4 Geniuses in 1 Band Made them SUPERIOR...Which Is Why They Had to Stop | Professor of Rock

For over a decade, Led Zeppelin ruled rock with an iron fist. I mean, no one else even came close. With the release of eight epic, life-altering records including the blockbusters Zeppelin IV, Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffit...they changed the landscape of rock forever… kicking out classic rock standards left and right… it all came crashing down one morning in the fall of 1980 when their Drummer John Bonham was found dead. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were so devastated, Page didn’t pick up a guitar for 2 years. Some bands bring in a replacement and go on… This band knew they couldn’t… Today, we pay tribute to Bonzo and celebrate their final chapter by breaking down their final album Coda rIncluding their plan to release a punk song under a made up name to get the public’s reaction…Next on professor of rock.
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On, September 24, 1980, Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham and his assistant Rex King were driving to band rehearsals outside London at Bray Studios. Zeppelin was preparing for an upcoming North American, starting on 17 October in Montreal, Canada. It would be their first since 1977. And Bonham was dreading it. Burned out from the rock star lifestyle, John was tired of spending so much time away from his family.
On the way there, the two stopped off at a pub for breakfast, where John ordered a few ham rolls, and proceeded to wash them down with four quadruple vodkas screwdrivers… which is about the equivalent of 40 individual shots. After arriving at rehearsals, John continued his drinking binge, until he was too sloshed to even sit on his drum stool. As the evening approached it was apparent that John was in no a state to play. So Robert Plant called the session, and the band relocated to Jimmy Page’s house to wind down.
While there, John came in for round three, downing three more double vodkas. By this point, John’s behavior was getting “erratic, loud, and abrasive.” He wasn’t exactly known for being a friendly drunk. And for much of the night, John complained about the band’s upcoming tour. Just before midnight, Bonzo crashed on the living room sofa. Page’s assistant Rick Hobbs, carried John upstairs to an empty bedroom and laid the drummer down in bed. Hobbs turned out the light and closed the door behind him. It was the last time anyone would see the legendary drummer alive.
The next morning, September 25, 1980, Plant and Jones returned to Page’s house before rehearsals. Jimmy was up and walking around, but John was MIA. So tour manager Benji LeFevre and John Paul Jones headed upstairs to rouse him. Creeping into the bedroom, LeFevre called John’s name and tried to nudge him awake. There was no response...

[@ProfessorofRock]

POLL: Who's is your pick for the greatest DRUMMER of the rock era?

[@catherine6653]

Phil Collins

[@nightcitypunk8517]

Bongo. Nuff said.

[@scottburton9701]

Ringo Starr

[@thetruthhurts6652]

Ian Paice

[@petercena9497]

Carl Palmer

[@dad4ever-c90]

I vividly remember the passing of John Bonham. I was in college and, as soon as we heard the news, Led Zeppelin music began BLASTING from almost every dorm room and continued for days. They were the one band I regret never getting to see in concert.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same. What a loss. Thanks.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I don’t blame them! Bonham was the icing on the cake for their career.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

I was too young throughout most of LZ career to go but I got tickets to see them in the In Through the Out Door tour, but sadly that tour never happened because of the tragedy

[@thezombie7839]

I wasn't old enough to see Led Zep, but Tom Petty is a regret of mine. Life is too short for "I'll see them next time they come through..."

[@wrayewenigmann3696]

They just blew your socks off live! They were my first ever love and will be my last. Never saw anything better, though Rush gave them a run for their money! I remember Bonzo's passing too. I was sitting with my best mate and it was her turn to choose the record, so we were listening to Yes, when her Mum came in and said, "Led Zeppelin are dead, just heard it on the news." We both burst into tears. And somedays, like now, I'm crying again.

[@goodwoodBD]

What is so unbelievable about Zeppelin is that these guys were so young when they accomplished what they did. That is what is incredible.

[@Zillah82]

My dad was a drummer and we listened to a lot of Zeppelin in our house. He even took me to see Robert Plant and Jimmy Paige in concert when I was 15. Dad always loved playing Zep on the drums. He said that Bonzo was the best drummer and the only drummer that held a candle to him was Peart.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The Bonz and Peart are both in my list of Drum Lords.

[@daBEAGLE1017]

Nothing better than playing some Rush. One of the best bands of all time imfao. Glad I got to see them.

[@mrledhead68]

Michael Lee played with Plant and Page, during that tour. He was a hell of a drummer in his own right. R.I.P...

[@padmakshkhandelwal1832]

I want to meet you and your dad personally some day, and maybe jam!

[@Hedwallfxtd]

I saw Led Zeppelin on June 27, 1977 at the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles… I went with my high school buddy. We both went to the concert totally sober, as we wanted to enjoy and remember as much of the 3+ Hour Concert as we could. We bought our tickets on Ticket Master and paid the outrageous price of $32.00 for Lodge Seats on Jimmy Page’s side… I’m a drummer, so BONZO was my major influence… It was, and will always be, my favorite concert! Years later, I was able to see BONZO’s son perform as JBLZE… My wife and I splurged and got the Meet & Greet Ticket Package… and the most incredible experience was to meet Jason, shake his hand, and have him sign my Concert T-Shirt from June 27, 1977… Sometimes, the Circle of Life is an awesome thing. 🥁❤️

[@Professor.OfRock]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎉🎁🎁👆....

[@billhorstkamp98]

Read story thank you for sharing man✌🏼

[@mistersniffer6838]

I wonder if he understood the meaning of the shirt, as it was to you. To have something from that long ago, to bring it forward is a thing!!

