Drum Teacher Reacts: John Bonham | "When The Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin *PATREON PICK*

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[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Led Zeppelin PLAYLIST! kzbin.info/aero/PLqspKksRqaUU0mOzsrOqtb7vDTmRyuqkN&feature=shared SUBSCRIBE! ► kzbin.info DRUMEO 30 - Day FREE Trial ► www.drumeo.com/andrewrooney/ REACTION PLAYLIST ► kzbin.info/aero/PLqspKksRqaUURy8K34sBSKvuGo3ApmLC2

[@madcow3759]

“LOUDER” truer words never spoken

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

HAHA!

[@rjpdev2431]

13:00

[@CliffNark]

​@@rjpdev2431 Completely irrelevant time stamp but fair enough

[@mikebaddeley]

When I started to listen to Zeppelin over 40 years ago I thought they were all about Page and Plant. The older I get and the more I listen I now realise they are all about Bonham and J P Jones.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Nice Mike!!!

[@jeffmalloy8200]

They were about the sound, the band. That's why when Bonham died the spell was broken. Tragic doesn't even begin to cover it! They changed rock forever! Can you imagine what they would have done over the next 20, 30, 40 years!

[@donsurlylyte]

zep was a perfect storm of talent, thats why they were the biggest band in the world at the time. a time of huge filled stadiums, that will never come again

[@andrewtrotter9023]

If you listen to the live shows you’ll hear the synchronicity between Bonham and PAGE. They play off each other.

[@mattbeasley1311]

I had the same thing happen to me but I think above all else it was a synthesis of all four that made it so special. But Bonham nudges a little ahead of the others because he was the foundation. There is just no way to replace him.

[@moviefan62]

I'll never get sick of this song. Ever. No, seriously. Ever.

[@Endtimes555]

Ditto!!!!!!

[@loucyphers_nightmare]

Getting sick of zeppelin is like getting sick of BJ's

[@jec0435]

I think I've listened to it over a thousand times already and I feel the same way. Stranded on deserted island forever track choice.

[@warren4110]

Try listening to the original. It’s also great!

[@scottzappa9314]

Not ever?

[@iknowtheroutetoheaven4456]

Can we appreciate the fact that Robert Plant was killing it with the harmonica as well leave alone that sexy voice!!

[@johnfaulken1951]

A Lot of back masking on that harmonica .

[@Sacksalot]

@@johnfaulken1951 dude that harmonica was not played backwards at any point in the song LOL

[@johnfaulken1951]

@@Sacksalot 1. Do you understand what "back masking" is? 2. Robert Plant has said in several interviews that the harmonica sound was achieved via back masking the tape.

[@Arandomperson_online]

EXACTLY 🥰

[@khuddle]

Someone at last mentions Plant's harmonica playing. About time.

[@jdlionsound]

As a John Bonham disciple, I've always said that if there was a nation of drummers, the intro would be our national anthem.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I love it Joe!!!

[@jhamler1]

Brilliant!

[@TimmyTickle]

Now I want this nation of drummers to win gold at the Olympics so they can play this at the ceremony

[@grandaddy0807]

National Anthem by radiohead is a fun drumming song :D

[@TheCornishCockney]

Nicely put. I'm 67 and saw LZ several times. That drum sound should be patented,so many imitators,but there is only one Bonzo.

[@tarabrightstar]

When I first listened to Led Zeppelin I fell in love with John Bonham's drums. That fatty, groovy sound, the way he builds tension and his musicality, his solidness. He plays difficult stuff because the music demands it, not because he's showing off. It's almost like you can hear his soul. I'm a girl who loves music but I know very little about drumming, I just know of no other band where the drummer grabs my attention so much and makes me feel so much emotion. And that's in a legendary band with stellar musicians. Yeah Bonham is it. He is everything.

[@pop9095]

[@shubhtripathi164]

Same...but i listen to other bands too

[@elpoison626]

Bonzo was en exorcist FYI he literally drove demons out of souls with his all mighty powerful drum beats Led the power of the drums compel you!!!

[@ohboi9578]

“The first time I saw Led Zeppelin, Bonzo (John Bonham) just walked on the stage and just warmed up for about 10 seconds. Freddie (Freddie Mercury) and I nearly fell over we just couldn’t believe the power and the sound. People are still today trying to imitate Led Zeppelin, America is full of drummers trying to play like John Bonham.”-Roger Taylor

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I'd believe it. Miking techniques were fairly basic. You get to hear the drummer and not a bunch of fx or quantizing

[@ohboi9578]

lazaros lazarou jason doesnt sound like Bonzo.

