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John Bonham: Bio, Drum Gear, Albums & More

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Originally known as the New Yardbirds, often regarded as the progenitor of hard rock and heavy metal, Led Zeppelin was an English band that rocked the world from 1968 to 1980. Their unique style of music is derived and influenced by different elements of music genres including blues and folk music.

To date, they are one of the best-selling music artists of all time with their total sales of records estimated to be over 300 million units worldwide. To compare them to other greats, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 with a description including a statement that they were as influential in the 1970s as the Beatles in the 1960s.

Pounding away the drums for the band is none other than the legendary John Bonham. His demonstration of drumming skills throughout his career has earned him worldwide appreciation and respect especially for his power, speed, distinctive sound, and feel for groove. With this, he is largely known as one of the most influential and greatest drummers in the history of music.

Early Life

Born into a family of 3 siblings on 31 May 1948 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, Bonham picked up his interest in drumming at the young age of 5. This is where he made his own makeshift kit made up of coffee tins and containers and he would try to imitate his idols such as Buddy Rich, Art Blakely, Gene Krupa, and Max Roach. His mother acknowledged his interest and got him a snare drum when he was 10. Soon after, at 15 years old, his father got Bonham his first drum kit, a Premier Percussion set.

Bonham never attended any formal drum lessons. He mostly learned through trial and error on his own and by getting advice from other drummers in Redditch. He attended Lodge Farm Secondary Modern School and this is where he joined his first two bands, Blue Star Trio and Gerry Levene & the Avengers.

When he was done with school, he went into the trade business with his dad as an apprentice carpenter. However, he didn’t let go of the drums. He would still practice almost every night and perform with local bands.

In 1964, he joined his first semi-professional band known as Terry Webb and the Spiders. This was also around the time he met his future wife, Pat Phillps. Other bands he would play with include The Nicky James Movement and The Senators.

In 1996, he decided to take drumming more seriously and did it full time as he joined his next band, A Way of Life which unfortunately, didn’t last very long. Soon after, he moved into another group with lead singer Robert Plant, called the Crawling King Snakes.

It was a messy time for Bonham and he went back into A Way of Life whilst keeping in touch with Plant. Plant eventually formed Band of Joy and named Bonham his drummer. In 1968, they connected with Tim Rose and soon after, Bonham went on to join Rose’s band.

Career

One day in 1968, as Bonham was persevering through his drumming career, another band known as the Yardbirds met its dissolution and their guitarist, Jimmy Page went on to form a new band named New Yardbirds with Plant, who in turn suggested Bonham. When Page saw Bonham’s performance with Tim Rose, he was immediately convinced that Bonham was the man they needed and gave him an offer. Despite being initially reluctant, Bonham took the offer and from there, everything only went uphill.

That same year, the band went on their first tour in the UK. It wasn’t even a month before they renamed themselves as Led Zeppelin. Within their first year together, they completed four US and four UK concert tours whilst releasing two albums, namely “Led Zeppelin” and “Led Zeppelin II”, both of which achieved commercial success and hit top charts in the UK and US.

Bonham was a true enthusiast when it came to drumming. The song titled “Pat’s Delight” which was later renamed to “Moby Dick”, was Bonham’s first drum solo and it often lasted for up to 20 minutes. In certain sections, he would dive deep into trance and would even use his bare hands to bang on the drums in efforts to replicate the sounds of phased hand drums. Another time, he and Page were working on a demo for “Communication Breakdown”, but Page decided to scratch that because Bonham was over-doing the use of a double bass drum.

The band continued to experience tremendous success over the years releasing 8 studio albums, 4 live albums, and 16 singles. Unfortunately in the year 1980, the band faced a terrible misfortune as Bonham passed away. Since Bonham was such an integral player in the band’s sound, the band decided that they were not able to continue together without him. With that, Led Zeppelin met its dissolution. To date, Bonham is still regularly voted as the greatest and most influential rock drummer of all time.

Drum Gear

Bonham was known to exclusively endorse and play on Ludwig drums throughout the duration of his career in Led Zeppelin. It all started during his first tour in the US after he met with Carmine Appice who introduced Bonham to the brand.

Drums

  • 70’s Premier Throne Black Top Drum Kit
  • Ludwig Classic Maple Green Sparkle Drum Kit
  • Ludwig Amber Vistalite Drum Kit
  • Ludwig Stainless Steel Drum Kit
  • Ludwig Vistalite Black & White Candy Stripe Swirl Drum Kit
  • Ludwig Thermo Gloss Natural Maple Drum Kit
  • Natal Congas
  • Ludwig Timpani

Cymbals

Note that the cymbals below aren't from the year 2002, Paiste 2002 started getting made in 1971.

  • Paiste 15” Giant Beat Hi-Hats
  • Paiste 24” 2002 Ride
  • Paiste 24” Giant Beat Ride Cymbal
  • Paiste 18” 2002 Ride
  • Paiste 15” 2002 Sound Edge Hi-Hats
  • Paiste 16” 2002 Crash Cymbal
  • Paiste 18” 2002 Crash Cymbal
  • Paiste 36” Symphonic Gong
  • Paiste 38” Symphonic Gong
  • Paiste 18” 2002 Medium

Drumsticks

  • Promuco 5B John Bonham Signature Drum Sticks
  • Ludwig 2A Drumsticks
  • Hickory 2B Drumsticks
  • Hickory 5B Drumsticks

TV Appearances

Aside from music videos, Bonham has appeared on television several times as an actor and performer. He appeared and acted in movies such as:

  • Supershow (1969)
  • Son of Dracula (1974)
  • The Song Remains the Same (1976)
  • A to Zeppelin: The Story of LEd Zeppelin (2005)
  • Led Zeppelin (2019)
  • The Art of Drumming (2021-2022)
  • Let There Be Drums! (2022)

Awards and Nominations

During his time, Bonham along with Led Zeppelin were nominated in the Grammy awards for Best New Artist in 1970. They also won the Ivor Novello Awards in 1977.