[@lawsoncoates8334]

Thank you so much Adam for doing a deep dive on this album. There is most definitely a reason why they are called mighty. Their throw away tracks are better than most bands “hit” records. The musicianship alone dwarfs most rock bands. There will NEVER be another Led Zeppelin. Thank you for all that you do!

[@jayannakelley9051]

I agree! I actually listened to that album earlier this evening. Makes me realize even further how they really are in a sphere of their own 🌟

[@eclecticx]

The only band members who are replaceable are those who play only what they're told, the ones who don't contribute creatively. Otherwise, it changes the make-up of the band and then, not the same band. Plant, Page, and Jones recognized this. I admire them all the more of it, certainly respect them more than I do those who replace original, contributing members and continue under the same moniker.

[@bryanlong9602]

Bonzo is the man. He’s the reason I recently bought a drum kit. I’m 56, have never played any instrument, but just making some noise is exhilarating. The Mighty Zep…

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Hope you get a good drum teacher for lessons.

[@starrywizdom]

I think you mean you've never played any instrument BEFORE. Obviously, you have now! Drums are the beating heart of rock & roll -- play it loud, play it proud!

[@footwearisoptional8766]

Uh, yeah, hi, beginning bass player, just played my first open jam last year... I was 55. Wanna jam?

[@skibum914]

Led Zeppelin is the greatest rock band in history...they touch my soul in a way that no other band has. Pure music genius and synergy. It has been so many years now...I'm not sure how I am going to react, but I think I will have to sit a day in mourning each time we lose the remaining members if I happen to live that long. God Bless the Hammer of the Gods!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Ugh…I am not looking forward to the day we lose the next legend from Zeppelin.

[@Professor.OfRock]

Hello hit me up right now 👆👆you won my flying guitar 🎸🎸🎉

[@randallturner9094]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980they’re hanging in there. But it’s about time the journey ends. 🙁

[@dahawk8574]

Valhalla awaits.

[@joeknightus8827]

My sister had four tickets to see them at the spectrum in 79. I was so excited that I was finally going to see Led Zeppelin. About a week after we got our tickets he died. We didn't know what to say. Everyone was floored.

[@GeneralChrist13]

Hey, Professor! Nice work on this. Great idea to shed light on the darkside of Led Zeppelin. Bonham's premature death must be the most over shadowed/critical moments of rock & roll. I'm 39 years old in 2023. And almost teary eyed now! Professor you are now a friend.

[@raulmccartney8795]

Zeppelin is the best live band of all time. Crazy bravery, huge amounts of improvisation, total confidence, tight musicianship and an almost supernatural connection between them.

[@jamesbone105]

Another great video on the band I grew up listening to and is my favorite of all time, my brother gave me a 45rpm of Whole Lotta Love and Heartbreaker in 1969 I was 5 years old. I saw Led Zeppelin on July 23rd 1977 my brother and sister took me, I remember telling my mom I'm going you can ground me for a year. 3 year's later it was the start of my Junior year in High School and my friend who's locker was next to mine looked at me after first period and stated John Bonham is dead I heard it this morning at breakfast I told him to stop joking around but he meant it. My friend was upset and I was saddened by that news and he said your so lucky you got to see Zeppelin and that is the only band I ever wanted to see. I was blessed to see John Henry Bonham in Oakland, CA in 1977 he did a solo that lasted about 20min. My favorite track on CODA is Wearing and Tearing. Thank you Professor.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Zeppelin's final moments are truly a story to tell. One of the greatest rock bands ever, but with a very sad ending with Bonham's passing. Cheers.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks RC32.

[@Lessontobe]

Another great post!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

After that, they weren’t Zeppelin anymore. Bonham was an unforgettable drummer.

[@Handlebar-MustDash]

Robert Plant had more than any man's share of tragedy losing his child too. 🙏🙏🙏

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

@@Handlebar-MustDash Which really was the end. Bonham was the final nail in the coffin.

[@venomdust1]

I was 13 years old and my brother was 20 when we heard the news . We both were big Zep fans . I remember my eyes watering up when I heard the news and went to tell my brother when he came home from work. When he walked in and we looked at each other no words were needed. He went in his room and locked the door and played Zep for an hour before calling me into the room so we could talk. Later in life my brother admitted he went into his room to cry and did not want me to see.

[@billk9583]

I saw them three times, Spring 1970 to Spring 1973. The second time was September 1971 in New Orleans. Robert Plant introduced a new "ballad" they would play while giving their drummer a rest. The flood lights focused on the three others near the front of the stage. Then, several minutes into the song, a bank of flood lights opened up on Bonham right when he hit his first lick in Stairway to Heaven. And yes, the house indeed came down. That was 2-1/2 months before it was introduced to the non-concert-going world on the Led IV album in November 1971. Great times!

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Lucky man 👍

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Glad they put the spotlight on Bonzo!

[@Professor.OfRock]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 👆🎸🎸..

[@nicoleg4740]

Wow. That gave me chills just to read about. What a magical moment. And in my favorite place on Earth. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

[@crungefactory]

Except Robert never did and never would use the word ballad. Also, their light show was not that sophisticated in 1971. That said, if you were actually there, you were a very fortunate individual!

[@trinaq]

Rest in peace, John Bonham. He was truly one of the most iconic drummers of all time. 🎶🥁

[@ProfessorofRock]

NO question. Bonzo was amazing. Thanks Trina.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

TOO. YOUNG. 😢

[@stephenstevens6573]

He wasn't just an amazing drummer...he was one of the first guys to imagine different ways to interpret rock and roll music. He will be remembered.