[@eddievibbert6740]

And might I say Roger Taylor that you are every bit as great as Bonzo! A pleasure to watch & listen to! Thank you Sir!😃

[@lhobs9782]

Greatness is a gift. You can’t imitate it, it’s in you. It’s like instinct, you can’t imitate that! JB definitely had that quality.

[@tommyplays131]

@@eddievibbert6740 Roger is a fantastic drummer but no not in Bonhams league

[@tanyaweathersby9393]

Robert Plant on harmonica is FIRE!

[@scottjones7005]

Fucking Finally someone who’s chest swells on Bonzos cut fills on the 2nd and 3rd bar of the last chorus/refrain. The kick in those fills are against what he was laying down throughout the track, so much tension in the space of a bar. I was twelve when he died. He was the first person I cried for outside the family. 40 years later and I still miss him. I love Buddy Rich, Art Blakey, and Ginger Baker among many others. But no one sends me over the moon like BONZO.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks Scott!!!

[@TheCornishCockney]

Many many great drummers,but Bonzo stands alone. His son Jason (black country communion,his band with coverdale) is a cracking drummer too but not the total natural his dad was. GOAT.

[@pisces_chick2511]

I was 6 months old when he passed 💔

[@pop9095]

Amen brother.

[@julieabrahamsen8637]

I was 18 in college. Our local rock radio station played every single Led Zep album in its entirety in order without commercial break. All for the love of Bonham and the recognition of their genius.

[@quellenathanar]

I know this is a drum-focused reaction channel, but I have to add my 2 cents. Led Zeppelin is comprised of individuals who could on their own be enshrined in Cleveland. The fact that they were together making musical masterpieces is truly a gift to mankind. Nice reaction btw.

[@Kawiti100]

That's the best reaction to that song I've seen. Throw in the odd bit on analysis too. It makes it very special.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Too kind Mark. Thanks for watching and the nice words!

[@Ash_Hudson]

Check out SoulTrainBro here on KZbin. His reaction is incredible too.

[@jbs8615]

@@Ash_Hudson I'm a big fan of SoulTrainBro as well.

[@jbs8615]

This reaction by Andrew is one of my two all time favorite reactions. The other is this one to The Allman Brothers Band, "Whipping Post". Jay's reaction to Duane's slide guitar, and then Gregg's vocals, tickles me every time I watch it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWLShmt7a8aHhpY

[@dannysmith4649]

One of the most undeniable pieces of rock n roll in history.

[@854medic]

2 seconds in and Andrew be like - "Louder" Yeah- me, too.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes David. YES

[@854medic]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums Rick Beato has a nice breakdoen video explaining how they got that drum sound, if you're interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jou8dXeOZql7erc

[@h2bizzle]

I could tell you’re an awesome drummer/ drum teacher because at 12:33, your eyebrow went up when you immediately noticed the one beat miss, but he got you on the “bap-bap” & you got so happy “OHHH YES!!” 😄👍

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

HAHA!

[@BlackSaiyan24]

One of the most iconic and legendary drum beats of literally any music composition in human history. Will simply never get tired of hearing it, I CANT.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

You catch my cover Carl?

[@BlackSaiyan24]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums can you link me???

[@VanderGroejn]

I'm there with you mate. Bonzo is a God. That almost lazy pace is so beautiful! He's speaking to me every time. Cheers 🍻 😁🥰

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes! 'Swampy'

[@ShibaMomma143]

The unique sound from the drums is explained here by Andy Johns, the engineer of Led Zeppelin IV who set up Bonzo's drums where they recorded 'Levee at Headley Grange, Hampshire, England. Johns: "I used two Byerdynamic M160 microphones and I put a couple of limiters over the two mics and used a Binson Echorec echo device that Jimmy Page had bought. They were Italian-made, and instead of tape, they used a very thin steel drum. And so playing at that particular tempo on 'Levee, the limiters had time to breathe, and that's how Bonzo got that 'Ga Gack sound, because of the Binson. He wasn't playing that. It was the Binson that made him sound like that." -Andy Johns (Rhythm Magazine 2006) Rick Beato also has a YT video on this called "The Truth Behind Led Zeppelin When The Levee Breaks" and plays his own drum recordings of 'Levee with and without an echo device. Hope you're having a great day/night/morning!

