John Bonham Drum Lesson: Single Stroke Roll Of Thunder

We are taking a look at a popular section that John Bonham would play during Moby Dick using 32nd-note single-stroke rolls while maintaining 16th notes between the kick and hi-hat. From the research I've done, it looks like Bonham developed this part and integrated it into his drum solos around February and March of 1970, and would play some variation of it in almost of his drum solos until he stopped performing them at the end of 1977.
You can find an early sample of him playing it in this version of Moby Dick from the 7th of March, 1970 ( • Led Zeppelin - Live in... .
The part itself seems to be loosely influenced by Joe Morello. While the sticking is different, you can hear a similar pattern here: • Video . You can also see where Bonham was inspired to play with his hands earlier in Joe Morello's solo.
If you're feeling disheartened trying to play this part, here is a great example of Bonham not quite making it through it as effortlessly as he usually does: • Video
Here is video of this section from the 24th of May, 1975: • Led Zeppelin: Moby Dic...
And here is video of the same section, performed with much more vigor, the following night on the 25th of May, 1975: • Led Zeppelin - Moby Di...
Here is this section from How The West Was Won: • Moby Dick (Live 1972) ...
And lastly, outside of seeing an actual Led Zeppelin concert in person or acquiring a bootleg, I believe this was the first time you would have heard this section performed during Moby Dick - The Original Soundtrack (not movie) Version of The Song Remains The Same: • led zeppelin - moby di...
If you are looking for more John Bonham and drum-related content, you can find more on my Facebook and Instagram pages. Just search, "Kick It Like Bonham."
If you like this video and want to support me on Patreon, please visit: / kickitlikebonham

[@susanbabudro3825]

This reminds me of that samba-like part in Fool In The Rain.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

That's a great point! The technique involved in both is very, very similar!

[@turnsufficient4971]

That was fantastic. I had no idea that Jim Morrison could play the drums so well. Nicely done...

[@lucifer73]

If someone can do that intro solo, and they still don't get the gig, the band wasn't worth being involved with in the first place. Well done, young man 🍻

[@KickItLikeBonham]

That's very nice of you to say! I've actually been really fortunate to have some awesome musical opportunities because of this channel, so I'm happy to report that your sentiment has paid off! Thank you so much, my friend!

[@BONHAMOLOGY]

Excellent topic and lesson, Derek. Nice production and sound too! This lick was a favorite of Philly Joe Jones as well, he played it often in his solos.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

It took like...twenty hours to edit this thing together!!! Night after night after night!!! So, I appreciate you saying that, George! And that Philly Joe Jones reference is great! That's how lacking I am in my education with some of this stuff! I'll try to find a great clip of him playing that and throw it in the description! I know I had a few points I wanted to bring up with you the next time we had a chance to chat. I'll have to conjure those up and give you a call sometime soon!

[@BONHAMOLOGY]

@@KickItLikeBonham I'm down, let's rap soon. This is outstanding man. Haha, it would've taken me a month to edit all those angles. Here's is link to Philly Joe playing said lick, on the snare...right around 3:44 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIuum3uObL5qosk He did it often, and faster as well. No bass drum /hats though. That's a Bonzo exclusive , all the way.

[@tmurra2]

Nice video. I'm 66 and I started playing the drums when I was 12. I've never had a lesson, I've always been a Bonham fan in a big way. For the past several years I have felt like a slouch because I've always been a single stroke drummer. This made me feel better, thanks!

[@johnnyexploder]

Dude even your pedal squeaking like his. Amazing : 0 Need more! !

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Aye! It's in maximum squeakage mode right now, so I'm glad you heard that! I'll have to knock out a few covers that feature that idiosyncrasy in the near future!

[@marshallposey2063]

Is it a Speed King? They all seem to squeak.

[@jamesburns8093]

Right

[@DenverClark]

You have mastered Bonham. The videos really help me put it together. Thanks Dude!

[@richardspicer4738]

Wow man, I am blown away by the sound you’ve created. It’s a pleasure to hear drums like this and your playing is unreal. Great stuff indeed!!! I’ve always played a version of this lick myself, it’s killer. I love how great drummers live on through guys like us as we make their best parts our own. You’ve got a bright future, keep it up my man!!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I love the way you stated that: 'great drummers live on through guys like us as we make their best parts our own.' There's no substitute for hard work and a keen ear, but I love that we live in a time where so many passionate people can come together from around the world to pull back the curtain and share all these amazing techniques that we've admired for so long. Thanks so much for the kind words, Richard! I definitely appreciate it!