[@Phelper99]

And for him to think he wasn't good enough, he's been the standard for decades!

[@RickHawkDavison]

His son is as good or better. It's in the DNA.

[@markhealey3660]

Neil Peart and John Bonham were both the greatest rock drummers. They both have inspired me for years and difficult licks they laid down. Being in a tribute band showcasing these guys was a huge undertaking and a great joy. These guys will continue to inspire and awe drummers for generations to come! ❤

[@jasonhowarth6789]

There is no way that Bonham could have been replaced. Led Zeppelin was a super group of 4 musical geniuses. The band would not be the same with any of them missing from the line-up. I was only 7 years old in 1980, but it came to be a sad day when I realized what I had missed... Edit: Bonzo inspired me to become a drummer. I will never forget the day I taught myself a one foot double kick. It was one of the highlights of a young musician's life!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My mom was one of the drummers for her high school marching band, and I’ve got to thank Bonham for making them go out with a bang.

[@theskintexpat-themightygreegor]

Dude, no shit. I was also devastated a couple years before (or something) when Keith Moon passed. But The Who "replaced" him! Jesus. OK, I'm - and was even at that early age - a drummer, so I'm biased, but I just thought, what the hell is THAT? The Who carrying on without Moon would be like the Stones carrying on without Jagger. It was insane. Kenny Jones is a fine drummer, but that ain't The Who. It was an OK band, but not The Who. And then, they have been nothing but a nostalgia act since Kenny left. Led Zeppelin did it right, as painful as it was. A few months ago, my cat passed away. I was heartbroken. Just destroyed. But a lot of people suggested that I get another cat to take her place, and I just found that offensive. The Who getting a new drummer offended me too, and Led Zeppelin got my eternal respect for not doing that. Never mind Page and Plant's brushing off Jones in their little get-together, and never mind the crap (and some not-so-crap) reunion gigs. They broke the band up, and that was right. I may get another kitty someday, and Page, Plant, and Jones all moved on. But a new kitty isn't ever going to be my little Qiqi, and a new drummer with the Mighty Zep isn't going to be Led Zeppelin.

[@laurametheny1008]

Fabulous! Thank you💔🤘

[@Frip36]

By 1980 there were plenty of great drummers. Yes, a new Zepp drummer's style would be a bit different. That may be a good thing. Point is, you can't tell me Bonzo was irreplaceable when you had guys like Simon Phillips and Cozy Powell walking around. And many others. My opinion as to why Zepp "had" to break up is 1. True. All four really were that old school loyal and knew they lost a piece of the magic. 2. Plant wanted out of the cocoon.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Been a Zeppelin fan for 50 years, loved hearing all these stories. Was in high school in 1980 ready to see them in Denver, but no. You're right about Hey Hey, we could only hear it every once in a while on the radio. Thanks for the smile down memory lane. ps, still have all my original 70s vinyl.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The 70s were very cool, and Zep was only part of the reason.

[@Guitarplayer724]

Was going to see them in Buffalo, I was heartbroken when John Bonham died!

[@gioknows]

I just couldn’t believe it when Bonzo died because it was just a few years after Keith Moon’s passing and suddenly my two favorite drummers were gone. I never have gotten over that. Cheers from Guarne, Colombia 🇨🇴

[@MichaelStichauf]

This is the best video you've ever done! When Bonham died they had started to sell tickets for that North American tour and my friend and I had started to send a request for tickets which of course ended when Bonham died. This video you've done just brought back some terrific memories for me. I graduated high school in 1981 so Led Zeppelin was one of our favorite bands. I can remember going to the midnight show to see The Song Remains the Same two or three different times.

[@GeneralChrist13]

"everyone plays better than me." I can't believe Bonham said that. I barely understand all the slick things he did on the drums in Zeppelin. He's like the Einstein of rock Drumming. But, even he suffered from a lack of confidence. And I can tell you a lack of confidence has killed my music before too

[@linjoy9627]

It's such a sad way to die. My dad died exactly the same way less than a year before. July 23 1979 a sad day for our family. My dad had taken an early retirement due to ill health. He had COAD (cronic obstructive airway disease ) he also had emphysema due to smoking at least 2 packs per day, he was also a heavy drinker. He retired on the Thursday and died on the Sunday late in the evening age just 59 years. It seems that all the people who die this way are deeply unhappy and the only way they cope is to drink.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

What a shame Bonham died so young. Keith Moon of the Who as well. RIP One of the greatest bands ever gone in the blink of an eye. What could have been.... Thanks for this tribute Professor.......... even though it was sad.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Roger...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Similar with Bon Scott.

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

When Jimmy Page decided to start a band he attempted to hire Keith Moon as his drummer along with Roger Daltry and John Entwistle, in other words The Who minus Pete Townsend. They turned him down and this is why Pete Townsend couldn’t stand Jimmy. Pete used to see Jimmy on the school campus and knew who he was but never socialized with him.

[@patb5266]

Bon Scott February 19th 1980, what a brutal year that was.

[@williambenner701]

So Coda was the only Led Zeppelin album I never really cared for. But to be fair, I only listened to it a couple of times. I think I will have to listen to it again. Great tribute to one of the greatest drummers of all time Professor.❤️🔥❤️

[@ProfessorofRock]

Do it! It's actually got some good songs.

[@leb5410]

Baby please come home is one my very favorite Zeppelin tunes. Also unreleased is La La which was supposed to be on Zeppelin 2. Both are GREAT songs….IMO.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You should give it another run.