Despite the band’s dissolution in 1980 and after all this time, Bonham’s contribution to the world of music is still recognised and praised for as he is still being named for awards and accolades. In 2005, he was ranked number 1 on Classic Rock’s 2005 list of 50 Greatest Drummers in Rock.

In 2007 and 2008, both Stylus magazine and Gigwise.com also rated Bonham number one in their list of 50 great rock drummers.

John Bonham videos

Moby Dick drum solo by John Bonham in Madison Square Garden (1973).
Drum solo by John "Bonzo" Bonham from 1977.
John Bonham's special half time shuffle groove.

Discography

Albums

  • 1964: Kinks with The Kinks
  • 1969: Whole Lotta Love with Led Zeppelin
  • 1969: Three Week Hero with P.J. Proby
  • 1969: Live at the Lyceum in London with Led Zeppelin
  • 1969: Led Zeppelin/Dusty Springfield with Led Zeppelin
  • 1969: Led Zeppelin II with Led Zeppelin
  • 1969: Led Zeppelin with Led Zeppelin
  • 1969: Donovan's Greatest Hits with Donovan
  • 1970: Whole Lotta Love with CCS
  • 1970: The Ultimate Mudslide with Led Zeppelin
  • 1970: Super Hits, Vol. 5 [Atlantic]
  • 1970: Mudslide with Led Zeppelin
  • 1970: Lord Sutch and Heavy Friends with Screaming Lord Sutch
  • 1970: Live on Blueberry Hill [Trademark of Quality] with Led Zeppelin
  • 1970: Led Zeppelin III with Led Zeppelin
  • 1970: Immigrant Song with Led Zeppelin
  • 1970: Another White Summer with Led Zeppelin
  • 1971: The Complete BBC Session 1971 with Led Zeppelin
  • 1971: New Testament with The Ventures
  • 1971: Live at the Fillmore West with King Curtis
  • 1971: Led Zeppelin IV with Led Zeppelin
  • 1971: Evolution with Dennis Coffey / Dennis Coffey and the Detroit Guitar Band
  • 1972: The New Age of Atlantic
  • 1972: Take a Sad Song... with Godfrey Daniel
  • 1972: My Brain Hurts with Led Zeppelin
  • 1972: Ballcrusher with Led Zeppelin
  • 1973: Superstars of the 70's [Warner]
  • 1973: Madison Square Garden, July 1973 with Led Zeppelin
  • 1973: Live in Seattle: The 1973 Tour with Led Zeppelin
  • 1973: Houses of the Holy with Led Zeppelin
  • 1973: Dance Party with Dennis Coffey / Dennis Coffey and the Detroit Guitar Band
  • 1975: Physical Graffiti with Led Zeppelin
  • 1975: On Stage in Europe 1975 with Led Zeppelin
  • 1975: Hiawatha Express with Led Zeppelin
  • 1975: Earls Court with Led Zeppelin
  • 1975: Acid Queen with Tina Turner
  • 1976: Wings at the Speed of Sound with Paul McCartney / Paul McCartney & Wings / Wings
  • 1976: The Song Remains the Same with Led Zeppelin
  • 1976: Presence with Led Zeppelin
  • 1977: Destroyer with Led Zeppelin
  • 1978: Some Kazoos with Temple City Kazoo Orchestra
  • 1978: Rhino Royale
  • 1979: Stairway to Love with The Wonder Band
  • 1979: On the Road Again with Roy Wood
  • 1979: Live at Knebworth 1979, Pt. 2 with Led Zeppelin
  • 1979: Live at Knebworth 1979, Pt. 1 with Led Zeppelin
  • 1979: Knebworth 1979 with Led Zeppelin
  • 1979: In Through the Out Door with Led Zeppelin
  • 1979: Back to the Egg with Paul McCartney / Wings
  • 1980: The Last Day in Mannheim with Led Zeppelin
  • 1980: Heart Greatest Hits: Live with Heart
  • 1980: Gettin' the Led Out with Led Zeppelin
  • 1980: Epitaph for a Legend
  • 1981: Hardcore '81 with D.O.A.
  • 1982: Coda with Led Zeppelin
  • 1983: Stukas Over Disneyland with The Dickies
  • 1984: No Introduction Necessary with Jimmy Page
  • 1984: Al Rojo Vivo with Baron Rojo
  • 1985: The Shit Hits the Fans with The Replacements
  • 1985: The Dawning of a New Error with D.O.A.
  • 1985: Cabin Flounder with Fetchin Bones
  • 1987: Interview Disc with Led Zeppelin
  • 1987: Hysteria with Def Leppard
  • 1987: Forcefield with Forcefield
  • 1987: 1972 Interview with Led Zeppelin
  • 1988: Survive with Nuclear Assault
  • 1988: Recovery: Live! with Great White
  • 1988: Let It Bee with Voice of the Beehive
  • 1988: Conversation with Led Zeppelin
  • 1989: Think This with Toxik
  • 1989: One with The Ordinaires
  • 1989: Make a Difference Foundation: Stairway to Heaven/°Highway to Hell
  • 1989: Live Without a Net with Van Halen
  • 1989: Boston Rock & Roll Anthology, Vol. 12
  • 1989: Bar None Sampler, Vol. 2: Time for a Change
  • 1990: Un-Led-Ed with Dread Zeppelin
  • 1990: Trampled Underfoot with Led Zeppelin
  • 1990: Sing the Songs of... with The Bobs
  • 1990: Rhythm & Blues Saxophone Anthology: Atlantic Honkers
  • 1990: Over Under Sideways Down: A Comprehensive Collection 1963-1968 with The Yardbirds
  • 1990: Locked 'n' Loaded: Greatest Hits Live with The Dickies
  • 1990: Live with Zebra
  • 1990: Led Zeppelin [Box Set] with Led Zeppelin
  • 1990: Fool in the Rain with Led Zeppelin
  • 1990: Akiko Yano with Akiko Yano
  • 1991: Whole Lotta Love [Compilation] with CCS
  • 1991: U-Neek with Eek-A-Mouse
