Imagine a casual conversation at your favorite hangout about the greatest drummers in history. It would be quite unexpected if John Bonham, the formidable backbone of Led Zeppelin, wasn’t mentioned among the top contenders. This is because beyond the complexity of grips, unique patterns, or elaborate drum fills, the essence of a phenomenal drummer lies. It lies in the passion and courage to excel, qualities Bonham possessed in abundance.
Bonham’s name is as synonymous with drumming as Hendrix’s is with the guitar. Celebrated as a virtuoso behind the drum kit, Bonham’s skills were so impressive that Hendrix himself made a comparison. In a dialogue with Robert Plant documented in “A Thunder of Drums,” he likened Bonham’s foot technique to “a pair of castanets.” This comparison highlights Bonham’s versatility – he could deliver powerful beats and handle his pedals with an unmatched finesse.
Given Bonham’s reputation as one of the, if not the, most outstanding drummers in history, it’s intriguing to consider which percussionists he admired the most. Although Bonham never officially documented his favorite drummers, his broad musical tastes and respect for various artists were well-known. Beyond a doubt, he held in high regard upwards of ten drummers, including names like Barriemore Barlow, Bernard Purdie, Alphonse Mouzon, Joe Morello, and Simon Kirke. However, we believe the following five would be his top selections.
John Bonham’s five favorite drummers:
Gene Krupa
Gene Krupa, a composer, bandleader, and famous jazz drummer, was arguably one of John Bonham’s greatest influences. A young Bonzo idolized the percussionist and his unique flair, who was known for his hyperactive style and dynamic presentation.
According to his brother Michael on Bonham’s website, John was heavily influenced by the 1956 biopic film The Benny Goodman Story, in which Krupa starred as the swing king. Michael claims that “John went to see the film with his dad” and that “Gene Krupa was God” for a young Bonzo.
Bonham also expressed fondness for another Krupa film, Beat The Band, in which the percussionist performs on some steam pipes. All of this adds up to Krupa being largely responsible for the majority of Led Zeppelin’s panache.
Ginger Baker
Delving into the biography of John Bonham reveals a noteworthy aspect: his early admiration for The Graham Bond Organisation. This band, pivotal in his formative years as an earnest music enthusiast, featured the iconic Ginger Baker, widely recognized as one of the world’s most accomplished drummers.
Baker’s career trajectory shifted dramatically when he collaborated with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce to form the supergroup Cream. This collaboration not only defined an era but also laid the groundwork for bands like Bonham’s Led Zeppelin to usher in a new era of rock music. Baker was the driving force of Cream, combining metronomic jazz rhythms he had mastered with a fiery performance style that bordered on the adventurous. This blend of precision and untamed energy in Baker’s drumming had a profound impact on Bonham’s approach to music.
As their careers progressed, Bonham and Baker’s paths intersected, albeit in different contexts – with Baker focusing on projects in Africa and Bonham making waves on global tours. Despite the parallels in their drumming journeys, Baker expressed a somewhat prickly attitude towards comparisons with Bonham. In his autobiography, “Hellraiser: The Autobiography of the World’s Greatest Drummer,” Baker recounts an instance where Bonham claimed that they were the only two significant drummers in British rock ‘n’ roll. Baker’s response to this was a mix of surprise and irritation, humorously reflecting on Bonham’s bold claim with a remark that encapsulated his feelings: “You cheeky little bastard!”
This anecdote not only highlights the mutual respect between these two drumming legends but also underscores the unique paths they carved in the rock and roll landscape. Their contributions to music continue to inspire and resonate with fans and musicians alike, cementing their legacies as pioneers in their field.
Buddy Rich
In the esteemed ranks of influential percussionists, jazz drummer Buddy Rich holds a place of honor. His extraordinary skill and style illuminated the path for many, including iconic drummers like Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, and of course, John Bonham.
Despite their distinct stylistic differences, Bonham held a deep admiration for Rich, frequently seen enjoying his records and often vocal about his appreciation for Rich’s remarkable talent. However, Rich, like many jazz musicians of his time, did not share the same enthusiasm for rock drummers, often viewing them as inferior to jazz percussionists.
Rich, known for his fiery temperament and confident demeanor, was an intriguing figure to Bonham. While Rich’s personality could be daunting, Bonham maintained a respectful distance, admiring the jazz legend from afar. This relationship illustrates the broad spectrum of Bonham’s musical influences and his ability to draw inspiration from various genres, despite personal differences or contrasting musical philosophies.
Buddy Rich’s legacy and his impact on Bonham’s drumming highlight the cross-genre inspirations that fueled Bonham’s development as a musician. It’s a testament to the universality of music and its power to transcend boundaries, influencing artists across different musical landscapes.
Max Roach
Max Roach, an esteemed figure in the world of percussion, held a special place in John Bonham’s musical reverence. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to bebop, Roach collaborated with a host of renowned jazz artists. These artists included the likes of Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington, among others.
Despite Bonham’s status as a heavy metal progenitor, it was the jazz genre that deeply influenced his musical upbringing. Jeff Ocheltree, Bonham’s long-term drum technician, once remarked, “John listened to Max Roach, Alphonse Mouzon, Elvin Jones, and a myriad of fusion and jazz drummers. It’s a common misconception that Bonham was all about heavy drumming. In reality, he was deeply rooted in swing and focused on nuanced technique.”
One of the most notable homages to Roach from Bonham is evident in Led Zeppelin’s ‘Moby Dick‘. This track, renowned for its electrifying drum solo, is where Bonham subtly nods to Roach’s ‘The Drum Also Waltzes‘ by integrating similar rhythmic patterns. This gesture can be seen as the highest form of flattery and respect from Bonham. It showcases his deep appreciation and understanding of Roach’s style and his impact on the world of drumming.
Through this influence, Bonham’s drumming surpassed the territory of rock, integrating the sophistication and complexity of jazz rhythms. This illustrates the diverse and rich tapestry of his musical inspirations.
Keith Moon
An extensive list dedicated solely to jazz drummers could easily be compiled. This would highlight the proficiency and technique that greatly influenced John Bonham and his contemporaries in rock drumming. While Bonham was known for his powerful and heavy-hitting, he also embraced sophistication and artistry in his play. Yet, it was Keith Moon who introduced him to an entirely different aspect of drumming: flair.
As detailed in Mick Bonham’s book, the moment John Bonham witnessed Keith Moon, the dynamic drummer of The Who, was transformative. It left a lasting impact on his musical journey. Bonham was profoundly inspired upon seeing Moon perform on television, leading him to explore new avenues, including fashion. Moon’s style was distinct; he wasn’t just another rock drummer content with a background role. Instead, he was a vibrant, front-and-center performer, known as much for his energetic presence as his drumming.
While Bonham may not have regarded Moon with the same technical reverence as some other drummers on his list of influences, there was undeniable admiration. His appreciation for Moon was evident. In a memorable moment in rock history, Moon’s final performance was alongside Bonham. They created an electrifying synergy as they powered through a set with Led Zeppelin.
Tragically, both drummers’ lives were marred by struggles with addiction, leading to their untimely deaths. Despite these challenges, Bonham and Moon are remembered as iconic figures of rock’s golden age. Their legacies endure in the annals of music history.