[@RushfanUK]

I read that piece many years ago, Andy also makes it quite clear that it was only him and Bonham present, contrary to Page's claims about the recording and his involvement that he has claimed many times.

[@dgeezy8289]

Was originally recorded in a stairwell. That's what gives it that echoey sound. Masters of the art. My fave by far.

[@coolhandluke901]

How can you be a drum teacher and never have listened to this song? Best drum beat ever! Full stop!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes Luke! I was aware this was legendary. Never got the opportunity to sit down and critically listen

[@coolhandluke901]

The little detail that some drummers miss is John letting the drum stick bounce on the snair . It gives a reverb echo effect

[@neuvocastezero1838]

I give vocal lessons, what's this "Ave Maria" everyone keeps talking about?

[@burtreynolds2969]

@@coolhandluke901 This drum track was actually being fed into an Echpoplex tape delay during tracking.

[@peeweeis]

just a thought. teachers teach, players play, that's why teachers teach, that's the extent of it.

[@hawklee9702]

That snare, sounds like a gunshot in the groove. Love this song.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes absolutely iconic snare sound!

[@Ash_Hudson]

I've been listening to this song since I was 19 - I'm 34 now, and the way he shifts the dynamics just after 12:03 into the bridge section still makes me well up with emotion. He really felt the songs he was playing, and that was what was most special about him, was the emotion he could inject into a song and through his playing. It's just amazing. My favourite drummer ever. Everything about him.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup one of the greats. Impossible to duplicate

[@smooth_sundaes5172]

If the drumming is dirty I can't help but feel the harmonica just tops it all off. Amazing deep down blues. Been listening to Zeppelin since the early 70s and have NEVER grown tired of them. Have listened to their entire catalogue in one go and have played it all the way back through again. Never tire of them and probably never will

[@Mboogie69]

Crazy how young Bonzo was at the time as well... early 20s. Total beast

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yeah Jeff. What a weapon!

[@MrRicky120985]

Such a powerful song !!! Can listen to it 100000 times and always being absolutely obliterated:)😊

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup I could listen to this every day

[@davidhornbeckmusic7487]

⁠@@AndrewRooneyDrumsnot sure if it’s been mentioned in the numerous replies (and well deserved, I’m really liking your videos and I’m a guitar / bass player) but the drums we hear in the finished song are slightly slowed down, in fact perhaps all of the original tracking instruments. We hear this song in the key of F, but I’d read somewhere years ago about them actually tracking the whole thing faster and in the key of G, intentionally tracked faster to slow the speed down later to fatten the drums… (perhaps a technique they lifted after the opening of Hendrix’, Electric Ladyland, but that’s for another video). not sure if the bass guitar and initial rhythm guitar were also kept but I thought I’d mention it. I loved that you pointed out the hi-hat accents, I’d also mention something I don’t hear mentioned often enough about Bonham and quite a few players from that era. (IMHO) When they (Bonham, Ringo, Mitchell, Baker, Woodmansey, Bill Legend, etc) played an eighth note hi-hat pattern, the amount of time the hat wasn’t being heard between those eighth notes also caused a 16th note pulse,.. even quarter hats felt like an eighth pulse, accentuating the groove as it goes along. Old jazz guy stuff they loved and shared with us, is my guess. Please carry on your good work sir!

[@tedwitus]

forty years on and still gives chills. thanks for sharing your first time Andrew

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Oh this is sooooo good

[@youngproscia]

My very favorite rock drum performance. People talk about recording setup and effects used to change the sound. Don’t care. Epic in every sense of the word . Essentially a blueprint for all of rock drumming in one song. Simply amazing. RIP John

[@tellsingandplay]

It was a genius move by Page to record the drums in a stairwell of a haunted mansion. Drummers love the echo effect. I’m glad you noticed that base pedal thing he did at about 12:30. I’m nothing short of SHOCKED you’ve not already completely analyzed the entire Zeppelin catalogue. I mean, where do you go for improvement than the best?

[@ricknewton5693]

Simply the four greatest musicians ever put together in one band. What the foundation set by the greatest rock drummer of all time.Lord have mercy

[@Ronhickmott]

Many would agree, but only because they haven't taken any notice of Tool.