  • 1991: The Fabulous B.B. King with B.B. King
  • 1991: Sydney Youngblood with Sydney Youngblood
  • 1991: Shotgun Wedding with Rowland S. Howard / Lydia Lunch
  • 1991: Remasters Highlights [Double Cassette] with Led Zeppelin
  • 1991: Montezuma Was a Man of Faith with Andy Prieboy
  • 1991: Metallica with Metallica
  • 1991: Kingdom of Zep with Led Zeppelin
  • 1991: Greatest Hits with Led Zeppelin
  • 1991: God's Favorite Dog
  • 1991: Classic Rock: 1966-1988
  • 1991: 5,000,000 with Dread Zeppelin
  • 1992: Troubadour: The Definitive Collection 1964-1976 with Donovan
  • 1992: The White with Michael White
  • 1992: The Ultimate Rock Album
  • 1992: The Crimson Idol with W.A.S.P.
  • 1992: Story of the Film with Led Zeppelin
  • 1992: Love Is Murder with Michael Hall
  • 1992: Live at Hammersmith Odeon with Nuclear Assault
  • 1992: Life Among the Ruins with Virgin Steele
  • 1992: Led Zeppelin Remasters with Led Zeppelin
  • 1992: Dig Archaeology 1980-1990 with The Space Negros
  • 1992: Bring 'Em Back Alive with Dixie Dregs
  • 1992: Brand New Second Hand
  • 1993: Tuesday Night Music Club with Sheryl Crow
  • 1993: The Song Retains the Name, Vol. 2
  • 1993: Spin 1ne 2wo with Spin One Two
  • 1993: One Little Indian: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
  • 1993: Mono with Fury in the Slaughterhouse
  • 1993: Led Zeppelin [Box Set 2] with Led Zeppelin
  • 1993: It's There with Motohiko Hino
  • 1993: Howlin' Mercy with John Campbell
  • 1993: Complete Studio Recordings with Led Zeppelin
  • 1994: Word of Mouth with Vicious Rumors
  • 1994: The Voice with Vicious Rumors
  • 1994: The Collected Recordings: Sixties to Nineties with Tina Turner
  • 1994: Strings with Kristin Hersh
  • 1994: Storm with Judge
  • 1994: Rock Instrumental Classics, Vol. 3: The Seventies
  • 1994: Purple with Stone Temple Pilots
  • 1994: Pride & Glory with Pride & Glory
  • 1994: Pleeease! with Led Zeppelin
  • 1994: No Quarter with Page & Plant / Jimmy Page / Robert Plant
  • 1994: It's a Natural Thang with For Real
  • 1994: Essex with Alison Moyet
  • 1994: Cracked Rear View with Hootie & the Blowfish
  • 1994: 29 Palms / Whole Lotta Love with Robert Plant
  • 1995: The No. 1 70's Rock Album
  • 1995: The Best of Acid Jazz [BGP]
  • 1995: Tales from the Rhino 2
  • 1995: Sympathy for the Devil with Hampton String Quartet
  • 1995: Rock Instrumental Classics, Vols. 1-5
  • 1995: Rock 'n Roll Duds with The Cruel Sea
  • 1995: Plays the Best of Led Zeppelin with Michael White
  • 1995: No Quarter: Unledded [Video] with Page & Plant
  • 1995: No Quarter Pounder with Dread Zeppelin
  • 1995: In the Hand of the Inevitable with James Taylor Quartet
  • 1995: Hot & Spicy Beanburger with Dread Zeppelin
  • 1995: Getz Aber In Echt with Herbert Affentheater Knebels
  • 1995: Encomium: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin
  • 1995: Definitive Collection [Bonus Disc] with Heart
  • 1995: Cover to Cover with The Jeff Healey Band
  • 1995: Butter with Rippopotamus
  • 1996: When the Levee Breaks with Killdozer
  • 1996: The Yardbirds Experience: British Thunder with Jim McCarty
  • 1996: The Lyceum Ballroom, U.K.: 10/12/69 with Led Zeppelin
  • 1996: Smoke & Fire with Smoke & Fire
  • 1996: Now That's What I Call Music! 33 [UK]
  • 1996: My Promise with No Mercy
  • 1996: Hit's Mania '96, Vol. 1
  • 1996: Greatest 90's Dance Hits
  • 1996: Best of Acid Jazz [Global]
  • 1996: Best Album in the World...Ever! Vol. 3
  • 1996: Abundance with Zip Code Revue
  • 1996: 100% Dance Hits 96
  • 1997: Ye Olde Space Band: Plays Classic Rock Hits with The Moog Cookbook
  • 1997: When You See the Sun with The Jason Bonham Band
  • 1997: Volume 17
  • 1997: This Is...Son of Cult Fiction
  • 1997: Symphonic Rock: British Invasion, Vol. 1 with London Symphony Orchestra
  • 1997: Ruins with Dread Zeppelin
  • 1997: Rock the House: Pumping House Music Meets Classic Rock with The Eurobeats
  • 1997: Red Soul with Indian Nation
  • 1997: New Testament/More Golden Greats with The Ventures
  • 1997: Let There Be Singles
  • 1997: Kashmir: The Symphonic Led Zeppelin with London Philharmonic Orchestra
  • 1997: In the Name of My Father: The Zepset Live from Electric Ladyland with The Jason Bonham Band
  • 1997: Funkwich with The House Jacks
  • 1997: BBC Sessions with Led Zeppelin
  • 1997: 1970: 20 Original Chart Hits
  • 1998: Where We Come From with Vital Information
  • 1998: Vive la France with Led Zeppelin
  • 1998: The Very Best of Jeff Healey with Jeff Healey / The Jeff Healey Band
  • 1998: Star Profiles with Led Zeppelin
  • 1998: Songs of Led Zeppelin, Vol. 2 with M.P.B.
  • 1998: Songs of Led Zeppelin, Vol. 1 with M.P.B.
  • 1998: Rock for Tots
  • 1998: Rock Me with Great White
  • 1998: Music of the Grateful Dead & Beyond with Illuminati
