Personal details
Official sites :
Born:
- Birthday: 1948-05-31
- Born Place: Redditch, Worcestershire, England, UK
Deathday:
1980-09-25
Also Known As:
John Henry Bonham, Bonzo, Led Zeppelin
John Bonham
John Henry Bonham (May 31, 1948 – September 25, 1980) was an English drummer renowned for his powerful and innovative style, making him one of the most influential drummers in rock history. Born in Redditch, Worcestershire, Bonham began playing drums at age 5 and received his first full drum kit at 15. He played in several local bands before joining Led Zeppelin in 1968, alongside guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, and bassist John Paul Jones. Bonham's aggressive playing, precise timing, and dynamic solos, particularly his iconic "Moby Dick," became central to the band's sound. Bonham's drumming was characterized by his speed, power, and innovative use of the bass drum, often employing a single-foot technique that set him apart from his contemporaries. His contributions were pivotal in shaping Led Zeppelin's music, blending hard rock with blues and folk influences. Beyond his work with Led Zeppelin, Bonham also played with artists such as the Family Dogg, Screaming Lord Sutch, and Wings. Tragically, Bonham's life was cut short when he died on September 25, 1980, at the age of 32. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation from vomit, following a day of heavy drinking. His passing led to the disbanding of Led Zeppelin, as the remaining members felt they could not continue without him. Bonham's legacy endures through his groundbreaking drumming and the timeless music of Led Zeppelin. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 as a member of the band and was named the greatest drummer of all time by Rolling Stone in 2016. In 2007, Led Zeppelin reunited for a tribute concert at London's O2 Arena, with Bonham's son, Jason Bonham, filling in on drums. The event was a global sensation, setting a Guinness World Record for the highest demand for tickets to a single music concert. For a deeper insight into Bonham's life and legacy, the documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin features rare archival footage and interviews, including previously unreleased recordings of Bonham reflecting on the band's early days.