[@tommyplays131]

@@Ronhickmott I have heard of them and they’re great, but not in the same league as Zep

[@Ronhickmott]

@@tommyplays131 maybe it's my loss but I couldn't really get right into led zep, had a preference for black sabbath and iron maiden. But tool, well you know their music so there's nothing for me to say. 😎

[@natural1952]

The Who?

[@michaelcavallacci2945]

@@natural1952. Definitely. The Who was on par with Zep. Better in my opinion

[@jebatman756]

"Where have I been?? Where have I been??" Exactly, my dude! If I was a drummer, I'd eat Bonham for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

HAHA Jeb!

[@wesleycolvin7158]

Welcome to the greatness that is Led Zeppelin. You're life will never be the same.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yeah Wesley! Lovin' it :)

[@mydreamquest]

Your reaction at 12:33 is why I have listened to this tune thousands of times...it’s like a reverse roll...that drum riff puts me into tears it’s so amazing

[@robertfritz4971]

I instantly clicked on ‘like’ at about a minute and a half in when he got up and said “Louder” and turned it up. I knew it was over right there! Great job!

[@thewatcheronthewall85]

Must have watched your reaction to this 5 times love it, seeing a Drums teacher react to 22 year old John Bonham.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

So good to hear!

[@dereklepiesza5022]

That bass drop in the key after "going to Chicago..." in the outro Sooo Underrated.

[@ivanhecimovic8397]

I'm not a drummer but as a Led Zep fan of over 30 years I find your reactions and analysis of Bonham's drumming both refreshing, fascinating and insightful. Bonham was the perfect drummer for Led Zep in that his approach to every song was different, just like the band as a whole. His musicality; being able to get into the pocket and create that "groove" as you say and take a song to another level is why the band decided it was pointless trying to go on after his death.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks so much Ivan!

[@lhobs9782]

Ivan Hecimovic Great comment! True.

[@jeffmalloy8200]

The most sampled drum track in history. Epic! That's why he was called the Hammer of the God's. Really applied to the entire band.

[@susannebass5503]

You sir are becoming my favorite reactor 💖 your sheer joy at Bonham's drumming has me looking at these classics in a new way. They hv alot more greasy pockets ✌️

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Wow, thanks Susanne!

[@1227air500]

Your enthusiasm and your adding a little more info about the lingo with every reaction video is what keeps me coming back. Please DON'T calm down! This entire band is so together, but that is all I know. You lay out exactly what makes the drumming sound so great, and how it meshes with the rest of the musicians. Thanks again! Lloyd

[@pstewart5443]

One of the few songs that gives me a braingasm every time I hear it. In "It Might Get Loud" Jimmy Paige goes into depth about how they got this iconic drum sound. First time it was ever done in a song too. Super creativity.

[@apiii73]

I consider myself blessed. I got this the day it came out. I wasc18 and had a 67 Charger with a powerful sound system. Now I live in the,Pacific Northwest in a cabin out in the woods and play this loud on a loop. The forest loves it !

[@juliusmazepin1971]

I just love your spontaneous reaction to this masterpiece

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

So glad to hear that Julius!

[@juliusmazepin1971]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3fRXoKdl52aiq8 please listen to this !!! The final drum fills are awesome ... It's an alternate vers of this tune not used in the album

[@DavidChandekStark]

Definitely a seminal drum track. The sick groove, plus the huge sound! I do give the engineer/producer mad props for the putting the drums in the front of the mix, and adding the effects to make the sound greasier. But I can't think of another drummer who could lay this down. I think an important aspect that speaks to the musicality you mention is the restraint. He holds back (until the end) and lets the groove breathe. It's hypnotic. The pauses between verses speak as loudly as the bass and snare

[@taylortyler1867]

_THE_ best drumbeat in any song I've ever heard.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Hard to argue

[@dragnfli520]

Bonham's sick syncopated groove is intoxicating but the Plant's vocals, combined with Page's guitar & that wailin' harmonica seriously makes me weep...

[@Happyheretic2308]

JPJ holding it all together

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I got a bit carried away on this one. That's some sexy groove right there. And I've created the Bonham rating system for levels of pocket! 3 levels of Bonham pocket HAHAHA

[@derekgilligan3290]

The song was originally played at a faster tempo but they slowed the temp down the drums on the record you should look it up its a very interesting way of doing it and i loved the vid

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks Derek!

