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==Life and career==
==Life and career==
===Early years===
===Early years===
Bonham was born in [[Redditch]], [[Worcestershire]], [[England]]. He first learned how to play drums at the age of five, making a drum kit out of containers and coffee tins, and copying the moves of his idols [[Gene Krupa]] and [[Buddy Rich]]. His mother Joan gave him a snare drum at the age of ten, and he received his first proper [[drum kit]] at the age of fifteen, a [[Premier Percussion]] kit. Bonham never took any drum lessons though as a teen would knock on the doors of other drummers and ask for advice.
Bonham was born in [[Redditch]], [[Worcestershire]], [[England]]. He first learned how to play drums at the age of five, making a drum kit out of containers and coffee tins, and copying the moves of his idols [[Gene Krupa]] and [[Buddy Rich]]. His mother Joan gave him a snare drum at the age of ten, and he received his first proper [[drum kit]] at the age of fifteen, a [[Premier Percussion]] kit. The drummer - nicknamed 'Bonzo' after the dog in a British comic strip<ref name=RS1985>{{cite journal |last=Davis |first=Stephen |title = Power, Mystery And The Hammer Of The Gods: The Rise and Fall of Led Zeppelin |journal = Rolling Stone |issue=451 |date=[[July 4]], [[1985]] |url =http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/ledzeppelin/articles/story/17537975/power_mystery_and_the_hammer_of_the_gods |accessdate=2008-01-15 }}</ref> - never took any drum lessons though as a teen would knock on the doors of other drummers and ask for advice.


After leaving Wiltan House public school (some sources say he attended Bedford Modern), he worked for his father Jack Bonham in the construction industry in between drumming for different local bands. In [[1964]], Bonham joined his first band, [[Terry Webb and the Spiders]], meeting his future wife Pat Phillips at a dance in [[Kidderminster]]. He also played in other [[Birmingham]] bands such as The Nicky James Movement, The Blue Star Trio, and The Senators, who released a moderately successful single "She's a Mod." Bonham enjoyed the experience and decided to take up drumming full-time. Two years later, he joined A Way of Life, but the band soon became inactive. In desperation for a regular income, he joined a [[blues]] group called [[Crawling King Snakes]] whose lead singer was a young [[Robert Plant]].
After leaving Wiltan House public school (some sources say he attended Bedford Modern), he worked for his father Jack Bonham in the construction industry in between drumming for different local bands. In [[1964]], Bonham joined his first band, [[Terry Webb and the Spiders]], meeting his future wife Pat Phillips at a dance in [[Kidderminster]]. He also played in other [[Birmingham]] bands such as The Nicky James Movement, The Blue Star Trio, and The Senators, who released a moderately successful single "She's a Mod." Bonham enjoyed the experience and decided to take up drumming full-time. Two years later, he joined A Way of Life, but the band soon became inactive. In desperation for a regular income, he joined a [[blues]] group called [[Crawling King Snakes]] whose lead singer was a young [[Robert Plant]].

Revision as of 03:20, 18 January 2008

John Bonham

John Henry "Bonzo" Bonham (

groove. Bonham is described by the Encyclopædia Britannica as the perfect model for all modern heavy metal and hard rock drummers that have followed him.[1]

Life and career

Early years

Bonham was born in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. He first learned how to play drums at the age of five, making a drum kit out of containers and coffee tins, and copying the moves of his idols Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. His mother Joan gave him a snare drum at the age of ten, and he received his first proper drum kit at the age of fifteen, a Premier Percussion kit. The drummer - nicknamed 'Bonzo' after the dog in a British comic strip[2] - never took any drum lessons though as a teen would knock on the doors of other drummers and ask for advice.

After leaving Wiltan House public school (some sources say he attended Bedford Modern), he worked for his father Jack Bonham in the construction industry in between drumming for different local bands. In 1964, Bonham joined his first band, Terry Webb and the Spiders, meeting his future wife Pat Phillips at a dance in Kidderminster. He also played in other Birmingham bands such as The Nicky James Movement, The Blue Star Trio, and The Senators, who released a moderately successful single "She's a Mod." Bonham enjoyed the experience and decided to take up drumming full-time. Two years later, he joined A Way of Life, but the band soon became inactive. In desperation for a regular income, he joined a blues group called Crawling King Snakes whose lead singer was a young Robert Plant.

In 1967, A Way of Life asked Bonham to return to their group, and he agreed — though throughout this period, Plant kept in constant contact with Bonham. When Plant decided to form Band of Joy, Bonham was first choice as drummer. The band recorded a number of demos but no album. In 1968 American singer Tim Rose toured Britain and invited Band of Joy to open his concerts. When Rose returned for another tour months later, Bonham was formally invited by the singer to drum for his band, which gave him a regular income. Along with Rose, singers Joe Cocker and Chris Farlowe had also sought out Bonham to play in their touring bands.