  • 1998: More Phials of Acid Jazz
  • 1998: Logical Progression, Level 3 with LTJ Bukem
  • 1998: Horse/New Testament with The Ventures
  • 1998: Hits of Led Zeppelin, Vol. 1
  • 1998: Hit Zone
  • 1998: Greatest Hits with Heart
  • 1998: Godzilla: The Album
  • 1998: Flesheaters
  • 1998: Come with Me with Diddy
  • 1998: Classic Rock, Vol. 1
  • 1998: C'mon Everybody with Led Zeppelin
  • 1998: Blow Up! A JTQ Collection with James Taylor Quartet
  • 1998: Before the Balloon Went Up with Jimmy Page
  • 1998: Atlantic Records 50 Years: The Gold Anniversary
  • 1998: Acid Jazz Story: Old Testament 1988-1996
  • 1999: Whole Lotta Blues: Songs of Led Zeppelin
  • 1999: Walking Woman with Mary LaRose
  • 1999: This Ain't No Tribute Blues Cube
  • 1999: The Whop Boom Bam with All That
  • 1999: The String Quartet Tribute to Led Zeppelin with Vitamin String Quartet
  • 1999: The Master Hits: Jeff Healey Band with The Jeff Healey Band
  • 1999: Shrinking Violet with L.A. Guns
  • 1999: Rev with Perry Farrell
  • 1999: Private Talks with Led Zeppelin
  • 1999: Mission Impossible/In the Hand of the Inevitable with James Taylor Quartet
  • 1999: Led Zeppelin Tribute
  • 1999: Greatest A.J. with James Taylor Quartet
  • 1999: Great Zeppelin: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin with Great White
  • 1999: Edge with Lenny White
  • 1999: Early Days: The Best of Led Zeppelin, Vol. 1 with Led Zeppelin
  • 1999: Creature Features
  • 1999: Bug House with Flytrap
  • 1999: British Rock Symphony
  • 1999: Born to Be Wild [Telstar]
  • 1999: Blue Break Beats, Vol. 4
  • 1999: Blue Break Beats, Vol. 1-4
  • 1999: Best of the Acid Jazz Years with The Brand New Heavies
  • 2000: Ultimate Rock Classics, Vol. 2
  • 2000: Simply the Best with Heart
  • 2000: Set Right Fit to Blow Clean Up with The Drags
  • 2000: Scattered, Smothered and Covered with Hootie & the Blowfish
  • 2000: Rock and Roll Highway with Jimmy Page
  • 2000: Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy: Rock Classics of the '70s & '80s
  • 2000: Princess Gothica
  • 2000: Pickin' on Zeppelin: A Tribute with Pickin' On
  • 2000: Naked Funk with The House Jacks
  • 2000: Live at the Greek with The Black Crowes / Jimmy Page
  • 2000: Live Around the World: Where We Come from Tour 1998-1999 with Vital Information
  • 2000: Latter Days: The Best of Led Zeppelin, Vol. 2 with Led Zeppelin
  • 2000: Hey Hey What Can I Do with Jimmy Page
  • 2000: Guitar Gods [Dressed To Kill]
  • 2000: Divinity with Led Zeppelin
  • 2000: Deja Voodoo with Dread Zeppelin
  • 2000: Dead Zeppelin: A Metal Tribute to Led Zeppelin
  • 2000: CCS with CCS
  • 2000: Bag of Nails with Bjørn Berge
  • 2000: Acoustic: Live at Stubb's with Reckless Kelly
  • 2001: Totally Sensational 70's: 1970-1973
  • 2001: The Making of Led Zeppelin's Zoso with Led Zeppelin
  • 2001: Songs of Led Zeppelin and Cheap Trick
  • 2001: Rock Champions with Great White
  • 2001: Reggae Rocks: The Tide Is High-A Tribute to Rock 'N' Roll
  • 2001: Perfume with Antichrisis
  • 2001: Metal Thunder: Rock Crusade
  • 2001: Metal Thunder: Metal Inferno
  • 2001: Metal Thunder: Arena Rock Classics
  • 2001: Lost Hits & Golden Memories, Vol. 1
  • 2001: Live from Mars with Ben Harper
  • 2001: Live at the Old Point with Bonerama
  • 2001: Live a l'Olympia with Jeff Buckley
  • 2001: Little Wing with Ottmar Liebert / Luna Negra
  • 2001: James Taylor Quartet: Live with James Taylor
  • 2001: I-94 Live I-94 with B-Movie Rats
  • 2001: Hold the Vocals: Tribute to the Instrumental Music
  • 2001: Gregg's Eggs with Gregg's Eggs
  • 2001: East to East with Alan Kushan
  • 2001: Don't Shave the Feeling with EZ Pour Spout
  • 2001: Cherry with Josh Roseman / Josh Roseman Unit
  • 2001: Check It Out: Best of the Acid Jazz Years with James Taylor
  • 2001: Been a Long Time with Double Trouble
  • 2001: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin IV
  • 2001: A Legend in Their Own Lifetime with Led Zeppelin
  • 2002: Wander This World with Guarneri Underground
  • 2002: The String Quartet Tribute to Led Zeppelin, Vols. 1 & 2 with Vitamin String Quartet
  • 2002: The String Quartet Tribute to Led Zeppelin, Vol. 2 with The Section / Vitamin String Quartet
  • 2002: The Fantastic Pickin' on Series Bluegrass with Pickin' On
  • 2002: The Essential Heart with Heart
  • 2002: The Electronic Tribute to Led Zeppelin
  • 2002: The Best of Ottmar Liebert with Ottmar Liebert
  • 2002: Sucking the 70's
  • 2002: Shine with Bond
  • 2002: Sha Li Mar with Sha Li Mar
  • 2002: Rock Hit Box
  • 2002: Rock 'N Roll Jam '70
  • 2002: Rebel Soul: Rockarelli, Vol.1
  • 2002: Phe Cullen with Phe Cullen
  • 2002: Not 4 Sale with Sammy Hagar / Sammy Hagar & the Waboritas
  • 2002: Metal Mania [Boxsets]
