Led Zeppelin, widely regarded as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, was a powerhouse formed by four legendary talents: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones. Together, they created an unparalleled collaborative force that quickly dethroned The Beatles as the world’s biggest band. Each member brought a unique genius to the table, but it was Bonham’s drumming that particularly stood out.
A virtuoso in his own right, Bonham revolutionized rock drumming by blending jazz influences, such as Gene Krupa, with a raw, modern hard rock energy. His playing created some of the most iconic moments in rock history, including legendary tracks like “Moby Dick” and “Black Dog.” But one of his most memorable performances is the drum solo “Bonzo’s Montreux,” often regarded as a masterclass in drumming.
Despite his immense skill, Bonham was not immune to challenges. One of the few tracks he struggled with was “Four Sticks” from 1971’s Led Zeppelin IV. Known for its unconventional time signatures—shifting between 5/4 and 6/8—the song posed a particular difficulty for Bonham in the studio.
John Paul Jones, recalling the session, explained that Bonham had a hard time with the time changes. “It took him ages to get ‘Four Sticks,'” Jones said. “I seemed to be the only one who could actually count things in. Page would play something and [John] would say, ‘That’s great. Where’s the first beat?’” Bonham struggled to lock into the correct count, often playing great phrases, but unable to relate them to the rhythmic structure, making it challenging to line up with the rest of the band.
Interestingly, the song’s name, “Four Sticks,” comes from Bonham’s unique method of playing the track with two drumsticks in each hand. This allowed him to create a fuller, more complex sound but made the recording process even more difficult. Despite the challenges, Bonham managed to lay down the track in just two takes, showcasing his genius and determination.
However, the technical difficulty of “Four Sticks” meant that Led Zeppelin rarely performed it live. Even the most gifted musicians face hurdles, and Bonham’s struggle with this track remains a testament to his brilliance and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