Led Zeppelin

Main article: Led Zeppelin

When

B.J. Wilson, and session drummers Clem Cattini and Aynsley Dunbar. Ginger Baker was also rumoured to be on Page's list. However, upon seeing Bonham drum for Tim Rose in Hampstead, north London, in July 1968, Page and manager Peter Grant
were instantly convinced that he was the perfect fit for the new project.

During Led Zeppelin's

Royal Orleans" and "Fool in the Rain
" are good examples, the latter displaying great skill with a New Orleans shuffle and a samba rhythm.

His famous drum solo, first entitled "Pat's Delight," then "

Dallas, Texas in 1977. Many modern rappers would later heavily sample his drumming and incorporate it into their compositions, such as the Beastie Boys
, who sampled "Moby Dick," "The Ocean," and "When the Levee Breaks."

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 soundtrack album. Bonham's action sequence for the film The Song Remains the Same featured him in a drag race at Santa Pod Raceway 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 The Plough 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. It was in fact the New Inn which is currently boarded up, the only clue to its famous past being a picture hanging close to the bar.[3]

As well as recording with Led Zeppelin, Bonham also found time to play on sessions for other artists. In

Rockestra
project.

Death

On

Bray Studios for the upcoming tour of the United States, the band's first since 1977. During the journey Bonham had asked to stop for breakfast, where he downed four quadruple vodkas (roughly sixteen shots (~2/3 imperial quart, or ~8dl of vodka). He then continued to drink heavily when he arrived at the studio. A halt was called to the rehearsals late in the evening and the band retired to Page's house, The Old Mill House in Clewer, Windsor. After midnight, Bonham had fallen asleep and was taken to bed and placed on his side. Benji LeFevre (who had replaced Richard Cole as Led Zeppelin's tour manager) and John Paul Jones found him dead the next morning. Bonham was 32 years old. [4]

An inquest at East Berkshire coroner's court recorded a verdict of accidental death, the cause being asphyxiation from vomit. A subsequent autopsy found no other drugs in Bonham's body.[5] The alcoholism that had plagued the drummer since his earliest days with the band ultimately led to his death. John Bonham was cremated on October 10, 1980, at Rushock Parish Church, Worcestershire. A cymbal sits in front of his headstone in his memory. His headstone 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.

File:Sept07.JPG
Gravestone image

Despite media rumours that

4 December 1980 confirming that the band would not continue without its drummer. "We wish it to be known that the loss of our dear friend and the deep sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were."[6]

Family

John Bonham's younger sister, Deborah Bonham (born 1962), is a singer-songwriter. His younger brother, Mick Bonham (1951-2000), was a disc jockey, author and photographer. John Bonham's son, Jason Bonham (born 1966), is a rock drummer, who recently played with Led Zeppelin on their one-off reunion show in December 2007. Bonham's daughter, Zoë Bonham, is a singer-songwriter and also appears regularly at Led Zeppelin conventions and awards.

Equipment

Drums
  1. Pre Led Zeppelin Kit (?-'68), Ludwig Super Classic Green Sparkle
    • Bass Drum "22x14"
    • Floor Tom 16"x16"
    • Rack Tom 13"x9"
    • Supraphonic Snare 14"x5"
  2. Led Zeppelin Kit ('68/Tour U.S.A), Ludwig Black Diamond Pearl
    • Bass Drum 24"x14"
    • Floor Tom 16"x16"
    • Floor Tom 18"x16"
    • Rack Tom 13"x9"
    • Snare 20's/30's COB Tube Lug
  3. Ludwig Representation kit, Ludwig Thermo Gloss Natural Maple (1969-'70)[7]
    • Bass Drum 26"x14"
    • Tom 14"x12" Mounted on a snare stand
    • Floor Tom 16"x16"
    • Floor Tom 18"x16"
    • 14"x6.5" Chrome Supraphonic 402 Series Snare
    • Twin Congas Ludwig 12"
    • Cowbell Ludwig Gold Tone
  4. Studio and live Kit ('70 - '73), Ludwig Green Sparkle
    • Bass Drum 26"x14"
    • Rack Tom 14"x10"
    • Floor Tom 16"x16"
    • Floor Tom 18"x16"
    • 14"x6.5" Chrome Supraphonic 402 Series Snare
    • Ludwig 29" Machine Timpani (1972+)
    • Ludwig 32" Universal Timpani (1972+)
  5. The Song Remains The Same Kit ('73), Ludwig Amber Vistalite[8]
    • Bass Drum 26"x14"
    • Rack Tom 14"x10"
    • Floor Tom 16"x16"
    • Floor Tom 18"x16"
    • Floor Tom 20"x16"
    • 14"x6.5" Chrome Supraphonic 402 Series Snare
    • Ludwig 29" Timpani
    • Ludwig 30" Timpani
  6. Studio Kit ('75) Ludwig Sparkle Silver Finish
    • Bass Drum 26"x14"
    • Rack Tom 15"x12"
    • Floor Tom 16"x16"
    • Floor Tom 18"x16"
    • 14"x6.5" Chrome Supraphonic 402 Series Snare
    • Ludwig 29" Timpani
    • Ludwig 30" Timpani
  7. Final Kit ('77-'80), Ludwig Stainless Steel
    • Bass Drum 26"x14"
    • Tom 15"x 12" (Mounted on Bass Drum)
    • Floor Tom 16"x16"
    • Floor Tom 18"x16"
    • 14"x6.5" Chrome Supraphonic 402 Series Snare
Cymbals