  • 2002: Livin' Lovin' Played: A Led Zeppelin Tribute
  • 2002: Live in London with The Dickies
  • 2002: In Concert [Video] with Freddie King
  • 2002: Hitdossier 70's, Vol. 1
  • 2002: Good Morning Freedom: Anthology with Blue Mink
  • 2002: Fábrica de Chocolate with Elephant Band
  • 2002: Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter with Ike & Tina Turner
  • 2002: Forever Gold: Rock Classics
  • 2002: Finally, The Punk Rockers Are Taking Acid with The Flaming Lips
  • 2002: Fairport Unconventional with Fairport Convention
  • 2002: Eddie's Archive with Iron Maiden
  • 2002: Early Days & Latter Days: Vol. 1 & 2 with Led Zeppelin
  • 2002: Best of the B-Sides with Iron Maiden
  • 2002: All Blues'd Up: This Ain't No Tribute to Rock & Roll's Finest
  • 2002: All Blues'd Up: Led Zeppelin
  • 2002: 70-Tals Klassiker
  • 2002: 3-13-98 with The Big Wu
  • 2003: Whole Lotta Love with Candye Kane
  • 2003: The Music Remains the Same
  • 2003: The Lost & Found with Rasputina
  • 2003: The Bluesmen Play: White Boys Blues, Vol. 2
  • 2003: The Bluesmen Play: White Boys Blues, Vol. 1
  • 2003: The Best of International Artists: More Reverberation
  • 2003: Soul Trader with Ils
  • 2003: Sixty Six to Timbuktu with Robert Plant
  • 2003: School of Rock [Original Soundtrack]
  • 2003: Sampled, Vol. 4
  • 2003: Pickin' on Led Zeppelin, Vol. 2 with Pickin' On
  • 2003: Pickin' on Led Zeppelin, Vol. 1-2 with Pickin' On
  • 2003: My Private Nation with Train
  • 2003: Magpie: 20 Junkshop Pop Ads and Themes
  • 2003: Livevil with Dead Moon
  • 2003: Live from Mars/Diamonds on the Inside with Ben Harper
  • 2003: Live Phish, Vol. 20: 12/29/94 (Providence Civic Center, Providence, RI) with Phish
  • 2003: Led Zeppelin [Video Box Set] with Led Zeppelin
  • 2003: How the West Was Won with Led Zeppelin
  • 2003: Highway 60's 70's Blues Revisited
  • 2003: Harder and Heavier
  • 2003: Drew's Famous 30 Greatest Classic Rock with Drew's Famous
  • 2003: Do You Swing? with The Fleshtones
  • 2003: Buddha Cafe Chilled
  • 2003: Blues & Soul Power
  • 2003: A Tribute to P. Diddy
  • 2003: 3 for the Road: Live! at Eddie’s Attic with Lowen & Navarro
  • 2004: Words and Music with David White
  • 2004: Within with William Joseph
  • 2004: With the Lights Out with Nirvana
  • 2004: Undercover [Hip Bop]
  • 2004: Uau! Ao Vivo em Salvador with Babado Novo
  • 2004: Tiki Lounge
  • 2004: The Led Zeppelin Chamber Suite: A Classic Rock Tribute to Led Zeppelin with Classic Rock String Quartet
  • 2004: The Best of Hootie & the Blowfish (1993 Thru 2003) with Hootie & the Blowfish
  • 2004: Strange Brew: Weird & Wonderful Covers From the Atlantic & Warner Vaults
  • 2004: Stairway to Rock (Not Just) A Led Zeppelin Tribute
  • 2004: Simply Rock Moods
  • 2004: Moonlighting: The Anthology with Roger Daltrey
  • 2004: Moda Lisboa: Dress Up and Make Up Your Mind
  • 2004: Definitive Collection with Bond
  • 2004: Chamber Maid: The Baroque Tribute to Led Zeppelin
  • 2004: A Double Dose with Great White
  • 2004: 20 Best of Reggae
  • 2005: Whole Lotta Bluegrass: A Bluegrass Tribute to Led Zeppelin
  • 2005: Ultimate Reggae Party: Classic Hits
  • 2005: The Best of Vargas Blues Band with Vargas Blues Band
  • 2005: The Best of Susan Tedeschi: Episode One with Susan Tedeschi
  • 2005: The Best of Susan Tedeschi with Susan Tedeschi
  • 2005: Take No Prisoners! with Hampton String Quartet
  • 2005: Sliver: The Best of the Box with Nirvana
  • 2005: Skajazz with Papa Skaliente
  • 2005: Rock Revisited
  • 2005: Re-Covers with Yat-Kha
  • 2005: Novo Millennium with Babado Novo
  • 2005: Momentum with Joshua Redman Elastic Band
  • 2005: Inside Led Zeppelin: 1968-1972 with Led Zeppelin
  • 2005: Get the Led Out: Led Zeppelin Salute
  • 2005: Get Down Workout
  • 2005: Electric with Victor Bailey / Larry Coryell / Lenny White
  • 2005: Don't Fight the Feeling with Aretha Franklin
  • 2005: Chicken and Ribs with Dread Zeppelin
  • 2005: Brave New Shoes with Susaye Greene
  • 2005: A's, B's & Rarities with CCS
  • 2006: World's Greatest Metal Tribute To Led Zeppelin
  • 2006: This Is Metal's Most Covered Moments of the 80's
  • 2006: The Fool with Jeff Martin
  • 2006: Straight Outta Lynwood with Weird Al Yankovic
  • 2006: Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Led Zeppelin with Rockabye Baby!
  • 2006: Rhino Hi-Five: King Curtis with King Curtis
  • 2006: Rewind! 5
  • 2006: Live Power Trio with Louis Bertignac
  • 2006: Last Man Standing with Jerry Lee Lewis
  • 2006: III with Stanton Moore
  • 2006: Grace Period with Apologetix
  • 2006: Girls Got Rhythm!
  • 2006: Extended Versions [2006] with Foreigner
  • 2006: Close to Heaven: A Led Zeppelin Tribute with Orchestre National de Jazz
  • 2006: Bluesman Play White Boys Blues
