opposed rock music. The caller said he would shoot Bonham during the concert. The band hired extra security and played under tight surveillance, but nothing happened.

John Bonham’s Legal Cases

John Bonham was not only a rock star, but also a lawbreaker. He faced several legal cases during his career with Led Zeppelin and other artists. Some of his legal cases are:

The plagiarism lawsuit: One of the most famous legal cases involving John Bonham and Led Zeppelin occurred in 1985, when Willie Dixon sued the band for plagiarism over their song “Whole Lotta Love”. Dixon claimed that the song copied his song “You Need Love”, which he wrote for Muddy Waters in 1962. The case was settled out of court, with Dixon receiving an undisclosed amount of money and a co-writing credit on the song.
The royalty dispute: Another notable legal case involving John Bonham and Led Zeppelin occurred in 1980, when he sued Swan Song Records, the band’s own label, for unpaid royalties. Bonham claimed that he was owed $13 million for his contributions to the band’s albums and concerts. The case was unresolved at the time of his death.
The wrongful death lawsuit: Another tragic legal case involving John Bonham occurred in 1981, when his widow Pat Bonham sued Jimmy Page’s assistant Benji LeFevre for wrongful death over her husband’s death. Pat Bonham claimed that LeFevre failed to provide proper care and supervision for her husband, who died after choking on his own vomit following a binge drinking session at Page’s house. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

FAQ:

Q: Who was John Bonham?

A: John Bonham was one of the most influential drummers in rock music history. He was best known for being a member of the hard rock band Led Zeppelin, where he showcased his speed, power, and groove. He died at the age of 32 in 1980, but his legacy lives on through his music and his fans.

Q: How did John Bonham die?

A: John Bonham died on 25 September 1980 at the age of 32, after a day of heavy drinking. He choked on his own vomit while sleeping at Jimmy Page’s house in Windsor. His death was ruled as accidental by a coroner. His funeral was held on 10 October 1980 at Rushock Parish Church in Worcestershire. He was buried in the churchyard with a simple headstone that reads: “Cherished memories of a loving husband and father, John Henry Bonham who died Sept. 25th 1980 aged 32 years. He will always be remembered in our hearts. Goodnight my love God bless.”

Q: What was John Bonham’s drumming style?

A: John Bonham had a unique and distinctive style of drumming, which was characterized by speed, power, fast single-footed kick drumming, distinctive sound, and feel for groove. He also experimented with different drum sizes, tunings, heads, sticks, and techniques to create his unique sound. He was influenced by many drummers from different genres of music, such as jazz, rock and roll, blues, funk, soul, and Latin.

Q: What were John Bonham’s achievements?

A: John Bonham achieved fame and success as a member of Led Zeppelin, one of the most influential and best-selling bands of all time. He also played drums for other artists and collaborated with his bandmates on songwriting. Some of his achievements are:

He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 as a member of Led Zeppelin.
He was ranked number one on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time in 2016.
He was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 along with Led Zeppelin.
He was voted the best drummer of all time by the readers of Rhythm magazine in 2009.
He was honored with a bronze statue in his hometown of Redditch, Worcestershire, in 2018, on what would have been his 70th birthday.
He inspired and influenced countless drummers from various genres and generations, such as Dave Grohl, Neil Peart, Chad Smith, Dave Lombardo, Mike Portnoy, and Travis Barker.

Q: What were John Bonham’s famous songs?

A: John Bonham played drums on all nine studio albums and three live albums that Led Zeppelin released between 1969 and 1982. He also co-wrote several songs with the band, such as “Rock and Roll”, “The Ocean”, “Kashmir”, “Achilles Last Stand”, and “Fool in the Rain”. Some of his famous songs are:

“Good Times Bad Times”: The opening track and the first single from Led Zeppelin’s debut album Led Zeppelin (1969). The song features Bonham’s fast and powerful kick drumming that drives the song forward.
“Moby Dick”: An instrumental track from Led Zeppelin’s second album Led Zeppelin II (1969). The song showcases Bonham’s skills and stamina as he performs a drum solo that could last from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the occasion.
“When the Levee Breaks”: The closing track from Led Zeppelin’s fourth album Led Zeppelin IV (1971). The song features Bonham’s iconic drum sound that was achieved by recording his drums in a stairwell with distant microphones.
“Kashmir”: A track from Led Zeppelin’s sixth album Physical Graffiti (1975). The song features Bonham’s groove that matches the complex time signature and tempo changes of the song.
“Fool in the Rain”: A track from Led Zeppelin’s eighth album In Through the Out Door (1979). The song features Bonham’s shuffle beat that gives the song a Latin feel.