[@pauleaster5832]

I reordered the song chronologically and it made more sense

[@HotRod12667]

It’s full of fine songs. No filler.

[@davidcook8323]

When Bonham died, In los Angeles radio station KMET started playing nothing but zeppelin. They played every zeppellin song released to that point in time. I recorded all this on my parents counsol sterios 8track player. Not having blank 8tracks I recorded over entire albums. I listened to those tapes for years. Long after 8 tracks went away. I was young no money but i had a complete zeppelin catalog with kmet dj comentary on Bonams death. I played those for years until my 8 track player broke . It was a very sad day when we lost Bonham. The hardest part was knowing it was over. Yeah music unreleased cane out , but without John Bonham there weren't going to be new albums to look forward to.

[@wishingb5859]

This one brought shivers. So many legends died in such tragic ways.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding. So sad. Really not looking forward to who we'll lose in the next 5 -10 years.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So TRAGIC.

[@ricardoagila3115]

I can still remember hearing on the news about the loss of John Bonham in, I think September of 1980. Then a couple of months later the news of Bonham’s death died out as another John was assassinated at the Dakota building in NYC.

[@sambochen2010]

Great episode Adam! I actually got teary eyed by the end of this video as Bonzo's Montreux played us out with your final words. Their music lives on in my heart every single day.

[@Professor.OfRock]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 👆🎸🎸..

[@michaelherle7223]

I was in Grade 12 the year John Bonham passed away. He was the main influence on my drumming, and I never forget the day he died. I was playing in a high school rock band.. We were all primed to see Led Zeppelin in Montreal for the beginning of the In Through the Out Door Tour. We were going to travel from Regina, Saskatchewan to see Zeppelin. Thirty years later I played in a Led Zeppelin tribute called Femme Zeppelin, based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We’re on KZbin ( like everyone else ). John Lennon also died in 1989. John Bonham, the best drummer of all time, and John Lennon, the best songwriter of all time - both forever lost in 1980, within a few months of each other … what an incalculable and unfathomable loss to the world. Their legacy and music live on of course , but it’s heartbreaking to imagine what more they could have contributed to the world. They were both timeless artists whose influence on music can never be overstated.

[@jillwklausen]

What a sad and tragic story. A friend's brother hanged himself in their garage a couple of weeks ago. Mental health is so important for us to take care of. It can be every bit as deadly as cancer or heart disease. Thanks for telling this story, Adam. I hope you have an excellent weekend. Take care.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Jill. We're experiencing this on our on own family right now. Mae sure to have a great weekend too.

[@jillwklausen]

I will, thank you,@@ProfessorofRock. I'm sorry you're dealing with this crisis in your family. Wishing peace for you and your family. ❤️

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Oh no, so sorry to hear that! That is DEVASTATING. 😢

[@PaulLoughrin]

I'm so sorry for your friend's loss. Peace, from Florida.

[@PaulLoughrin]

@@ProfessorofRock Prayers for you and your family, Adam.

[@One_Bonehead_Name]

Great vid! As truly an iconic band as they were, certainly some albums and tracks will not measure up to their entire discography... that said... this shit still blows away anything out there today... Just an old fart here, loving the good ol days!

[@YoungStoic45]

I'm a 28 yo man from India. I love Led Zeppelin more than any other band/artist, then comes Queen. I don't even listen to any Indian music actually. If I could only listen to a single band for the rest of my life, this is the one. They actually helped me through most of my dark days. Still does a good job at it. When the Levee Breaks is what all my callers will hear when they call me. They piqued my interest in mouth organ and guitar. I'm yet to learn it but someday I will. I hope I can meet the remaining 3 of them some day! ZoSo forever!

[@alexkx8599]

Same! Except I put Michael Jackson above the two of them! 😁

[@PaulLoughrin]

Thank you, Mr. Professor. A very sad and tragic ending to one of the biggest and most successful rock bands of all time. However, Coda is a great tribute to John, and the Zeppelin legacy.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. I wish they'd included Hey Hey but nonetheless.

[@josuepina2994]

Hate to admit it but, as a child I didn't have money. Our family was struggling. We went to a K-Mart store. They had discounted cassette tapes & CODA by Zeppelin was one of them. No security casing around it so, I stole it. I felt bad. However, the joy it brought me was worth it. Will always hold this recording close to my heart. Peace out

[@alexweschler9470]

I don’t actually think you hate to admit any of that

[@Josue-mn3zt]

@alexweschler9470 Yeah. I did feel bad about it. However, the musical awakening that this recording brought to me made it feel like it was so worth it. Again, this was a dicounted tape. It was just collecting dust along with all the other $2.99 cassettes. 😆

[@robster7316]

Keith Moon, legendary drummer for The Who, also died an untimely death in 1978. Both Keith and John were cut from the same cloth and were like freight trains on the drums. Both left an enormous void with their passing, although The Who (unlike Zep) elected to stay together afterward. A lot of "what-ifs" in the history of rock and roll-Holly, Hendrix, Morrison, Joplin-the list is a long one. We wonder what music they would have made if they had lived, but it only makes one appreciate all the more what they gave us in the short time they were here. Thanks, Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

IT's so true. They were so similar in so many ways. Tragic. Very tragic. Thanks Robster. Always love seeing you on here.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know, it is sometimes hard to imagine a world where Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Keith Moon, etc. lived through the 80s.

