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Although I've never been a huge fan of Led Zeppelin, even I admit to the extreme talent of this extraordinary
British band. The band featured one of rock & roll's finest percussionists to ever pound the skins, John Henry Bonham.
On the Led Zeppelin home page, I have found out that John was a miracle baby. According to the story, the doctor on duty at
the time of his birth, was too drunk to help revive the new born boy whose heart had stopped beating. But the nurse on duty,
managed to get another doctor, thus John was revived.
In the early days, John & singer Robert Plant were in a band
together when a young, well known guitar player, Jimmy Page of the legendary Yardbirds, first heard young John play.
John's insane drumming, I believe, is some of the finest in the early, formative days of rock music. His
solo's were amazing to see & hear, which is a gross understatement of his work. The only other drummer who was on John's
level, is the legendary Keith Moon of The Who. Personally, I would have loved to have seen a showdown, drum solo between the
two.
It's been said for years, that Led Zeppelin was the first heavy metal band ever. While I don't agree, personally,
I believe that John's aggressive playing did, in fact, lay the foundation for the heavy metal style of 70's, 80's & today's
heavy metal music.
Sadly, John's life was cut short, & the Led Zeppelin broke apart after his death. His style &
antics will be long remembered. Even his son, Jason, continues the tradition set by his legendary father, playing with Jimmy
Page & Robert Plant, when both toured together.
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