“When we lost John, we agreed unanimously that that was that.” This was Robert Plant’s reflection on the impact of John Bonham’s passing, and how it marked the end of Led Zeppelin. Bonham was not only a key friend but an essential part of the band’s identity. His absence was felt deeply by his bandmates, and they knew that continuing without him would have been impossible—like betraying his memory.
“I had to go and find out if I really want to do it,” Plant continued. “Did I want to do it, or did I just want to sit back there like a croupier at a gambling thing, and just rake [the money] in. Or, did I want to actually continue this kind of gig of finding out where I’m going? I wanted to take all the trappings away, because I’d lost my best mate.”
But what made John Bonham so extraordinary? First and foremost, Bonham was a loyal friend and a beloved person to everyone he met. Whether it was being Tony Iommi’s best man or teaching his son to play drums, Bonham had a natural ability to connect with others. To the world, however, he was renowned as one of the greatest drummers of all time.
If there were a rulebook for drumming, Bonham tore it up and created his own path. His diverse and chaotic playing style was fully expressed in Led Zeppelin’s music, as he constantly pushed boundaries and experimented with techniques. His drumming didn’t just hold the rhythm section together; it elevated the band’s sound and occasionally took center stage with solos that captivated audiences.
Bonham didn’t simply play drum solos—he was a master soloist, and his performances were legendary. He was able to make percussion an engaging art form that often mesmerized listeners. “When I saw Bonham play before he joined Led Zeppelin, he did a solo, and it was the first solo I’ve ever stood up for and applauded. He was wonderful,” said Phil Collins, reminiscing about Bonham’s ability to command the spotlight.
Collins further shared, “He was doing all the crossover stuff with his hands, no sticks! It was very new then. He used to be a bricklayer, so his hands were as hard as rocks. He was doing all this stuff and triplets on the bass drum.”
While Bonham was known for his incredible solos, one performance stood above all others. During the 1970s, he delivered an unforgettable improvised solo during Led Zeppelin’s “Moby Dick.” This performance became legendary for its length—lasting between 17 to 19 minutes—and its ability to hold the audience’s attention throughout. The fact that listeners remained captivated during such an extended solo is a testament to Bonham’s extraordinary talent and skill. It remains the longest drum solo on record, cementing Bonham’s status as one of the greatest drummers in rock history.
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