[@kevinbrady6075]

Rock on! :-)

[@kevinmarshall59]

U gotta listen to fool in the rain next

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

@@kevinmarshall59 I have man!!!! Look back through my vids my man!

[@jasongalloway9582]

There's a reason after Bonzo died Robert Plant refused to continue with Led Zeppelin, and it wasn't just love for his dear friend. It's also because there will never be another John Henry Bonham. RIP

[@brianrussell6570]

In interviews even Page said they couldnt continue cause no one else have the ability to stay with the rest of the band when they played live and went on tangents..they never played a song the same twice,, Jimmy always said Bonham was a genius

[@pcjmwhyle1452]

I like the pause, reaction, explanation, analysis it gives me a new way of listening to a song I’ve heard for 40 years. I don’t understand why you’d complain about the pauses, you can always go and listen to track or buy it! And this channel is the best for pointing and explaining why great drummers are great.

[@terryhuwe2184]

I guess I'm gonna say the same thing. How have you not listened to John Bonham! One of the best drummers ever!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I’ve caught up now!

[@wildwildwest1286]

I watch a lot of black people who have only listened to R and B and Hip-Hop reacting to great rock songs,but this is the best reaction I've seen by someone who knows the inside story to an instrument or vocals.This is awesome!I always listened to this song for the cool funky beat and harmonica,I never focused in on the drums.The beat is so awesome, especially the second half of the song.Really wonderful reaction.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thank you!

[@Iguesswhitelivesdontmatter]

I first heard this song when I was 14-15. While I did know who Zeppelin was, I hadn't yet realized how big they were. But I knew there was no better song out there, with that groove, power, everything about it. I could just listen to the drums alone.

[@fabricedrummer]

My 4 years old son calls it « THE Song of the Drums ». Approved ✅ It is an absolute unique masterpiece … also for the vocals, guitars, harmonica, innovative general sound… Led Zep were in their twenties it’s crazy… Every time I listen to it twice at least. That’s what you do when things are so tasty and good 😂

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup it’s a great feel

[@bryanguillen9167]

This was the first ever song I heard from them. I got hooked instantly and now I've listened to every single Led song at least 1000x each.

[@johnsample5628]

My favorite part of the reaction is the first word: "Louder!"

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

HAHA YES!

[@jonlevin]

I was about to say the same thing. Knew this was gonna be legit when the very first impulse was to turn it up, haha!

[@mauricelaidler4789]

It’s great to see the joy you get from listening to this and other Led Zeppelin songs that I was weaned on as a teenager. We were totally spoiled in the 60’s and 70’s. I bet you get as much joy out of playing along to them on the drums. And so you should. From a 64-year old in the UK.

[@maxout7306]

"Beautiful, clear even pocket." Love It! So good to hear the perspective from someone who understands about being behind the kick drum. I don't mind the necessary interrupts as we can all play the track these days but for me I love the education and observation notes you bring to us on this drum line with hi-hat remarks and reactions to the great shaped or 'machine-gun like' drum fills. Bonham really puts it down and gets your attention. A wonderful Led Zeppelin recording and engineered mix originally from 1971. I missed the Meg Ryan insert on the first view - nice one! Thanks for uploading - Liked.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

YESSSSS Gotta have that cafe scene insert when it's this good :)

[@azdbuk]

This and Subdivisions by Rush are my favorite drum songs of all time. Was grooving to this in the 80's.....still great today...

[@philshorten3221]

This was a cover of a song from 1929! Some 50 years Zepp completely re-imagined it. (but to put in perspective you really should hear the original) Zepp turned the most deep felt blues into a glorious monster! How anyone could get from the original to the Zepp version requires genius of the next level!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Wow Phil! I had no idea. Thanks so much for the great info man

[@jeffmalloy8200]

The original was done by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy about the massive Mississippi River flood of 1927. It was the impetus for the massive migration of blacks out of the Deep South in the late 1920s headed north. Kansas Joe McCoy wrote the song about a man who lost his entire family and his home as a result of the flood.

[@dazgoodwin205]

I'm 52 and have been listening to this since I was 7 and playing it,both on drums and guitar, since I was 15....and I still make all those silly faces when I hear it.....truly epic.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes Daz. Can't help but be absorbed by this one. Takes over your body!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Here is the podcast episode I did with the great Daniel Glass where he broke down expertly what pocket is! podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/ep-45-daniel-glass-what-is-pocket/id1384423758?i=1000455647628

[@rupertlona9514]

Vote Trump! His uncle was a genius scientist who worked on the ufo file!