[@robertcronin6603]

They still rule rock with an iron fist...these guys set an utterly *impossibly* high standard 🔥

[@tmklunk]

But they stole most of it

[@mrledhead68]

@@tmklunk envious much? Save you troll from commenting back: Zepp paid royalties to Dixon in '85 and put writing credits on "Whole Lotta Love." ALL English rock bands, in the late 60's and 70's took American Blues, Jazz, Hillbilly, folk and put a "heavy" rock feel on it. Without these bands, we would be listening pop crap! Thank for all you do for the human race, trollunk!

[@MJEvermore853]

@@mrledhead68....its not even worth it responding to the twit. 😅

[@JimmyKnight-uc3pt]

Yes no one compares to them!

[@DoctorEnigma01]

Makes me as sad as the day it happened every time I think about it, because of all the music that would never be created and we would never get to enjoy

[@gregwasserman2635]

I have a 45 of "Hey, hey, what can I do". Picked it up in the 80s as a curiosity.

[@Dirty_Squirrell]

Finally. Thank you. Their version of **I Can't Quit You** is perfection.

[@jojos9096]

I’ve been a Led Zeppelin fan from the moment I heard Whole Lotta Love as a little kid. I’ve never been a fan of any other metal band, most were just noise and screaming to me. There was just something magical when Page, Plant, Jones and Bonham came together. They intertwined so many different styles in their music and had such complex musicality. They blew me away in the 70’s and still do it when I play anything from their catalog. It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite Led Zeppelin song; they are all just so good. To me, John Bonham was the GOAT. His ability still boggles my mind. It’s beyond tragic that no one recognized how obviously depressed he was at the end. I hope he’s drumming up a storm on the other side.

[@crungefactory]

Zeppelin not metal. Metal not blues based

[@billhorstkamp98]

I appreciate what you say. I feel the same way about Led Zeppelin synergy. It was also whole lotta love for me as a little kid. I was doing yardwork in our front yard when I heard it. It was 1971 I was seven years old And it blew my mind. The greatest blues rock band !ever the greatest rock band ever.!!

[@OzziesRobots]

Led Zeppelin the GOAT with 4 GOATS 🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@LsTinyDanc3r]

First-John Bonham 2nd-Mitch Mitchell 3rd-Rick Allen 4th- th drummer Bob Seger had WAY BACK in his early days, th guy had a "two story" drum kit! 🙈 I saw them play & it was crazy!!! 😳 ❤your informed take on everything. Keep up th good work. Greetings frm Detroit, Michigan ✌️

[@martinoulthwaite7327]

Have loved Led Zeppelin since I first heard 'The Lemon Song'. And nothing I've listened to before or since comes within a light year of this band. Love what you do. 'Thank You' .

[@cjb2749]

You never heard of Pink Floyd? Or Tool?

[@jml6089]

Hey Professor, I just discovered “Hey Hey, What Can I Do” early this year and I totally agree with you, definitely one of the best Led Zep’s tracks and that’s a big statement! Cheers

[@curiousman1672]

What can I say? Greatest quartet of all time. Greatest band of all time. Greatest front man of all time. Long live the Led balloon.

[@kirvenslade8923]

Well said. Greatest singer, greatest guitarist/producer, greatest bassist/multi instrumentalist, and of course the greatest drummer for all time.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You know you’re a legend when your band is in several of my top 10 greats lists and I’m only a teenager.

[@padmakshkhandelwal1832]

@@kirvenslade8923 not to forget the greatest synergy.

[@Bicycle-Bill]

Beatles will always be the greatest quartet ever. Without the Beatles, there is no Led Zep, the Stones, the Who, Black Sabbath or Pink Floyd, KISS or even Oasis, well at least not with what we finally ended up with. Pink Floyd also has a claim to greatest quartet as well, but sorry guys imho, Beatles will always be the Greatest Of All Time Greatest drummer though… well John “Bonzo” Bonham of course!

[@homeaccount5943]

Not in a million years.

[@TheSteveBoyd]

I saw your video on "Hey Hey, What Can I Do?", and was perplexed when you said it was on CODA. It wasn't on MY copy of CODA. It's good to have the clarification in this video that it was included on the re-release over a decade later. In fact, kudos on the entire video. Big 👍 for sure. ☮♥

[@stephenbrown4211]

I remember seeing Plant at the Knebworth 90 festival. He finished his set with Wearing & Tearing with Jimmy and Joe Perry joining him on stage. Awesome

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Some legends.

[@tektoniks_architects]

That live version is fire.

[@jefflebowski3784]

Bonham died the day that tickets for the Minneapolis show were to go on sale. My cousin and I got up early for the drive to Mpls to get there for a place towards the front of the line. Got in the car, I started rolling one, and turned on the radio to KQ and we heard the news. I remember that day vividly. Great vid, as always, Prof!

[@zendean5207]

You'll not get this kind of content anywhere but Professor of Rock. Bien hecho Senor Rock.

[@marions.120]

I remember that day as well. My bassist and drummer showed up at my job to tell me…everything else suck that day. I saw their last American concert in Oakland back in ‘77. He was the best I’ve ever heard…

[@TheGwydion777]

Never knew the full story behind it all. LZ was a passion I shared with the best friend I ever had thus far. He was also a guitarist. Looked a lot like Robert Plant though. Fell to his death at the tender age of 39. Anyway, our favourite album was always LZ III. And we also both usually started with the second song. But over the years, growing older and mauled by life, Coda has become my favourite by quite a distance from the rest. Now I know why. Thank you.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So sorry for your loss.