John Bonham played Paiste cymbals. He used Paiste Giant Beat cymbals until 1975. The Paiste Endorsement Agreement shows he experimented with cymbals including the 602 series before changing to a complete set of what is now the 2002 series in '75, which he used for the rest of his career. His setup:

During the time his setup consisted solely of giant beat cymbals (1968 - 1971):

  • 15" Paiste Giant Beat Hi-Hat
  • 18" Paiste Giant Beat Crash / Ride (On Left)
  • 20" Paiste Giant Beat Crash / Ride
  • 24" Paiste Giant Beat Crash / Ride
  • 38" Paiste Symphonic Gong

During the time his setup was mixed between Giant Beat and 2002 cymbals (1971 - 1975):

  • 15" Paiste 2002 Sound Edge Hi-Hat
  • 18" Paiste Giant Beat Crash / Ride (On Left)
  • 20" Paiste 2002 Medium
  • 24" Paiste Giant Beat Crash / Ride
  • 38" Paiste Symphonic Gong

During the time his setup consisted solely of 2002 cymbals (1975 - 1980):

  • 15" Paiste 2002 Sound Edge Hi-Hat
  • 18" Paiste 2002 Medium (On Left)
  • 20" Paiste 2002 Medium
  • 24" Paiste 2002 Ride
  • Sometimes a 16" Paiste 2002 Medium under, and to the right of his 20" (as seen in Knebworth 1979)
  • 38" Paiste Symphonic Gong
Drum Heads

For his wood drums, Bonham always used Remo coated emperors (or Ludwig equivalent) on all of his batter heads, while using coated ambassadors on the resonant head, and the batter head was always tuned medium-tight, (almost jazz like) and the resonate head was always tuned way up, for a nice full, round sound. He never put pillows or other laundry in the bass drum and he only used a felt strip on the batter side from time to time. The bass drum head was also tuned a lot higher than one would think. On the vistalites he used Remo CS black dots on the batter side of the toms and clear ambassadors on the resonate side. The snare always had a coated emperor on the batter side and an ambassador or a diplomat on the snare side.

Bass Drum Pedal

Bonham used

Good Times, Bad Times
, were done with a single bass pedal, and not a double bass pedal. Unlike contemporary innovators, Bonham did not use a double-bass drum kit. He did once own one (it was featured in the demo "Communication Breakdown"), but removed it from his kit when the rest of the band decided it was drowning everything else out.

Notes

  1. ^ "Led Zeppelin"(2008)-Encyclopædia Britannica. Ultimate Reference Suite. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica
  2. ^ Davis, Stephen (July 4, 1985). "Power, Mystery And The Hammer Of The Gods: The Rise and Fall of Led Zeppelin". Rolling Stone (451). Retrieved 2008-01-15. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Dorianwjones24_sept_07_2.jpg
  4. ^ Rock Deaths
  5. ^ John Bonham Biography
  6. ^ Mick Wall (2005). "No Way Out". p. 86. {{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  7. ^ According to the Bonham Biography A Thunder of Drums, Bonham's kit was double bass, which also featured a 20" diameter floor tom, as well as a 22" diameter Floor Tom which never went into production. The only other drummer who got one of these 22" Floor Toms was Carmine Appice.)
  8. ^ The drums were switched out depending upon the night and what Bonham felt like using - according to A Thunder of Drums

Sources

  • Bonham, Mick (2005). John Bonham: The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin. Southbank Publishing. ISBN 1-904915-11-6
  • Bonham, Mick (2003). Bonham by Bonham: My Brother John. Solihull: Icarus Publications. ISBN 0-9545717-0-3
  • Welch, Chris & Nicholls, Geoff (2001). John Bonham: A Thunder of Drums. San Francisco: Backbeat Books. ISBN 0-87930-658-0

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Bonham&oldid=185133072"