  • 2006: Big City Funk: Original Old School Breaks & Heavy Guitar Soul with Dennis Coffey
  • 2006: At War with the Mystics with The Flaming Lips
  • 2006: A Walk on the Blues Side [Compendia]
  • 2007: Version Excursions with The Dynamics
  • 2007: United Abominations with Megadeth
  • 2007: Timeless Rock Legends
  • 2007: Thieving from the Best with Punk Blues Review
  • 2007: There Is Nothing New Under the Sun [Bonus Tracks] with Coalesce
  • 2007: The Platinum Collection with King Curtis
  • 2007: Souvenirs with First Child
  • 2007: Sean Kingston with Sean Kingston
  • 2007: Renditions of Led Zeppelin: Mystical, Far Eastern Versions Of Classic Led Zeppelin Songs with The Buddha Lounge Ensemble
  • 2007: Pure: Rock
  • 2007: Pure: Pop
  • 2007: Pure: 70s [EMI]
  • 2007: Out Through the In Door with Vanilla Fudge
  • 2007: Organic Jive Collective Live at the Sweetwater with Michael LaMacchia
  • 2007: No Slackin'! with Soul Satyr
  • 2007: Mothership with Led Zeppelin
  • 2007: Monster Mullet Rock
  • 2007: Me Love with Sean Kingston
  • 2007: Many Faces of Led Zeppelin
  • 2007: Live Phish: 12.29.97 with Phish
  • 2007: Lez Zeppelin with Lez Zeppelin
  • 2007: Led Zeppelin IV: Retrospectives with Led Zeppelin
  • 2007: Jytäorkesteri Tulee Taas with Kari Peitsamo
  • 2007: I'm the Anti-Pop with Bjørn Berge
  • 2007: Highlights from Bowfire Live in Concert with Bowfire
  • 2007: Good Times, Bad Times: 10 Years of Godsmack with Godsmack
  • 2007: Good Times, Bad Times with Godsmack
  • 2007: Fuzzbox with Section Quartet
  • 2007: Ele-Mental Instru-Metal with David Malinich
  • 2007: Crystal Visions: The Very Best of Stevie Nicks with Stevie Nicks
  • 2007: Crazy Feelin' This Way with Lisa Lim
  • 2007: Bringing It Home with Bonerama
  • 2007: 24/7/365: The Tribute to Led Zeppelin with Frankie Banali
  • 2007: 101 70's Hits [EMI]
  • 2008: Your Best Friend with Your Best Friend
  • 2008: Vibrating Strings with Jimmy Robinson
  • 2008: Top Musicians Play Led Zeppelin
  • 2008: This Is 1970
  • 2008: The Ultimate Tribute to Led Zeppelin
  • 2008: The Hits Reloaded
  • 2008: Smile Style, Vol. 2
  • 2008: Sight and Sound: Sporting Anthems
  • 2008: Rap & R'N'B Non Stop 2008
  • 2008: Pure Rock [EMI]
  • 2008: Pure Driving Rock [3 Discs]
  • 2008: Playlist: Rock
  • 2008: Platinum R&B Hip Hop Raggae: Urban Greatest Hits
  • 2008: No End in Sight: The Very Best of Foreigner with Foreigner
  • 2008: New Classix 2008
  • 2008: Never Ever Land: 83 Texan Nuggets from International Artists Records
  • 2008: Na Estrada do Rock: In Concert with Edinho Santa Cruz
  • 2008: My Metal Valentine with Vitamin String Quartet
  • 2008: Major Flavours 3
  • 2008: Live with Anthony Gomes
  • 2008: Kidz Bop 13 with Kidz Bop Kids
  • 2008: In Lucid Dreams with The Bright
  • 2008: Hair Metal Live
  • 2008: Gold with Tesla
  • 2008: Definitive Collection Mini LP with Led Zeppelin
  • 2008: Crazy Love Stou Zografou with Dimitris Poulikakos
  • 2008: Blue Note Trip Tease, Pt. 2
  • 2008: Beyond with William Joseph
  • 2008: Awake Live with Josh Groban
  • 2008: At the Roxy (Atlanta '93) with Phish
  • 2008: Ao Vivo em Copacabana with Claudia Leitte
  • 2009: Trip to Woodstock with The Strangers
  • 2009: Top of the Pops: Rock
  • 2009: The Collection [EMI] with Ike & Tina Turner
  • 2009: Stronger with Each Tear with Mary J. Blige
  • 2009: Phat Jam in Milano with Archie Shepp
  • 2009: Original Hits: 70s
  • 2009: Ministry of Sound: Essential Reggae
  • 2009: Masters of Chant: Chapter VII with Gregorian
  • 2009: It's a Strange Thing with Perry Joslin / Perry Joslin Project
  • 2009: For Your Love: From Yardbirds to Zeppelin with The Yardbirds
  • 2009: Escala with Escala
  • 2009: Complete Rock Case Studies with Led Zeppelin
  • 2009: Best of the I.R.S. Years with Dread Zeppelin
  • 2009: Bella Rumore with Bella Rumore
  • 2009: Awake Live [DVD] with Josh Groban
  • 2009: Atlantic Records: The Time Capsule
  • 2009: A Cabinet of Curiosities with Jane's Addiction
  • 2010: Zeppelingrass
  • 2010: The Music Of Led Zeppelin with Indigo Strings / Kazda / Jan Kazda
  • 2010: The Rock Biographies: Led Zeppelin
  • 2010: Stairway to Heaven with Mary J. Blige
  • 2010: Rock Symphonies with David Garrett
  • 2010: Riyel with Yves Abel / Andre Atkins / Riyel / Ken Watters
  • 2010: More Meat with Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats
  • 2010: Live in Las Vegas with Dave Matthews / Tim Reynolds
  • 2010: Live from the Montreal International Jazz Festival with Ben Harper and Relentless7 / Ben Harper
  • 2010: Lez Zeppelin I with Lez Zeppelin
  • 2010: In Real Time with John Waite
  • 2010: Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time with Santana
  • 2010: Extended Versions with Living Colour
  • 2010: Babies Go Led Zeppelin