[@TheGwydion777]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Thank you. It's been almost 23 years, so acceptance has softened most of the pain, but appreciated none the less.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@TheGwydion777 It’s okay. Some of us never get over the pain of losing a loved one. 🙏

[@TheGwydion777]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I'm twice sorry then. Once for your loss and second for not noticing it. I've lost almost everybody I ever loved deeply and at one point you have to forgive yourself and let go. Pain, guilt and suffering are necessary for a moment, but don't make them a burden you can't put down. Life goes on.

[@laudanum669]

I remember back in 1980 when I was 15. My friend and I were so excited that Zeppelin was going to tour and we would get to see them live for the first time. Then tragedy struck and we never got the chance to see them live.

[@joet6434]

Have loved Zeppelin since i was 13 & they became my favourite band, i am now 37 & that has not changed. They were one of a very few classic rock bands thats catalogue contains very few less than stellar albums with only a few misjudged experiments. Bonham was a powerhouse on the drums with a lot of swing & groove to his playing. It's a shame he indulged as much as he did & unfortunately fell victim to them, but what he produced was magic. Four members made more of a bombast that many have tried to attain but failed. These four men made music which has lasted & will last because they made wonderful noise together. My favourite track from Coda is Wearing and Tearing. It had a fresh immediacy to it with the dynamism the band was known for. Their fake band name for the single at knebworth might have been the Old Knobs, self depreciation being a very english thing.

[@treeskier802]

Coda is actually a great album. I think I prefer it over Presence. Some great songs on Coda. Thanks for the story on John Bonham. A lot of info I hadn’t heard before. Greatest drummer of all time and it’s not close.

[@goldgeologist5320]

At almost 67 years old and life being busy I have lost listening to music. Now I know what happened to LZ and I am digging out my LZ CDs to enjoy the music again!

[@marknovak6498]

Irony of one of the greatest drummers ever felt that anyone could play better than him is telling. I still remember the day.

[@ChadDecember1973]

Definitely do a deep dive on Traveling Riverside Blues. The song deserves to be recognized as the genius it is. Zeppelin smashed it and it is by far one of my favorite Zeppelin songs of all time. Never gets old. The blues riff takes me to another place every time I hear it.

[@Professor.OfRock]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎉🎁🎁

[@lewieanderson6579]

Everybody should know by now greatness does not last forever. They stopped at the most perfect moment in music to stop. Thd eighties were a time of new discoveries and one hit wonders.

[@theskintexpat-themightygreegor]

Funny how memory serves...or fails to serve. I remember Hey Hey being on Coda from the very beginning. Huh. Weird. My Zeppelin story: I had a ticket to see them on their final tour, in L.A. The one that never happened. I was only 15 years old, but my older sister's boyfriend planned to take her - and ME! - to see them. I loved that guy. The boyfriend, I mean. There was one time at one of my mom's cocktail parties when he asked me to mix him a screwdriver. I told him I didn't know how, so he told me the recipe. Easy, vodka and OJ, 4 to 1. OK. So I went to mix it, but I was a kid. Knowing that the point of the cocktail was the alcohol, I mixed it 4 to 1 alright. Four parts vodka to one part OJ. It made sense to me at the time. He took one sip and almost spit it across the room, hahaha. Anyway, I kept the Zeppelin ticket. Obviously, I could have got my money back, but screw that.

[@DrMatey215]

Back in 1988-89 a Tampa, Florida radio station changed it's format from easy listening:aka, beautiful music to hard rock to more closely gather the demographic that was underrepresented in the local radio market. The day they changed the format, the station played Led Zep 24/7!

[@georgemathie8123]

I'm one of the few led Zeppelin fans who love in through the out door it has such a diverse variety of music and it points the way the band would've gone if they would've continued however you can see the direction that Robert plant would go in his solo career

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very true. 80s Led Zeppelin would've been very cool

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It shows they could do a variety of genres.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Count me in on loving In Through the Out Door! You can definitely hear this was more a Plant/Jones album as Page and Bonzo were dealing with personal issues

[@geetee2694]

My first Zep lp. Love it.

[@georgemathie8123]

@@MyName-pl7zn that's the impression I got to and John Paul Jones definitely comes out on top on this album especially on the wonderful fool in the rain and all of my love

[@rayeckert242]

So, I was hanging out with the FM radio tuned to my favorite rock station., waiting for the deejay to spill the beans about the ticket info for the upcoming Led Zeppelin show. My friends and I agreed that I would coordinate the details of the event. Then it happened. “ We have an announcement concerning the upcoming Led Zeppelin show…” Oh boy, here it comes! WHAT? NO! And then, less than two months later, another English fellow named John left us. I’m still trying to get over it.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Bonzo's Montreaux was my favorite song on this album because it was a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest drummer ever! The day Bonzo past was definitely one of the days music died. Out of all the long time bands Led Zeppelin is one of the hardest to find outtakes on, would love suggestions on how to find some but not bootlegs only studio. Definitely do Traveling Riverside Blues professor, one of my absolute favorites of LZ. Also that vodka is a killer I have lost more friends to this alcohol than all the others combined, js. You always do a great job on Zep episodes professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name. Will do. Thanks for your vote of confidence.

[@D-Fens_1632]

I have tons of compilations of studio outtakes, the same old ones have been compiled a dozen times. Got them all from peer to peer bit torrent trading sites like The Trader's Den and Dimeadozen.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s super sad, and he was only 32 years old! He had so much potential up to that point. My favorite Zep song is Ramble On.