[@APublius32]

Thank you for your videos. I am not a drummer but I am a musician and a fan of both Bonhams, as well as fan of Led Zeppelin. I find listening to your sessions helps me to listen to pieces of songs that I may have heard hundreds of times but now hear new things in the songs that I missed in the past. It truly gives me greater appreciation for the music and its structure. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

This is one of the coolest comments I think I've received. I'm thrilled to hear you're able to enjoy the music more based on some of the stuff I've put up. I'm guessing you've already found a channel called, 'Bonhamology,' but if you haven't, I'd strongly recommend checking that out, too! George has gone through every Zeppelin song on the drums...

[@brian96597]

I have been fascinated with this part of MD since I first heard it decades ago. Thank you!

[@user-xe6gx6wh4g]

Hey man, love you doing stuff like this. Hope to see and hear lots more of your teaching the Great John Bonham which you know so well. Cheers!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

It shall be done! I promise!

[@kidbonham6616]

Yes finally! I’ve been looking for videos of lessons on how to do this for months

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm happy to accommodate, my friend!

[@drumauditionchannel3255]

So glad I found this channel. Very cool. I can’t play these licks yet but looking forward to trying. Thank you!

[@MyDyerMaker]

Makes my week to get a new video from you. Thanks man.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Likewise for receiving a comment from you! I always appreciate it, man! Thanks!

[@paulbrodnax583]

Great instructional video, all of your videos are great, awesome sound always, thanks.

[@jameshersheysr7194]

Great to see you back......thanks for the lesson. I will definitely be practicing that.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I am happy to hear you dig it! I'll definitely be putting as many as I can think of here on the channel. The hope is to get a cover or a lesson up once a week...

[@kevineatondrumchannel]

Great work and breakdown Derek! Cheers brother!

[@bobdoyle5945]

yay you're back!! more lessons!! beard is rocking

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! It's only because the beard is rocking that I felt comfortable getting back in front of the camera again! Thanks, Bob!

[@toddgraham6006]

Derek you are truly an Ambassador of Bonham! I absolutely (heart) you!!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Well I absolutely heart your kind words, Todd! I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the video, and I can promise you there will be plenty more coming along soon!

[@timgawertdrums]

Yes!! Finally a lesson from one of bonzos best disciples! Always get excited when I see you put out a new video, Derek👍 thanks for sharing

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, Tim! I am happy and honored to oblige! Doing a lesson like this has felt so long in the making that it's actually a huge relief to finally have something done! It's also quite a rush, so my hope is to ride this wave of extracurricular productivity into a regular part of my schedule again!

[@gronstadt1]

Dude I think your the man and a really good teacher. Good on ya. I've always loved Zep but just picked up the drums seriously (again) a little while ago and gained a new appreciation for Bonham's genius. Thanks for what you do.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

That's awesome, Garrett! I'm thrilled to hear it, and so glad you got something out of the video! I'll definitely have plenty more coming along in the new year! Is there anything in particular you're looking to hear or learn?

[@gronstadt1]

@@KickItLikeBonham Thanks for replying, I appreciate that! Merry Christmas! I know picking apart a legend like Bonham could take a lifetime but as a newish drummer I am most interested in the things I can do now to build a solid foundation to be able to maybe come close to capturing some of his style and groove. I know it's practice practice practice but I'd appreciate any tips for the drummer who isn't quite there with the speed and technique and ways to work on a solid foundation in the hopes of nailing some of his grooves flawlessly:) Any help is appreciated!

[@pcbw75]

You’re amazing!!! Finally a foot cam!!!! 🤙🏼 love watching you play, and a great teacher! Thank you bro

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha, ha! I promise it will be there in all videos moving forward! I know it wasn't super interesting for this one, but it's my goal to put it to good use soon!

[@pcbw75]

@@KickItLikeBonham LOL none the less, still amazing!

[@ayoutubechannel2832]

this one week of waiting for this upload almost seemed like forever. anyways great lesson, very informative!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! That's what it felt like editing the whole thing together. Trying to sync four different cameras with audio, and then selecting the right angle for each part, and so on and so forth. I had a whole section I cut out that would've made this video twice as long that included some alternate stickings for how to play this part, but I ended up pulling my hair out over trying to make it all cohesive and as relevant as possible. Ultimately, when I decided to chop that second part out, it made the rest of putting this together very easy. It was all definitely a big learning experience, and one that should hopefully make the next video much easier to put together.

[@totfosk]

Oh man. You doing lessons/tutorials it is one of the best things that could happen to me. Thank you sooo much Derek!!!!!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha! You got it, Tot! I'm already working on the next one right now!