[@Braglemaster123]

Andrew you don’t notice his kick drum ghost beat “ 3 & 4 and a 1 “

[@Braglemaster123]

Andrew you’re not a drum expert if you don’t know all about Bonham. We can’t trust you, sorry.

[@Braglemaster123]

Andrew,Bonham’s syncopation with the kick 🦵 high hat and snare, not to mention is single stroke and crush rolls.

[@Braglemaster123]

All his drumming is all of his invention. Back then he had no KZbin.

[@sawman3364]

Bonzo's what 22,23 years old and he's that good. That's just crazy!! Got to see them in '77. Thank God!!

[@1mmorta1coi1]

You need to do ACHILLES LAST STAND Sir 👊💀🍻🚬

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I have!

[@jimmorrish6771]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums the ultimate zap and bonham track for me

[@kolbee911]

"In my time of dying" is the best Led Zeppelin drum song in my opinion. Would love to see you break that song down...it has so many sections and drum transitions...please give it a listen.

[@djardine2520]

My favourite Zeppelin song. Metal blues at its best.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Crazy good!

[@troylovett1170]

I’m 23, and never forget being a bit unimpressed with rap when I was about 13. My dad asked me “have you ever heard Led?” Put this song on, and I ran through every album 🤣

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Great Troy!

[@yaqubebased1961]

"Don't tell me you guys have never gotten the Led out!"

[@finessemuse2123]

Awesome reaction to an epic song! I must say I am jealous, watching you discover Led Zep songs for the first time listening whole way through, You are in for drummer Nirvana when you listen to their whole catalogue. Drums are my favorite instrument and that's why I keep coming back to Bonzo. Simply unmatched. You are in for a treat my friend 😊🥁🥁🎵🎵

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Oh I'm LOVING this!

[@guitarsup1004]

Great analysis ...Great Reaction!!! I'm a 64 y/o guitarist and I do love Led Zeppelin.... I must say I thoroughly enjoy your insight and comments. Keep your honest format and I'm subscribing NOW! YOU have deepened my appreciation for great drumming. Your pace and reactions and love for it all including all the "dirty pockets" and filthy pockets is not only not lost on me ...it adds to my vocabulary. You Rock!

[@ClichéGuevara-2814]

Nobody in the rock genre had as much swing as Bonham. Always juuuuuuust behind the beat. Flawless.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

You nailed it David!

[@ClichéGuevara-2814]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums Check out How Many More Times, from the debut...lethal swing.

[@adamsmith3996]

Absolutely ! Lessons wont teach you that.

[@stevegeib9642]

Born in the early 60s I've grown up on LZ. My profound appreciation for, yet limited understanding of their musicality from a layman's point of view leaves me in awe of them entirely and always has. Recently i watched another drum teacher/lover/player's reaction to Moby Dick and his "analysis" was that Bonham had the rare ability to use his four points of contact (hands and feet) completely independently of one another and therefore was able to keep all those different times and beat patterns to a point where art meets science in the most amazing way. It was like an epiphany and listening to them/him has become like listening again for the first time. Your thoughts?

[@SLEEP-236]

The recording of the drums on this track is equally as outstanding as the performance. Well worth searching for the making of video.

[@reckless1962]

Watching you react is priceless. First time i heard this, i was driving and had to pull over to breathe

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Glad you enjoyed!!!

[@joecool152]

The drum kit was actually placed under the stairwell in an English manor when this was recorded giving an eerie echo effect. The almost robotic, and perfect pocket timing is widely considered the best rock drum track ever laid down.

[@johnfaulken1951]

Nonsense. The echo was done by the recording engineers. So was the back masking on the harmonica. This track was Zeppelin's most heavily engineered song; which is why it wasn't played live, the sound wasn't reproducible.

[@victorylane2377]

@@johnfaulken1951 no, the echo comes from the stairwell. The band members have all said this. That effect was impossible to really replicate live. Despite that they did play the song live on several occasions. There was back masking on the harmonica. Many of their tracks were far more 'produced'. It was about achieving a certain sound. Guys were geniuses imo.

[@johnfaulken1951]

@@victorylane2377 sorry, but that's incorrect. There's at least one video on KZbin showing how it was recorded and what delay was used on the drums.