[@JoeGarchar1960]

This is a great video and it's very professionally done. Hats off to you and your staff. I was 20 and I remember Bonham's passing like it was yesterday and for me it's still sad because I followed Zeppelin in 1969 at 9 and knew who Jimmy Page was in the Yardbirds before that via my cousins record collection in the late 60s. So it was Zepp 24/7 in the 70s for me. And there were always these rumors starting in 1976 that Jimmy was working on a concept album about death and it wasn't about Lucifers Rising soundtrack, because that was ongoing as well, but this went on through the late 70s and after ITTOD there was still those rumors milling around and nothing has ever come to fruition about it but Jimmy is very private and low key about what he is doing musically until it's ready, but after Bonhams passing it would never see the light of day anyway because it's much too personal for the band. But it was supposed to be guitar laiden and very heavy, but we'll most likely never know. It was always one of those mystiques about Led Zeppelin and it always kept the juices flowing and the fervor going for the next release. RIP Mr. John Henry Bonham and thank you for all you gave and keep giving us! Cheers!

[@davidskidmore4189]

The tickets were mail order only. A friend of mine had a mother that worked at the post office. We put together our order, and she sent it through in the first group of mail to be sent out. We met at school that day and high fived. That afternoon we heard the news that Bonham had died. We were shocked. We all loved Led Zeppelin!! Four days later our tickets arrived. Four rows from the front!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was not to be....

[@paulsimpson3113]

At 50 i discovered Led Zeppelin outside of stairway to heaven, my brother was a fan but i hadn't really listened. I decided i needed to hear them as everyone and their dog talks about them. On the way back from dropping my son off at Heathrow, i put my usb stick of ripped tracks into my player. It put them in album order alphabtically and Coda was thw first album i heard...i was hooked and yes the albums do get better obviously, but i had to play hey hey what can i do 4 times as it had blown me away. After that i decided i needed to do the rest chronologically...what a disappointment that i had never done this so much earlier in my life

[@dtltmtgt]

Great vid! Always loved "Bonzo's Montreux". I would be interested in a video on "Travelling Riverside Blues".

[@marksheefel3796]

Led Zeppelin was the most versatile Rock Band ever!!!!!!✌️🤘

[@richardatyeo9903]

My favorite band ever, Saw them live at Tampa stadium in"73 I was 16. Best band then and still the best in 2024!

[@johnpenningtoniii4706]

I started playing drums because of the last part - breakdown of Stairway Heaven when I was a young kid. Smacking cooking pot bottoms with wooden spoons. Trying to follow every part. -Top Four best drummer 1. Bonham 2. Pert 3. Danny Carry -Tool 4. Taylor Hawking -Foo Thank you Professor, I love what you do.

[@Nora-ov2pq]

You say the “pink carnation” reference was from American Pie but you omitted that THAT was a reference to Marty Robbins’ “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation” - a 50s hit. Your research is so thorough I thought you like to know. Love your videos!

[@thomascollins1739]

John Bonham was a true talent. He will always be remembered as the “Powerhouse” of Led Zeppelin.

[@ursirius4878]

I got a lump in my throat when you were talking about hey hey what can I do. I had that 45 on the red and black Atlantic label. Had a friend who played drums and loved, worshipped more like it, Bonham and the band. Sold it to him for 10 bucks. The one that got away.

[@jimmywilson4809]

I have mine still!

[@martinintrospective3491]

I was lucky enough to see Led Zep at Knebworth I was aged 16 . I didn’t know at the time that gig would be the last time I would see The Hammer of The Gods

[@cgoebbert]

I was 13 when John Bonham died and I was going to see their tour in Chicago as my 1st concert ever. I, along with a zillion others, was devastated. I had 6ft and other sized wall posters of Zeppelin. I bought a cheap Sears Les Paul copy in cherry sunburst and played really (really) bad covers of their songs because I wanted to be Jimmy Page (and Robert Plant) so bad I could taste it. My guitar teacher kept wanting to teach me Stones songs and, at the time, I was like, “if it ain’t Zep, don’t waste ma time!” They’re a primary reason for me chucking college to come out to LA in ‘88 to be a rock star - and we see how well that worked out! 😂 Wouldn’t have traded it for the world. Thank you Led Zeppelin! 🙏🎸🤘☺️

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, no kidding! You cannot beat Zep.

[@Professor.OfRock]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎉🎁👆...

[@jasonhowarth6789]

I waited forever for Hey Hey What Can I Do? Finally got it on the 93 boxed set. "Gunna leave her where the guitar's playin."

[@georgiarn3915]

I was only 4 when John Bonham died, my mom was a big Zeppelin fan and so I grew up listening to them. I got the box set that had Travelling Riverside Blues, at the time I didn't realize it hadn't been released on an album because our classic rock stations played it in heavy rotation. I'm still a huge Led Zeppelin fan. I've never been as excited as when Jason Bonham joined the remaining members for the Celebration Day concert. The DVD certainly didn't disappoint.

[@nunyafunyuns]

Zeppelin most definitely had one of strongest runs in the history of rock music. Legendary.

[@subreel12000]

Love all your videos Adam, your far away my favorite channel on here. Can’t wait till one day you write some books on music and in-depth interactions you’ve had with the musical icons you’ve interviewed. Love zeppelin’s music (own a vast majority of their cd’s, deluxe editions, dvd’s, books and lp’s) they were simply amazing.

[@alexiebmw]

I fully agree with their decision of disbanding the band, I mean if I had a band and we were so big and so famous in the 70's and all of a sudden one of my bandmates or friends dies. I wouldn't know what to do with myself, I would've called up the remaining of my friends and say "I think we should dispose of the band, and announce it to the world." and then that would be it, no live shows, no concerts, no nothing. Just make one last album in tribute to a fallen friend.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for your perspective.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Exactly. Bonzo put the “Led” in Led Zeppelin.