[@totfosk]

@@KickItLikeBonham That's amazing :) May I ask you how do you approach the counting on that pattern? Because I hear you mentioning you have 16th on your feet and 32th on your hands and I was wondering how do you get to that counting since I saw many times that in USA, triplets are less used to describe swing. Me personally I would describe your pattern as a double 12/8 in which hi hat is playing every 3/4, but then the bass drum I do not know actually where to place it. Is it played in 'the middle' of the 3/4 or does it match the third note of the 3/4? Thanks in advance!!!

[@CoffeeRising]

Although simple, I'm obsessed with the intro! Showcasing the sets like that is a neat touch!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

That makes me happy to hear you dig it! I've watched enough videos from other channels that have cool intros, and thought showcasing the four kits might be a nice intro into any videos I do moving forward...

[@emlix1]

Brother, this is one of the best Bonham lessons I've ever seen. You can count the times I've liked or subbed to a youtuber on the fingers of one hand, and you're one of them. Greetings from Australia!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Then I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind comment! I've been stirring up ideas for videos for a few years now while my wife and I adjusted to parenthood, but now that we're locked in, I'm raring to get as much stuff like this up as possible! I definitely hope to keep earning your respect with anything moving forward!

[@emlix1]

@@KickItLikeBonham tell me about it! Parenthood is the most important thing you'll ever do, and the most rewarding. My son's 8 now, JB is his favorite drummer and he himself isn't bad at all. Click on me and you'll find a couple of videos of him playing, if you have the time. I'm so impressed with your playing- the first time I saw one of your vids was the Ludwig stainless steel comparison (I preferred the vintage one) but I noticed then how well you channelled JB. Much respect brother.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

That's awesome! I'll check out the videos of your boy as soon as I get a chance!

[@harrysilvers8043]

Great to see you back!!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

It's definitely good to be back, Gopinatha! I plan on sticking around this time!

[@harrysilvers8043]

Kick It Like Bonham Fantastic! By the way love the intro and just the whole set up of the video. Very informative with master class drumming

[@AlexSlavenDrums]

all of what i'm seeing...was well worth the wait

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! I'm glad to hear it!

[@pawelmorrison]

Yeaaah baby! Lovin the camera angles!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm lovin' the way you play this part! You'd be a great person to show this part is properly done! And yeah, after this long a hiatus, I definitely needed to try and up the production value a bit...

[@imcharming4808]

Awesome to see you back! Never realized Bonham was such a big Morello fan! I knew he was a fan of James Brown's drummers, but didn't realize he was so into jazz.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I would guess that he connected with certain players more than others, but with Jazz and big band being so drummer-centric, I would think he'd be drawn to guys that were shedding light on something he was so passionate about. You can really hear how musical Joe Morello is in his approach to drums, and I think Bonham had the same innate sensibilities.

[@Slammintone]

Kick It Like Bonham Max Roach was another inspiration to Bonham I believe as well.

[@stevemckeown5072]

Thank you dude l am going to work on this l love bonhams druming l look up to him big time as a drummer you kick it dude &you also teach it very well nice & slow love love your kit keep the geart lessons up bud thank again Cheers. Bless you * your family .

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm so happy to hear you got something out of the lesson, Steve! I can promise there will be plenty more coming along soon!

[@paradox6600]

Ohh yyyyeeess finally a lesson Thank you very much

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm finally happy to oblige! There will be plenty more coming along!

[@EricHubley]

Nice job with the lesson, this is one of my favorite Bonham parts, incredibly hard to play clean at the required speed but it sounds huge.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You're speaking fact, my friend! Your arm should be all healed up this point, right?!?! I want to see more videos from you, man! I'll take whatever you're willing to throw out there!

[@EricHubley]

@@KickItLikeBonham I'm as healed as I'm going to get by now, I've had plans for a while to get some videos made but always seem to scrap them because of quality. I've also started university this fall and unfortunately have little time for drums and youtube at the moment. I would really like to get some videos uploaded soon though, I appreciate your encouragement.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Do it! I hear you about the quality aspect - I ended up shooting this one twice because one of the cameras was blurry 😭. The world is a better place if you're uploading!

[@EricHubley]

@@KickItLikeBonham I'd like to make a video about this roll and its variations but I will have to wait a while longer until I have finished soundproofing my drum room, I've recently got a new neighbor and haven't been able to play the drums without a police officer coming to my door.

[@CiaoGibson]

Great post Derek! Thanks for sharing A+

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Always, my man!