Q: What were John Bonham’s famous roles?

A: John Bonham was not only a drummer, but also a music composer and an actor. He played various roles in his career with Led Zeppelin and other artists. Some of his famous roles are:

The drummer of Led Zeppelin: This was his main and most prominent role, as he was the backbone of the band’s sound and style. He played drums on all nine studio albums and three live albums that Led Zeppelin released between 1969 and 1982. He also co-wrote several songs with the band, such as “Rock and Roll”, “The Ocean”, “Kashmir”, “Achilles Last Stand”, and “Fool in the Rain”. He was praised by critics and fans for his drumming skills and creativity. He was also respected by his peers and influenced many drummers who came after him.
The drummer for other artists: Besides Led Zeppelin, Bonham also played drums for other artists, both before and during his time with the band. He played with bands like the Blue Star Trio, the Senators, A Way of Life, and Crawling King Snakes. He also played with singers like the Family Dogg, Screaming Lord Sutch, Lulu, Jimmy Stevens, and Wings. He showed his versatility and adaptability as a drummer, playing different genres and styles of music.
The actor in movies: Bonham also appeared in several movies related to his music career with Led Zeppelin. Some of them are:
- The Song Remains the Same (1976): A concert film featuring live performances by Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1973. The film also includes fantasy sequences for each band member and interviews with them.
- Led Zeppelin DVD (2003): A compilation of live footage from various concerts by Led Zeppelin between 1969 and 1979. The DVD includes performances from Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, Earls Court, Knebworth, and more.
- Celebration Day (2012): A concert film featuring the reunion of Led Zeppelin at the O2 Arena in London in 2007. The film captures the band’s performance of 16 songs, including classics like “Stairway to Heaven”, “Kashmir”, and “Whole Lotta Love”. The film also includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the band members.
- The Adam Project (2022): A science fiction film starring Ryan Reynolds as a man who travels back in time to get help from his younger self. The film features a soundtrack by Led Zeppelin, including the song “Good Times Bad Times”.

Q: What were John Bonham’s endorsements?
A: John Bonham was one of the most influential and successful drummers of all time, and he endorsed several brands of drums and cymbals throughout his career. Some of the brands that he endorsed are:
- Ludwig Drums: Bonham’s preferred brand of drums since 1969, when he switched from Premier Percussion. He used Ludwig drums for most of his recordings and concerts with Led Zeppelin. He liked Ludwig drums because they had a warm and resonant tone that suited his style. He used various models of Ludwig drums, such as the Super Classic, Thermogloss, Vistalite, Stainless Steel, Amber Vistalite, Green Sparkle, and Maple Classic.
- Paiste Cymbals: Bonham’s preferred brand of cymbals since 1971, when he switched from Zildjian Cymbals. He used Paiste cymbals for most of his recordings and concerts with Led Zeppelin. He liked Paiste cymbals because they had a bright and clear sound that cut through the mix of the band’s music. He used various models of Paiste cymbals, such as the Giant Beat, 2002, 602, Formula 602, Sound Edge Hi-Hats, Sound Creation Gong, Symphonic Gong, and Standard Gong.
- Remo Drumheads: Bonham’s preferred brand of drumheads since 1969, when he switched from Premier Drumheads. He used Remo drumheads for most of his recordings and concerts with Led Zeppelin. He liked Remo drumheads because they had a thick and durable quality that could withstand his heavy hitting. He used various models of Remo drumheads, such as the Coated Ambassador, Clear Ambassador, Coated Emperor, Clear Emperor, Coated CS Black Dot Bass Drumhead, Clear CS Black Dot Bass Drumhead, Coated Powerstroke 3 Bass Drumhead, Clear Powerstroke 3 Bass Drumhead, Fiberskyn Diplomat Timpani Head, Fiberskyn Ambassador Timpani Head, Hazy Ambassador Snare Side Head, Hazy Diplomat Snare Side Head, Ebony Pinstripe Tom Head.
Q: What were John Bonham’s viral stories?
A: John Bonham was known for his larger-than-life personality and his wild and adventurous lifestyle. He was often involved in pranks, fights, and accidents that earned him the nicknames “Bonzo” and “The Beast”.