John Bonham is a unique musician who has had thirty-two years of life to gain fame as one of the greatest drummers in the history of show business. This was facilitated by the amazing internal energy, the presence of a powerful style, an excellent sense of rhythm, as well as a penchant for all kinds of creative experiments. In our publication, I would like to consider the biography of John Bonham, tell about the work and personal life of the musician.
early years
John Bonham was born in the British town of Redditch on May 31, 1948. The boy began to show his penchant for playing drums at the age of five. In an effort to imitate all the beloved drummer Buddy Rich, the guy made a homemade tool from coffee cans and cardboard boxes.
When John turned 10 years old, his mother acquired her first real snare drum in her son. Soon, his father completed the kit, bringing the rest of the drum kit to the house. Despite the fact that the used tool was old and badly worn, the present was perceived by the boy as a real treasure. So young Bonham had such a strong desire to develop as a musician that drumming became a daily activity, which allocated a significant part of his free time.
John graduated from Wiltan House in his hometown. Then he was hired by a construction company, managed by his father. Parents began to convince their son that it was time to do a serious business, and playing drums should not be considered as a future profession. For a while, John Bonham really changed drumsticks to a hammer, having tried himself as a carpenter-builder. However, in the end, he returned to music anyway.
About becoming
It’s hard to imagine, but such a skillful drummer John Bonham never had teachers and mentors. According to the assurances of the performer and his inner circle, he always independently perceived the technique of playing the drums. In this, our hero was helped by attending concerts, communicating with acquaintances among professionals.
A significant influence on the development of John's skills was made by the notorious drummer Harry Ellock, who was noted as a member of various orchestra troupes. The musician said he never gave lessons to Bonham. He only occasionally asked to explain some technical points.
First steps to success
After leaving school, John Bonham decided to find a band and start performing in public. The first band for the guy was the rock band Terry Webb and The Spiders. During this period, the drummer’s playing seemed not so professional, loud and convincing as it had become a few years later.
Then Bonham noted participation in several other teams from Birmingham. These are the groups The Senators, The Nicky James Movement and The Blue Star Trio. Rich employment in the field of rock music pleased John, which made him completely say goodbye to work in his father's construction company.
In the mid-60s, a talented drummer was invited to the Crawling King Snakes band. It was here that at that time the future leader of Led Zeppelin Robert Plant took the place of the vocalist . The guys became good companions and never again broke the connection on the creative path.
John Bonham at Led Zeppelin
In 1968, British virtuoso guitarist Jimmy Page decided to assemble a team for joint performances. The musician was recommended to invite Robert Plant as a vocalist. The latter took with him to audition an old friend John Bonham. Having appreciated the drummer’s playing style, Page came to the conclusion that in front of him is exactly the musician who is needed.
In December 1968, Led Zeppelin's debut tour of the United States began. On the advice of fellow drummer Carmine Eppis, Bonham began using the new Ludwig drum kit, as well as the heaviest and longest sticks. The decision allowed John to once again emphasize the expressed deafening style of the game, which later became a real feature of the musician.
Participation in side projects
Along with successful performances as part of Led Zeppelin, John actively collaborated with other popular bands. In 1969, Bonham noted his work in The Family Dogg, taking part in the recording of A Way of Life. Later, the musician starred in the movie Ringo Starr called "Son of Dracula." Here, John played one of the solo parts on drums, which entered the soundtrack to the film. In 1979, Bonham along with longtime friend Roy Wood recorded the author's album On the Road Again. In the same period, the famous drummer began to collaborate with Paul McCartney, releasing compositions Rockestra Theme and Back to the Egg.
John Bonham - personal life
Our hero met his future wife Pat Phillips in 1964. At that time, John was already a fairly famous musician, performing with the band Terry Webb and the Spiders. The relationship between the young people began after the band's next concert at the Kidderminster rock club.
In marriage, the couple had two children. The boy was named Jason, and the girl received the name Zoe. During a conversation with the press, John Bonham frankly did not like to talk about family affairs. All that is known is that the legendary drummer tried in every possible way to introduce children to music. Once he gave his son a toy drum kit. Later, the son of the musician Jason said that his father was engaged in his training, and also often forced to play drums for friends and stars of the rock scene in his own house.
About the sudden death of a musician
What is the cause of the death of John Bonham? The departure of the legendary drummer from life was preceded by the following story. September 24, 1980 our hero, as usual, went to the recording studio Bray Studios, where he left home with his own assistant Rex King. One of the final rehearsals was organized here to prepare for a major tour throughout North America.
According to King, John ate breakfast with an impressive amount of vodka. The musician continued to drink hard liquor until the end of the rehearsal. Then the group went to rest in the country house of guitarist Jimmy Page. That day absolutely nothing portended trouble.
After a party in a noisy company, Bonham was intoxicated, losing consciousness. The comrades decided to take the musician to the bedroom upstairs. In the morning, the group members gathered in the usual mode to go to the next rehearsal. However, John did not leave the room for a long time. After some time, comrades discovered the lifeless body of a drummer.
Doctors conducted an examination, according to the results of which it turned out that the sudden death of the musician was provoked by suffocation by vomit. The reason was the poisoning of two liters of strong alcohol drunk earlier, along with too much sleep.
After the tragedy, rumors began to appear in the press about the likely arrival of other talented drummers in the group. However, the speculations of journalists and the public were debunked by members of the Led Zeppelin team. Soon, the musicians officially announced the termination of the group.