[@Bonzo2792]

You are the man Derek. You should definitely do more lessons on how you got your chops.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

It shall be done, my friend!

[@adrianmezzatesta6714]

Awesome please do more of these lessons

[@KickItLikeBonham]

It shall be done!

[@RorRiiZzLE]

That minute was frikkin awesome.

[@jamesbush6616]

Great job and thank you for the lesson! I have found that utilizing triplets helps me with this.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm thrilled to hear it, James! That makes all the hours of putting these videos together so well worth it! I've got some other ideas I've been kicking around, so I'll do my best to get those into video form soon! Thank you so much for the nice comment!

[@marcoscardenas762]

Thanks for the tips they came in handy.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You bet, Marcos! I'm glad to hear you got something out of the video!

[@GregLikesJelly]

I knew that solo sounded familiar, cheers for pointing out morello

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You know it! Morello was the man!

[@josephmonaco4503]

You are an excellent Bonham player also. You mentioned about Bonham's right hand in Earl's Court, If you watch him closely, He's doing 32nd's with his right hand and then throwing in his left hands at certain parts. Then he builds that up to around 290bpm. It's amazing to watch but even better to hear. You definately have it down. I have other parts down that I watch Bonzoleum and Bonhamology who both do things wrong and I tried to be nice and sincere when it comes to telling someone that they are doing something wrong. I believe that they get all insulted and we shouldn't. It helps one another. I switched over to playing traditional grip 3 months ago and I just tried to do what you were teaching about 120-150bpm on that 32nd and 16th beats together and I was shocked that I was able to do it at 150bpm with my new grip. I've watched most of your videos with different colored sets and I like the sound of your Green Sparkle set the best. I have the same set only it's a 1972 Slingerland Vintage White Pearl set. All drums are wide open, especially my 14x26 bass drum which is a 1956 drum.

[@bobweber4140]

Nice job great lesson thanks bro for your teaching

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You bet, Bob! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment!

[@BiRdStU]

Lad. Good work. Much appreciated.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, man! I'm glad you dug it! There will be plenty more coming along soon! Thanks for the kind comment!

[@stevegrantley4588]

Great video

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much again for the kind words, Steve! They're fuel for the fire to keep things going here!

[@do5e]

Awesome 👍

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I really appreciate it! Thanks so much!

[@DZNTZ]

Damn those drums sound in-credible! Dudes got the timpani AND the gong... the amber AND the green sparkle... the sticking AND the chops... Which is to say - he ain’t playin around when he kicks it like Bonham.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! I definitely do what I can. It's been a fun adventure collecting all this equipment, and your recognition makes it all worth it! They'll all be put to use soon enough!

[@hoopingbonhamexpress5386]

I like your collection of kit drums

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks, man. It's definitely been a lifelong dream (as it is for many) to find all of these kids, and I've been very fortunate to have been at the right time and place for a lot of these. I promise I'll keep posting as much as I can featuring all of them. I used to scour the internet for anything I could find of footage or audio of these kits, so I definitely want to make sure they're as accessible as possible!

[@hoopingbonhamexpress5386]

Thank you very much I appreciate it I love listening to your kind words about information of course that if I promise you I will also put Liked videos I love your band, your drums apart I admire you a lot because you imitate very Super John Bonham And you have a lot of talent with drum hkits music your blogs And some of your productivity I'm a big fan of yours

[@FootyEmpire]

This was great...more lessons!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks, man! I'm already working on the next one!

[@Braglemaster123]

Excellent

[@adrianjmanuel]

Loving the new camera angles Derek!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm glad to hear it, man! I haven't abandoned the Vistalite Overview, either. That will be coming along in the next few videos...Just for you!

[@adrianjmanuel]

Kick It Like Bonham Thank you, Derek! I know life’s been busy for you, with Zepagain and family life, so I totally understand. Thanks again for the Ludwig and 3 Ring Decal and the tips for drilling the bass drum cymbal holder and rail consolette! I just wish they had a longer l-arm mount for the tom holder lol!

[@tonydeluca8014]

Badass Derek, I luved it, ur kit is tuned perfectly, I hear wat ur sayin, yes Confusing as a Hell, hard being a Lefty🤕🤕🤕

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Aye! Do you play with a right hand set up? You could essentially start the single strokes with your left hand and then go to the rack tom first until you get comfortable with the movement, and then switch to the floor tom accent after you're comfortable with it. Or, if you play left handed, just reverse everything I say here :-D

[@thomasborger6548]

First time watching,, this gent is WELL accomplished.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thank you so much, Thomas! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and really appreciate the nice comment! All the best to you!