  • 2011: iTunes Session with Slash
  • 2011: The Essential Great White with Great White
  • 2011: Songs of Freedom with Nguyên Lê
  • 2011: Re: (Disc)overed with Puddle of Mudd
  • 2011: Piano Tribute to Led Zeppelin
  • 2011: Live in Utica with Phish
  • 2011: Live Phish: 8/6/10 Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA with Phish
  • 2011: Live Phish: 10/30/10, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ with Phish
  • 2011: Absolutely the Best of Dennis Coffey with Dennis Coffey
  • 2011: 100 Hits: Super 70s
  • 2011: 100 Hits: Driving Rock [2011]
  • 2011: '80s Metal: Sound & Vision
  • 2012: Wrathchild: The Anthology with Paul Di'Anno
  • 2012: Soul Jazz Records Presents: TV Sound and Image (British Tv, Film and Library Composers 1955-78)
  • 2012: Smashups with Jazz Punks
  • 2012: Painkillers with Left Lane Cruiser / James Leg
  • 2012: Music with David Garrett
  • 2012: Live Meat and Potatoes with Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats
  • 2012: Feel the Burn with Blackburner
  • 2012: Distratto with Francesca Michielin
  • 2012: Chicago '94 with Phish
  • 2012: Celebration Day with Led Zeppelin
  • 2012: American Idol Season 11: Top 10 Highlights
  • 2012: Alive & Rockin' with Foreigner
  • 2012: 70s: The Collection
  • 2013: ¡Released! The Human Rights Concerts 1998: The Struggle Continues
  • 2013: Live on Fire: Circle of the Oath Tour 2012 with Axel Rudi Pell
  • 2013: Epic Obsession with Burning Rain
  • 2013: Covertá with Adrenaline Mob
  • 2013: Bring It on Home: Sings the American Roots of Zeppelin with CC Coletti
  • 2013: Alle 40 Goed with Ike & Tina Turner
  • 2014: Uncovered with Maya Beiser
  • 2014: Trios Live with Joshua Redman
  • 2014: The Sting with Sheryl Crow
  • 2014: The Many Faces of Deep Purple with Deep Purple
  • 2014: The Box Set Series with Heart
  • 2014: Still Here for the Party: Live from St. Louis with Gretchen Wilson
  • 2014: Pioneers with Siena Root
  • 2014: High Times & Other Delights: 1978 Radio Broadcast with Heart
  • 2014: Classic: The Rock Album with Jenny Oaks Baker
  • 2014: Beauty and the Beat with Tarja / Mike Terrana / Tarja Turunen
  • 2014: 1977/1982: A Night That Will Live in Infamy & Live When They Were Five with The Dickies
  • 2015: The Complete Atco Singles with King Curtis
  • 2015: Re-Led-Ed: The Best of Dread Zeppelin with Dread Zeppelin
  • 2015: Re-Covered with Songhoy Blues
  • 2015: Music in Exile with Songhoy Blues
  • 2015: Interludes with Lyn Stanley
  • 2015: Hollywood Vampires with Hollywood Vampires
  • 2015: At Your Service with Sammy Hagar / Sammy Hagar & the Circle
  • 2016: Train Does Led Zeppelin II with Train
  • 2016: The Complete BBC Sessions with Led Zeppelin
  • 2016: Radio Chicago 1976 with Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
  • 2016: Lemonade with Beyoncé
  • 2016: Heading North 53 N° 8° E: Live in Bremen with Beat Farmers
  • 2016: Catch a Falling Star with Jani Lane
  • 2016: BNL Rocks Red Rocks with Barenaked Ladies
  • 2017: Grammy Nominees 2017
  • 2017: Big Rocks with Krokus
  • 2018: The Public Image Is Rotten: Songs from the Heart with Public Image Ltd.
  • 2018: Scratching the Door: The First Recordings of the Flaming Lips with The Flaming Lips
  • 2018: Party Tyme Karaoke: R&B Male Hits 1 with Party Tyme Karaoke
  • 2018: Live in Atlantic City with Heart
  • 2018: Led Zeppelin x Led Zeppelin with Led Zeppelin
  • 2018: Chris Cornell with Chris Cornell
  • 2018: British Blues Explosion Live with Joe Bonamassa
  • 2018: An Evening with Lucia Micarelli with Lucia Micarelli
  • 2018: An Introduction to Led Zeppelin with Led Zeppelin
  • 2019: What Made Milwaukee Famous with Page & Plant
  • 2019: Under the Covers: The Songs They Didn't Write with Nirvana
  • 2019: Transmission Impossible with Metallica
  • 2019: Stand Back: 1981-2017 with Stevie Nicks
  • 2019: Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony with Sons of Apollo
  • 2020: Up All Nite With Prince: The One Nite Alone Collection with Prince
  • 2020: The Lost Sessions with Led Zeppelin
  • 2020: Texas International Pop Festival with Led Zeppelin
  • 2020: Right Back Where We Started From: Female Pop & Soul in 70s Britain
  • 2020: Outlaws of the Mist with Susan SurfTone
  • 2020: Origins, Vol. 2 with Ace Frehley
  • 2020: Ohio with Jimmy Page
  • 2020: Anthology 1988-2012 with Rosetta Stone
  • 2021: Whole Lotta Love: The Music of Led Zeppelin with Obed Calvaire / Bob Franceschini / Kevin Hays / Orlando le Fleming
  • 2021: Triple Tour Pack with Ace Frehley
  • 2021: Great Zeppelin II: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin with Jack Russell's Great White
  • 2022: The Outsider Tour: Live with Roger Taylor
  • 2022: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin with Beth Hart

