This day in HISTOROCK !! RIP John Henry Bonham !!

            This day in HISTOROCK !!

              34 years ago today, Sep 25/1980, John Henry Bonham, drummer with Led Zeppelin, died at he age of 32 after a heavy drinking session. "Bonzo" was found dead at guitarists Jimmy Page's house by bass player John Paul Jones of what was described as asphyxiation, after choking on his own vomit after drinking 40 shots of vodka in 4 hours !! During live sets his drum solo, "Moby Dick", which was originally named "Pat's Delight" after his wife, would often last for half an hour and regularly featured his use of his bare hands. Bonham was esteemed for his  speed, power, fast right foot, distinctive sound, and "feel" for the groove as he was in fact a soul drummer !! The swing and swagger were his alone. Bonham was a family man and son son Jason Bonham was a chip of the old block when it came to drumming !! Jason has had success with various bands including UFO, Foreigner, and Bonham, as well as standing in for his father for the Zeppelin 2007 one-off reunion show !! John Henry Bonham is still widely considered to be one of the greatest drummers in the history of rock music and, over 30 years since his death, Bonham continues to garner awards and praise, including a Rolling Stone 2011 readers' pick, placing him first among the magazine's "best drummers of all time" !! Foo Fighter Dave Grohl said :  "John played the drums like someone who didn't know what was going to happen next - like he was teetering on the edge of a cliff. No one has come close to that since, and I don't think anybody ever will. I think he will forever be the greatest drummer of all time." !! Well said Mr Grohl.  In 2007, Ludwig issued a limited edition drum kit in Bonham's memory !! Did you know that Led Zeppelin as we know them, may never have existed !! Here's why : In 1968, Jimmy Page was looking to form a band . At the time he already had Robert Plant as his singer and Plant recommended Bonham. At first he was reluctant to join, because he had also received  lucrative offers from established artists Joe Cocker and Chris Farlowe. Now remember, this is 1968, when there was no cell phones, no internet. So Page did the next best thing. He and Manager Peter Grant called the local pub where Bonham hung out and left message after message, 40 in all for Bonham to join the band and thankfully he did !! Thank the "ROCK" gods that Jimmy was so persistent and Bonham made the right choice !! RIP John Henry Bonham !! Here is some fantastic live video of the legendary drum solo "Moby Dick"!! Almost 30 mins long !! WOW !! Enjoy !!

Keep on ROCKIN !!
Trike :-)