[@thomasborger6548]

@@KickItLikeBonham as a 50 year Bonham fan I've been waiting a long time to enjoy a contemporary drummer with similar chops.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

If you haven't already, check out Bonhamology here on KZbin! George is all kinds of next-level!

[@DrGray_Drummer]

I've been looking forward to a new vid from ya. Did you add more compression than usual? He's at 250 bpm +? The quater getting 1 beat? Insane! Bonham continued to improve throughout his career technique wise. Watching him young, and raw, (but still unreal) during the early days, must have blown away every drummer of the time. If they admitted it, or not

[@KadenScottAnthony]

these new camera angles!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I promise they'll be in all videos moving forward!

[@tarjabranca8511]

Very good !!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, Tarja!

[@kickstar1]

Love that you put links of Bonham not quite pulling it off and showing he is in fact human but if you could put a time stamp that would be awesome. Those vids are long!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Oh, man! I thought I did! I tried to make sure the links were shared starting at the appropriate time marker. Let me double check that...

[@kickstar1]

@@KickItLikeBonham Thanks!

[@buzzc5219]

Spot on.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much!

[@bmfdan5715]

Thank you !!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

The pleasure is all mine!

[@jacedaniel]

8:46 - You're playing sextuplets as alternating singles, so viewers should note that your right hand is *not* alternating with the right foot as described. The right foot and right hand are actually playing a 2:3 polyrhythm. Keeping the feet going as shown, another good exercise is to go from alternating sixteenths (which is what was described), to alternating sextuplets (which is what was played), to alternating thirty-seconds. Don't forget to play with the killer sticking of RLRRLL (paradiddle-diddle) for those sextuplets! Thanks for the vid.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

That's a "HELL YES" to all of this! Thanks so much for the breakdown, Jace! My technical literacy is non-existent!

[@jacedaniel]

​@@KickItLikeBonham Right on, dude. I've finally gotten around to doing a deep dive on Bonzo's vocabulary, and found your channel. You're a fantastic teacher and you sound killer! And btw, for those sixteenths, there's no reason to avoid the paraddiddle variations. (RLRR LRLL; RLLR LRRL; RRLR LLRL; flamadiddles, etc.) We all learn from each other in this world. Kick on!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

@@jacedaniel Yes, indeed! All the best to you, man! Again, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment and spell all that stuff out far more articulately and accurately than I could. I initially did the paradiddle version you mentioned before I really understood or could play the singles syncopated or accurately enough, and find the paradiddles to be so much more efficient in executing this idea. I appreciate getting through singles when I do play this in a live setting because of how taxing they are, but I vote paradiddles for the win! I'll have to mess around with the flamadiddles!

[@jacedaniel]

Paradiddles win for sure! That one simple rudiment features endless options. An under-explored rabbithole right there.

[@Kylorris]

Happy to see that John Snow picked up a hobby in the Night's Watch

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! Upon our travels beyond the white wall, I discovered this remote garage with all these drums! I still know nothing, but at least I have something to focus on learning now...

[@rikunevalainen8154]

Sir, you are good ! "Something like that" ..actually that was a lot! Greetings from Finland !

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! Thanks so much, Riku! It's a pleasure to be reaching you all the way over in Finland! I spent a few days in Helsinki back in 2001 and loved it!

[@gonzalomartinob]

Amaizing !!!!!!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, Gonzalo!

[@JordanFavazzaView]

Rock on my dude! 🤟🤟🤟

[@KickItLikeBonham]

And the same to you, brethren!

[@brianb4285]

Hi there, fantastic job. I just stumbled onto your video. Excellent job and thank you for putting this painstaking effort together for us to enjoy. One correction if I may contribute. The notes you are playing on the snare drum are 16th note triplets, over eighth notes on the hi hat from your left foot. 3 sixteenth notes for every 1 eigth note. You are playing the 16th note triplets very well, clean and quick, with nice accents in relation to the taps (unaccented notes). Please keep up the great work!! You are an incredible reference for all things Bonham.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You're totally right, and it's long overdue that I at least correct that in the description. That's my lack of formal education rearing it's embarrassing head, but strong incentive to further develop my overall knowledge of the drums so I'm not foolishly misstating something I otherwise spent a decent amount of time on. :-) I really appreciate the comment, Brian, and as I look to start making more of these videos in the near future, it's encouraging to know there are dudes like you out there that appreciate the general sentiment of what we're all trying to do - celebrate how incredible Bonham's contributions to the world of drumming were. That guy absorbed all these amazing influences and then exploded like a nuclear furnace into a totally unique spectrum of the drums nobody had ever quite heard before. It is soooo much fun trying to explore all of that...