[@johnmclaughlin5660]

Great stuff! 🤘🔥

[@PiratePrincessYuki]

My introduction to Zeppelin (not the casual listening to my dads CD’s) was when my little brother and his friend Danny enlisted me into there band to sing Kashmir for their band. I was a casual fan until then.

[@KomaTimeKev]

Another great episode Professor! My vote for Zepplin punk band names? Black Dog or Moby Dick. 👊😎

[@jolliff5902]

When I get my time machine (back ordered still) I'll go back and help Led Zepplin live!

[@donovanjones4175]

I waited in line for 2 days in Montreal for a ticket to finally see the band, the news came on the second day that bonzo was gone. I was truly heartbroken.

[@Fontsman]

There were many great drummers of that period. Bonham was a hopeless alcoholic. Also a heavy smoker. Never looked after himself. Doomed to an early death. Led Zeppelin were also played out. Music in the UK especially had moved onto New Wave. Zeppelin's music was seen as a relic of the 70s.

[@James_Loveless]

Wearing and Tearing from CODA is a very underrated Gem... (imo: a peak into a part of maybe what Led Zeppelin would be in the 1980's) It is said Bonham and Page had (supposedly) had plans for album after In Through the Out Door to be heavier and back to Roots of Led Zeppelin

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right. We talk about it in the video.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And then it all fell apart after that. I wonder what 80s Zep would have sounded like.

[@D-Fens_1632]

I love that song. But for every time I've listened to Led Zeppelin 2 I've listened to In Through the Out Door at least a dozen, I'm an odd kind of Zeppelin fan.

[@rick6582CNCMedicalParts]

Poor Tom... my fav on album

[@markhostetler6319]

I had no idea that Rex King was Bonzo’s assistant!!! I met Rex King in 1988 when he was Robert Plant’s manager. He was a really cool guy.

[@davidimrie6916]

There is no doubt Professor, you are super talented at bringing us this info and your show is awesome. I have learned so much from you.

[@Professor.OfRock]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎉🎁🎁

[@davidimrie6916]

@@Professor.OfRock How do I do that?

[@SuziQ.]

@@davidimrie6916 , It’s a scammer bot. They’re everywhere right now, impersonating content creators. Please report them when you see them. They don’t have a verified check mark to the right of their username. The real Professor wouldn’t message you like that.

[@davidimrie6916]

@@SuziQ. I thought so, it's been happening on Facebook as well.

[@SuziQ.]

@@davidimrie6916 , Ugh. Facebook has been unusable since they added messenger. I gave up my account years ago. Instagram is the only app I’ve encountered that doesn’t allow comment editing, and guess what? It’s a Facebook product. Figures.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Professor, I have a couple of song requests for you in the future. The family of the math teacher who I made a playlist for containing almost every song released the year he was born told me that I did an awesome job compiling it and that it brought back so many memories for them. His wife stumbled across a few songs that made her smile with passion, but it took her a few days to remember what they were. She finally found them yesterday, and I was not expecting one of the songs to delight her since it’s a slice of pure cheese: 1. Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder 2. In a Big Country by Big Country I’d love to see you make videos on both of those songs, and maybe get in an interview or two? That would be amazing!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Sounds good. Need to get interviews with them.

[@sellingpeck]

The story of Big Country is very bitter sweet. In a Big Country is a great song story all by itself as well. I think a deep dive into the band, especially the lead singer would be great I thought it had already been featured on POR, but perhaps it was another source.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@sellingpeck That would be amazing! The lead singer has been dead for over 20 years now, but I would be delighted if he gets ahold of one of the guitarists, or keyboardists, or drummer.

[@SuziQ.]

Break My Stride is pure cheese, but it got a lot of play in commercials/ads. Iirc, one was for active old people. 😂

[@DayTrooperGW]

Here we go - my all-time favorite group! These guys were just flat out awesome, and it's a crying shame that Bonzo had to die at such a young age.

[@Professor.OfRock]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 👆🎸🎸

[@newellbate]

Usually when you get that good of talent together it doesn't work in this case it worked out amazingly

[@johnpage7624]

Led Zeppelin were definetly a an amazing, legendary band. John Paul Jones gave them the freedom to do whatever they wanted musically, because the dude can play EVERYTHING!!!

[@Greg_Chase]

Drugs and alcohol are one of the reasons I quit the music business in my early 20s and went back to college. A person's personality changes in unpredictable and disruptive ways, sometimes making it impossible to think positively about all the risks you're taking, chasing a performing career. I don't miss it. I'm surprised some of those folks last as long as they do. It was sad to lose this guy. But it is very common in that business, compared to other professions. I got into software engineering. This stuff doesn't happen in that field. You have to be sober with your wits about you to write code.

[@feralart]

I'd like to think that one day, in an age yet to come, that Bonham will be spun back out into the pattern to reunite with the souls of Page, Plant, and Jones. Led Zeppelin reborn to change the face of music once again.

[@HeadRoaster]

travellin riverside blues, hey hey what can i do, black summer white mountainside, and The girl i love,she got long black wavy hair are my favorite Zep songs, i think.

[@candicewitzkoske3155]

John saved Robert when he lost his son, but no one could save John.

[@Doc_Valparaiso]

If you want to indulge in a punk rock/what if try listening to Wearing and Tearing at 1.5x speed. Otherwise, I'd recommend listening to the fast version of Communication Breakdown on How The West Was Won (Which I'm struggling to find online. Someone took my CD years ago :(