Drummers often face limited options when it comes to songwriting. While arrangements can bring a song to life, those primarily known for their drumming rarely receive the same respect as guitarists or keyboardists. Dave Grohl, however, stands out as an exception. He believes that the world was significantly impacted when John Bonham unleashed his drumming on a classic Led Zeppelin track.
Before Led Zeppelin, virtuoso drummers were typically confined to the jazz genre. Though Charlie Watts and Ringo Starr possessed unique swings and could effectively support a song, they often worked in the background while other band members took the spotlight.
As rock music began to evolve, skilled drummers started to gain more recognition. Ginger Baker was already known for his wild drumming style, and Keith Moon was establishing himself as a dynamic force with The Who. Moreover, despite the fame surrounding Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist owed much of his success to Mitch Mitchell, who provided the perfect backbeat.
When Jimmy Page assembled Led Zeppelin, he aimed to transcend the conventional blues rock format. He found the ideal drummer in Bonham, whose powerful playing style matched his vision. The world was introduced to Bonham in a grand manner with the first album, where “Good Times Bad Times” showcased his incredible drumming.
Although the track is relatively short for a Zeppelin song, Bonham’s rapid-fire technique is evident throughout. The song begins with a hi-hat that sounds like a ticking time bomb, intensifying with each power chord from Page until Bonham launches a musical onslaught as Robert Plant’s vocals soar.
Grohl, a longtime fan of The Beatles, considers this drum groove one of the greatest ever. He states, “‘Good Times Bad Times’ has the kick drum break that changed the world. If you aspire to be a drummer, songs like this are absolutely crucial. Even if you can’t play them, you need to know about them.”
The significance of the drum fill lies not just in its execution but in the influence it had afterward. Bonham set a standard for drumming that many bands sought to emulate, whether through the slow groove of “Kashmir” or the epic drum solo in “Moby Dick.”
Such intensity doesn’t stem from merely practicing every day; it comes from a player with an inner fire who feels compelled to express themselves through their instrument.
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