[@brianb4285]

@@KickItLikeBonham Thanks for the reply. No need to be embarrassed about anything. Keep up the great work. And thank you for the help. I learned some sticking patterns from you that I just haven't thought of. Take care

[@Braglemaster123]

Great 👍

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Right on! Thanks so much, Richard! I really appreciate the kind comment.

[@henryharmon3656]

Derek, have you heard the recording from the Boston Tea Party on 1/26/69? Those snare rolls are close to Buddy Rich tempos. (Not to mention that I think he might have double bass drums on that show.)

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Freaking amazing, right?!?! And talk about timing - you mentioned this performance a couple days ago, and then yesterday, Led Zeppelin Boots a nice upgrade to that specific show! I'm listening to it again right now!

[@manonbassguitar]

Pure cool.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm glad you think so! Thanks so much for the kind comment!

[@Kman1960]

Good ole Ludwig Squeak King 😎. New model pedal seems to have cured the Squeak.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

This is true! The new ones are squeak free. The ultimate model will be the version where you can turn the squeak on and off on command 😜

[@patrickfeil2687]

1 this is flipping amazing dude! 2 what’s your opinion on Michael Miley and the band Rival Sons

[@Jay902017]

Even a Speed King Pedel Wow Drums Sound Amazing Steller Playing

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, man! I've definitely grown to love the Speed King, and it really helps with all things Bonham-related since you get a little extra drag/resistance from the pedal. I can't imagine using anything else at this point!

[@TheBonhamesque]

Just listening to the garden tapes and he busts this one out , sounds to be faster than Iv heard him play it before too.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Aye! He was smoking on all three nights of that solo! 72-73 was when he lit this part on fire every time!

[@xblood1978]

That is fucking amazing

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, Mastermind! I really appreciate it!

[@tico117]

I think they're 16th note triplets on top of 16th notes between the kick and hi-hat, not 32nd notes. Correct me if I'm wrong, though.

[@pacoperk]

Same query here

[@cbenson67]

Agreed. I’m not hearing or seeing the 32nd notes on the hands. Thanks so much, was looking for validation.

[@andysutor3138]

Definitely 16th note triplets on the hands, not 32nds.

[@Withcare111]

i dont get the hands against the feet.Are the hands playing 16th not triplets and the feet are playing 8th notes?

[@jameshersheysr7194]

I noticed that your using the Rogers Supreme hi hat stand rather than the swan leg stand,do you prefer the Supreme?Is it smoother than the Swan leg type?I'm looking into getting a Supreme myself ....any input

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I have both, and do prefer the supreme. It's just a bit more stable and robust while offering the same great response that the swan leg utilizes. I think you'd be very happy with it!

[@brianchisnell1548]

The supreme is supreme

[@timchurchill6975]

This is the one 7.40 hi hat bass drum etc I knew I'd find it ,

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Aye! Gotcha! I'm glad you were able to find it. For the life of me, I couldn't think of which video you mentioned...

[@timchurchill6975]

My friend your a great teacher, and a humble man with it , glad i came across your videos ,40 years ago i travelled into london went to camden dingwalls market and bought this bootleg video tape , i think ive still got it somewhere, it was the biggest pile of rubbish id ever bought , it sounded like someone had recorded the live led zeppelin knebworth concert from 20 miles away , and you could just about see who was who on stage , how you tube has changed everthing, keep going, you are doing a great job and your band, in keeping led zeppelins name out there all the best ,

[@seanoreilly1734]

Can you give the sticking pattern please

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Man, I'm hoping somebody with a bit more expertise can lay that out there for you. You're essentially going RLRLRLRLRLRLRLRL with both your hands and your feet, just at different speeds (hands doing 16th notes with a triplet feel, and feet are doing 8th notes between RLRLRLRL.

[@bobc.5698]

Did your wrist get sore at first when playing in the Bonham French grip style? I notice you and George Fludas kind of throw your index finger with the hit. Especially with the left hand.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ya know, I haven't had that issue yet, but as my body continues to break down more and more (I've gotta have back surgery soon :-/) I'm guessing that may be something I notice rear it's ugly head. I've gotten used to it at this point, so it's not something I'm too conscious of in regards to technique. However, I would say that I find I catch the rebound with my middle finger on either hand, so the index finger only gets involved if I need a little extra force on a hit.