[@victorylane2377]

@@johnfaulken1951 oh, a video on you tube? Must be true then.

[@johnfaulken1951]

@@victorylane2377 yes. A video. Made by a producer with a platinum album. With the actual equipment used in the recording. Duplicating the drum sound perfectly. The producer is Rick Beato, if you actually want to see it, but l bet you'd rather remain ignorant.

[@rbrtreed]

I read somewhere that Bonham lined his kick drum with sheet metal to get the booming cannon sound. Love it. Dude was the GOAT.

[@r0f115L4m]

This was my intro to Zeppelin (and hence Bonzo) about one year ago. I immediately shared it with a friend, telling her that this may be the best drum groove and opening to a song I ever heard. She replied with "It's just okay." My generation is doomed!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

If you can't feel the brilliance of this, you don't have a pulse

[@richardharrold9736]

It's not the best thing Bonham ever did though... In My Time of Dying is just mind-blowing.

[@r0f115L4m]

Richard Harrold Agreed! “In My Time of Dying” is my personal favorite from Bonham’s work. “When the Levee Breaks” is #2 for me though. Bonham is just too good.

[@richardharrold9736]

@@r0f115L4m Achilles Last Stand? Like Levee Breaks on speed.

[@juliedodge900]

@@richardharrold9736 Especially live!

[@JimWalker-h1m]

I heard that the drums were played in the space down by the stairs in an English manor, with the mic suspended from the floor above. This gave the drums that unique sound.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yeah it's genius. And the source (Bonham) makes it easy to capture incredible sound

[@ginger4141]

I love that organic swampy feel to this song, Jimmy really knows how to produce music and Bonzo is just greatness. Andrew did you hear the reverse hammonica? I thought it also gave it a lot of punch.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Swampy is a great way to describe it. 'in the cracks'. not swung/not straight Reverse Harmonica!?

[@juliemanarin4127]

I don't know what a reverse harmonica is...could you explain?

[@ginger4141]

@@juliemanarin4127 it's where they reverse the tape of the harmonica at the end. Just a interesting sound.

[@brianrussell6570]

@@juliemanarin4127 Jimmy used it a lot with the guitar too

[@kenwhitfield219]

I watch these videos just for the analysis. Can’t get enough of this. Understanding the creativity of musicians is where it’s at. Bands like Zeppelin will be as timeless as Bach and Beethoven because of their complete mastery of their musical genre. We are seeing and hearing absolute perfection in motion.

[@selwynhingston9484]

I’ve been playing this song on drums for about 20 years and just can’t make it sound the same as John his steadfast timing is unbelievable.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Very hard to recapture

[@bernardboka4277]

I am a survivor of Katrina, just north of New Orleans. And I swear, the harmonica distortions sound just like the storm sirens echoing and ringing across the miles as She hit. My girlfriends uncle refused to evacuate down south. He was never seen again. And the harmonica genius is subsumed by the drums!

[@lextek.]

This album was recorded at a house (that most people would call a mansion) that Mick Jagger had recently purchased. The Stones also had commissioned large truck to be outfitted as a total state of the art mobile recording studio with tape machines, mixing consoles, assorted additional electronics, microphones, etc. that could be moved to virtually any location so that they could record any time it suited them, not some studio's schedule. So, the studio truck was moved to Mick's mansion. It had a large circular staircase and the drums were setup right under it. A couple of mics were hung above the drums at different levels and experimented with until the sound wanted was achieved Then Led Zeppelin went to work! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5O6XoSJnbqLm7s

[@chrisegbertky]

I love Yoyoka. A lot. But this is your absolute best reaction hands down. Do you know what a rare delight it is to see a grown man who knows drumming listen to When the Levee Breaks for the first time??? Entertaining and illuminating my good sir!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Wow, thank you Chris!

[@t.r.8427]

Loved this when I was 12, I'm 58 now and it's STILL amazing.

[@centralscrutinizer3871]

The sound of the drums on the recording comes from setting up the drums in the entrance hallway of Headley Grange Manor House. Mics were hung over the staircase. Not just masters of their instruments but also masters at getting the best sound and tones.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes I've heard some great stories about the techniques used!

[@centralscrutinizer3871]

John Bonham invented hip hop with the When The Levee Breaks. The Beastie Boys sampled it, then everyone had a go.