Frequently asked questions

At what age did John Bonham start playing the drums?

John Bonham started playing the drums in 1953 at the age of 5.

When did John Bonham pass away?

John Bonham died on 25 September 1980 at the age of 32.

How long did John Bonham play the drums for?

John Bonham played the drums for 27 years.

Which drum brands did John Bonham use?

Throughout his career John Bonham has used Premier, Ludwig, Paiste, Promuco, Hickory, Remo and Natal.

What genres is John Bonham known for?

He is known for playing Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock and Folk Rock.

How many recordings has John Bonham been featured on?

Counting all his Albums, John Bonham has been featured on at least 563 recordings.

References chevron down

  1. John Bonham, Wikipedia
  2. Led Zeppelin, Wikipedia
  3. John Bonham, JohnBonham
  4. Led Zeppelin, Britannica
  5. How Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham Learned to Play the Drums, FarOutMagazine
  6. Led Zeppelin Discography, Wikipedia
  7. John Bonham / Biography, IMDb
  8. Drum Set Up Ludwig Kit, JohnBonham
  9. John Bonham Drum Set Up, JohnBonham
  10. John Bonham Drums 3, Users
  11. John Bonham, Equipboard
  12. John Bonham, IMDb
  13. John Bonham, TVGuide
  14. List of Awards and Nominations received by Led Zeppelin, Wikipedia
  15. John Bonham, AllMusic

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