[@102869mr]

Awesome…but are they 32nd note or 16th note triplets?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Aye! 16th note triplets, indeed! Me saying they're 32nd notes is my last of any musical education showing through - and I actually tried to do some research and call those correctly, but with that triplet feel, I was all off in calling them 32nd notes. 😔

[@lorisf3882]

Great Vid thanks man! I’ve heard that Bonham started his16th on the feet with the left foot i.e left foot and right hand on ‘1’ and then alternating. I see you start on the right foot with right hand - what do you think 🤔 - interested in your comments Many thanks

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Hey Loris! Yeah, Bonham definitely locked up his right hand with his left foot like you're describing. I'm pretty sure that's what I did here, as well. In the demo at the beginning, you can see that I start my left foot on the hi-hat at the same time I accent with the right hand, and then once I get going with the 16th notes between the kick and hi-hat, it's with the right foot and right hand alternating. There are a few times I hit the kick and the snare with the right at the same time at the beginning, but those are just to act as a teaser until you really get into the heart of the part. Bonham would do that in the beginning, too, although I realize I didn't touch too much on how to start the part out on the kick...

[@lorisf3882]

Thanks for the explanation Derek - looking forward to your next vid ! Cheers from Sydney

[@emilsunter3596]

Kick It Like Bonham I read an interview years ago with Tommy Aldridge, and he said, “... when he was young and starting out Bonham and him talked about their craft, and he told him that he starts many of his fills with his left foot...” and Tommy Aldridge applied the ‘lesson’ to his double bass patterns. Kind of an interesting side note to your discussion. But with that being said-I love your videos. Your a Beast on the drums! Thank you for taking the time to help us all.

[@Boofy-mg7eh]

Hi..any chance you can put up a demo of the ending of rock n roll..I've been playing it for 10 years ..still doesn't sound right🤣

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You bet! Are you looking for the studio version or some variation of a live version?

[@Boofy-mg7eh]

@@KickItLikeBonham studio version would be great ..😃

[@jamesburns8093]

wow

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha! I really appreciate it, James! Thanks!

[@DenverClark]

It would be nice to hear your counting better in those parts. Thanks again!

[@Alex-ln9dn]

are they vintage giant beats or re-issue? They've been played so much i can't even tell haha

[@KickItLikeBonham]

They are reissues, but because I sweat all over those at shows, I've added a nice patina that makes them look vintage! There's nothing like real vintage Giant Beats, but I am quite happy with all of the reissues given the price difference.

[@Alex-ln9dn]

@@KickItLikeBonham oh for sure, and to be honest, I think they've had a bit of bonham inflation (the vintage ones that is). I actually think these sound pretty close

[@U2WB]

I’m a Bonham fan so don’t get me wrong, but I’ve never heard him play anything that fast. He was powerful yes, but I never thought of him as having especially quick hands.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Oh, man! His hands could fly! If you haven't already, check out the example I have in the description of this part from May 25, 1975. You can see how smooth and fast he is with playing this part. If you listen to How The West Was Won, he's going even faster. There's also a part at end of that Moby Dick where he's doing single strokes even faster WHILE doing doubles on his kick drum (this part here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6C8iZRtd66cm5Y) If for some reason that didn't punch in at the right time stamp, it's right at the 13:23 mark. He is flying! He does that during the hand solo in the aforementioned May 25, 1975 solo. That boy had some lightning quick hands!

[@BONHAMOLOGY]

You need to seek out live bootleg versions. He had extremely fast hands, and you can hear him play ridiculously quick singles in this pattern many times on Moby Dick , especially in 70-73. Raleigh NC 70 comes to mind. Also Orlando 71. He plays a passage that is blazing quick between snare and toms on the Boston Jan 69 version of Pat's Delight. Listen to the boots, they don't lie. 😉

[@henry5617]

the Achilles Last Stand fill!

[@ringaskye4455]

cooool

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thank you so much, Ringa! I'm glad you dug it, and I appreciate the kind comment!

[@sbirrito]

are the hands and the feet playing the same note value - or are the feet half the speed of the hands?another guys tutorial says the hands and feet ARE playing the same note value. Both of your videos are confusing me

[@KickItLikeBonham]

The feet are going half the speed as the hands. You're playing 8th notes alternating between your kick and hi hat (I foolishly called them 16th notes in the video). Your hands are doing 16th notes in a triplet feel. So, I think to answer your question - your feet aren't playing the same note values.