[@richardharrold9736]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums there's also some tape/cylinder delay on the track... it's not *just* the acoustic. Jimmy Page has put out a fair bit of disinformation over the last fifty years about his production - I suppose he wants to guard his trade secrets, and it adds to the Zep aura of mystique...

[@centralscrutinizer3871]

The drums were run through a Binson Echorec. This complimented the natural echo of the high hallway. One slapback echo added on the 8th note. Some dispute on whether it was Jimmy Page or Andy Johns the sound engineer who came up with the idea.

[@MichaelRCarlson]

@@centralscrutinizer3871 Yeah there are interviews out there now that debunk the stairwell story. I want to say it was Andy but who knows for sure? Page certainly was just as creative behind the boards as the guitar.

[@yo-Rowe]

I remember as a kid trying to mimic Bonham’s groove on Black Country Woman. It was my personal epiphany that less can be more. The anticipation of the simple foot peddle starting in the second verse leading to my mesmerizing awakening to the concept of offbeat.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup it’s all about the space between the notes

[@yo-Rowe]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums - I practice and teach commercial art for a living. I like to tell clients and students that white space is to graphic design what the space between notes is to music.

[@richardcasey4439]

“Calm down, calm down, how can he be this good”? Awesome! I swear to god I’ve heard this song hundreds of times over decades and have exactly the same emotional response every time. Musicianship and feel, what else can it be?

[@juliemanarin4127]

Such a great song from an awesome band! Just the best!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

The best!

[@craenor]

The way the drums are locked-in with the lead guitar in so many key moments - still blows my mind.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

me too

[@trimad6128]

Just a group of geniuses that can’t be matched!

[@michaelberico7141]

Watching you “discover” this song for the first brought me back to my first time hearing it!! So awesome and so much fun watching you marvel at it! And I’m still listening to this regularly for the last 50 years! Something tells me so will you fir them next 50!!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Great comment Richard! Thank you 🙏

[@bobgrant-beer3020]

Fantastic. This song was first written and performed by an old blues singer called Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929!!!! All about the terrible Mississippi Floods in 1927. Good music is immortal Guys. Love from 🇬🇧❤️ and Stay Safe.

[@Notalloldpeople]

Yes but I don’t think zeppelin credited him. Like so many of the tracks they borrowed (and improved)

[@bobgrant-beer3020]

@@Notalloldpeople You’re not wrong there Bud. When the Levee Breaks is such a Powerful song, whatever version you listen to. I freely admit I do sometimes get a bit chocked up listening to the song loud with headphones on. Take Care my friend. 🇬🇧🇺🇸❤️. Bob.

[@shannonalaminski2619]

I listened to the on 8 track tape when I was a kid. Always one of my favorites! I'm glad you finally know this song.

[@michaelwilliams8658]

You must include the engineering/ production of the song. Which is so so spot on!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

100% Michael. Lightning in a bottle

[@shotgunndunn]

When you finally said what I was thinking the entire time... “where have I been??!? Where have I been??!?”

[@johndrx165]

LOUDER! Epic tune and drum beat!! Cool story on how they recorded it in a high ceiling entrance to get that sound.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes I need to look into that John!

[@edyoung6573]

Freaking Priceless man!!!!! Huge Bonham (Led Zeppelin) fan here and love seeing peoples reaction and you being a drummer someone who understands how Great Bonham was/is just Fantastic! Great Video!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks Ed! 🥁🤜

[@srenjrgensen2143]

Its actually quite an interesting story how the drums were recorded for this I heard that Bonham was playing the drums on the bottom of a staircase at Hedley Grange. And they had mics both close to the drums af longer up the staircase to get some natural echo. Also Bonham played the drums at a higher tempo, and they just slowed it down in the edit to make it more heavy !! Best reaction you've done yet btw!!

[@brianrussell6570]

a BUNCH OF SKEPITCS SAID THAT WAS JUST A STORY but I believe Jimmy Page

[@abutomtom117]

See the Rick Beato video on this

[@carlomazza731]

One of the greatst channel on KZbin. Subscribed and happy.

[@myfavoritedream2149]

"Filthy pocket" I have to remember that, absolute perfect description.

[@tense99]

Fun fact:. Page would play guitar next to Bonham's bass drum and they would communicate with looks and nods etc paying alot of attn to what each was doing and what page wanted bonham to do

[@wiggdiggity2221]

I LOVED WATCHING YOU DISCOVER THIS TRACK... EPIC!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

GREAT!!!