[@sbirrito]

@@KickItLikeBonham ok.Both you video and the other guys make sense and sound correct but hes playing the hands and feet as the same note value.This is where I'm confused.For every right hand he plays ,he plays a foot hi hat and for every left hand he plays,he plays a bass drum.have a look from 4mins 20 to 5 mins.spo you are both playing it different?Im just trying to get it clear in my head.kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3ubh5Sued11htE

[@KickItLikeBonham]

@@sbirrito Gotcha! I understand what you're asking now. So, the part that Terry is talking about there is actually slightly different. He's doing eighth notes between his feet AND his hands, so that each hit on the hand corresponds with something on the feet. However, the part in this video has the hands working at twice the speed of your feet. You'll be doing eighth notes with your feet, but 16th notes with your hands (instead of eighth notes like in the other video). So every other hit with your hands will correspond with a hit with your feet, but I think if you think about that part of it too much, it'll foul you up. Instead, with your hands doing the triplet feel in 16th notes, just feel comfortable making sure your right foot /kick foot is always alternating with your right hand. I hope that helps a little. Overall, the biggest difference (and why it's probably confusing) is because they're two different parts. There are similarities, but treat them as two different parts.

[@sbirrito]

@@KickItLikeBonham Got it! I thought they were them same part.I find you video easier to play all left hands with right foots like in Terrys video is messing me up.Ill keep working on both.

[@dazgoodwin205]

👍👍👍👍

[@Prisha-so6rm]

I dont believe it! A new video? But you were gone for ages?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I've raised my child to the age of three, and now it's her turn to go out and fend for herself in the wild so I can get back in the garage and make more videos!!!

[@Ashwood2006]

I doubt you even look at the comments on this video after 4 years haha , but i'm just having trouble bringing my kick into it

[@ronm2296]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Always great hearing from you, my friend!

[@user-zi7ft9kk8y]

👍

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment!

[@mateomaderas5504]

Surely those are 16th notes at 150 bpm?

[@bonzoligist6330]

Im still waiting for a foot technique for the doubles lesson...slipping up Derek!i dont know geeees!!!😉

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I've already made an outline for that lesson. I just need to make sure I can actually execute all the things I want to cover when I record that. That's certainly one technique that is much easier said than done!

[@bonzoligist6330]

@@KickItLikeBonham yeh I know man tell me about it, all jokes aside you do a good job along with George and Terry, undoubtedly well appreciated among us Bonham deciples.

[@matebibilashvili5053]

Can you make foot and hand separate lesson,tips pls

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Is there a particular element you'd like me to focus on? Like, something from this part? Or, a particular part from another song involving the separation of hands and feet?

[@matebibilashvili5053]

@@KickItLikeBonham i mean in general foot and hand (hi-hat and bass drum) separate

[@matebibilashvili5053]

@@KickItLikeBonham for example i cant play 8th note hi-hat with bass drum i cant make together

[@andrewcruz7595]

*KIT HARRINGTON PLAYS DRUMS NOW HAHA .. bloody nice*

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha, ha! When I wandered back out beyond the wall, I ended up in this garage to record drum videos in my exile...

[@brianferrero9544]

Great video. Sounds awesome... and inspirational. FYI, you called the snare part 32nd notes. those are not 32nd notes.... they are triplets. If we considered the hi hat was playing quarter notes, then you would be playing 8th note triplets on the snare.... if we considered the hi hat part to be paying 8th notes then the snare part would be sextuplets (also called 16th note triplets)... either way, those are triplets... which are not the same as 32nd notes. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter, and you sound great, but for anyone that wants to know basic subdivisions, there you go.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You're totally right, Bran! I'm ashamed at my lack of technical prowess, and really appreciate you taking the time to clarify what going on. I'm going to amend the video with notation as soon as possible. I also definitely appreciate the kind words and how encouraging your comment was, despite the gaff on my end! Cheers, my friend!

[@brianferrero9544]

Your drumming sounds great... and your over all explanation, breaking it down, and connecting with the audience is great. Nice work. I’m just making a technical comment, which any couch potato critic could do! Glad you were open to the info though. I did a lot of “technical” studying back in my day.... probably too much! I like what you are doing... I feel it!

[@teeoh9192]

So, basically...Bonham was playing REALLY smooth alternate sticking, single stroke, triplet patterns REALLY fast, with various accents?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I couldn't have put it more perfectly!

[@teeoh9192]

@@KickItLikeBonham Thanks for the clarification!

[@GolddenWaffles]

The thumbnail looks like a blue sparkle, like he used in 1968-69!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

When I adjusted the levels in Photoshop, it definitely made those drums look blue - you're right! They are the green sparkle kit, but I have to admit to liking the hue they are in that photo!

[@Braglemaster123]

I met Bonham in 1970