John Henry Bonham 25th September 2020 40 Years Gone

Compiled by John Bonham Memorial Friends. This film tells the story of John's early life in his hometown of Redditch, England, and on the Birmingham music scene pre-Led Zeppelin. Includes exclusively recorded clips from Bev Bevan, Carmine Appice and others.

[@brianscott6574]

HANDS DOWN JOHN HENRY BONHAM THE GREATEST DRUMMER OF ALL TIME

[@nathanaldridge6699]

In my opinion he will always be the best rock drummer to ever walk this earth. No one could touch him then or now.

[@kikiu2619]

I wish all docunentaries were like this. Direct and to the point. No fancy nonsense. Thank you.

[@producermichael5108]

Beautiful tribute..we all miss John dearly..Thank you

[@dookiehowser1162]

Well done, what an awesome tribute....sorely missed, Bonzo..best ever

[@johnaugustine786]

there will never be another. R.I.P. john henry bonham

[@danielreily2701]

I play drums, first band in 1964 ? ( I think) now I am 66. In 1972 I saw Led Zeppelin in Melbourne. He played a short fill just as a quick sound check ,it was about ten seconds ,my jaw dropped, I could not believe the power and tone ,as well as his ability to play triplets and make them sound like thunder ! He was a game changer particularly when it comes to mikeing an acoustic kit and making it sound natural through huge P A's . Like Eddy Van Halen ,Jimmy Hendricks and a few others ,they not only made their mark on music, they were responsible for it's evolution. He will never be forgotten ,great tribute.

[@jackhammer7824]

All well said and knowledgeable for readers of a great drummer. 6 triple shots of 100 proof vodka might have Killed you ,but they can never bury your Music and memory . RIP John , Wildman John

[@buick4622]

Great tribute to the greatest drummer

[@davidcross701]

Rest in Peace, the greatest drummer, John Bonham

[@travisbickleish]

John Henry Bonham. The hammer of the gods

[@painparty7937]

I played the drums for 30 years in various rock bands, tried to sound like Bonham...never came close.

[@datruth9872]

I disected every move he made. And as a youth I became a drummer. I was a working drummer for 45yrs. I owe him a thanks for doing it.

[@WayneW]

Too sad... as a drummer and fan there is such a sense of loss every time I think about John Bonham. One of a kind, never another like him. I am thankful for the inspiration he still brings.

[@mattsmith8901]

Only 32 years old. Devastating.

[@42hgkjr]

greatest bloody drummer i've ever heard no one else comes close.

[@42hgkjr]

Philip Gannello lmao you poor KID if you had ears you would know better. it's to bad that you don't, your missing out. either that you like pots and pans.

[@luvbasses5487]

This is like an audio book full of personal accounts, of which I find very endearing.

[@scottlong4075]

John Henry Bonham. The swagger, the power, he’s personality you can hear in the songs he played to. He has left us an amazing legacy. He made his instrument breathe with a swing that will never be rivaled.

[@kevingardiner3811]

I was Johns paper boy when he lived at Butterfield court Dudley. The photo of him in the hot rod was taken at my friends petrol station in Wolverhampton st. He was a lovely guy and always had time to chat. I moved to Wales in the 80's and came back to Worcester a few years ago. We bought a house and was told some weeks later it was once owned by his Son Jason. I believe his Father died whilst working on the extension. So a very small World, I remember Pat bringing Jason to play on the playground at the rear of my house.

[@clivehorridge]

What a fantastic tribute, real people… bless you John… RIP

[@frankschonig2817]

Than you for this memorial documentary!

[@jamesbond4633]

I got to meet Jason Bonham a few years ago. Very nice chap. John would have been proud of how he turned out as a person and as a drummer. I saw Led Zeppelin in 1977 at Pontiac Stadium and it was fantastic. The energy coming off the stage was unreal. So thank you to your small/big town now for raising such an influential musician!!!!

[@micheleberara2842]

I had the privilege of seeing Jason Bonham play with the "Led Zeppelin Experience " Jason spoke of his late father and he played "Moby Dick " a screen was brought down of John Bonham playing one of the most iconic drum solos of all time, Moby Dick. Jason Bonham played along side his legendary father. There was no doubt that this was John Bonham's son!!! So many similarities in his movement, style and power. I can still see the little blonde boy playing the drums with his legendary father at his side playing the bongos. Jason was chewing gum and twirling his drum sticks as if he had been born with them in his hands. This footage can be seen on the DVD The Song Remains The Same. I remember being so touched watching Jason Bonham play "Moby Dick " along side his father on the huge screen and I became very emotional, I had tears in my eyes. When Jason stood up to take his bow from the audience, who were all on their feet, Jason was emotional himself. He thanked the audience with a shaking voice, wiped a tear from his eyes and said "I love you Dad " If you ever have the chance to see "The Led Zeppelin Experience, I highly recommend you go. If you have any doubt, I know I did. Think of this. There is no way that Jason Bonham would play with a band covering the greatest rock band in history and risk his legendary father's reputation as well as the reputation of Led Zeppelin, which was like family to him if they weren't good enough.

[@itsabeautifulthing2419]

Thank you so much for putting this together. I've loved Led Zeppelin for so many years and to know more about Bonzo is amazing. 🙏💕

[@mikeduquesne2991]

Bonzo nobody else

[@WampaOne]

God Bless John Henry Bonham.

[@angusmccloud1565]

Legend - we can’t forget people like Bonzo

[@terrydonegan1622]

Thanks Linda, hope I've got that right. No one like him. Xxx God bless you

[@sidawad]

Its Ros Sidaway

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Well done. Very nice. I had the pleasure of seeing Led Zeppelin perform here in the midwestern US on their 1977 tour. These were my heroes. This starstruck 17-yearold loved the entire performance. Fast forward to 2020 and I play guitar, keys and sing lead vocals in a cover band. We are honored to perform a few LZ songs including 'Good Times/Bad Times' and 'Stairway'. Guests LOVE the Zep! Fortunately... we have a drummer who plays a mean John Bonham. Our drummer is my son ... he happens to be one of the very few drummers I know that can truly do Bonzo riffs justice. About a year ago I took my son to see Jason Bonham's LZ tribute ... they opened for Peter Frampton. What a tribute to his dad. Jason & band were phenomenal. Time with my son ... priceless. Thank you again for this wonderful video.

[@bonzolo2358]

I’d love to see some videos of yous play at gigs, maybe you could get someone to record them for you? That would be amazing

[@davechae5890]

@@bonzolo2358 000

[@thomasmontalto7574]

Absolutely great tribute to the greatest drummer. Thanks John for all that great drumming and great memories. Nobody did it better!!!!!👍👍👍

[@AngelOfDeath420]

best drummer ever! Wish he was still alive!

[@George-ok6zt]

My favorite drummer for sure

[@grahammartin1461]

Thank you for putting together a really nice tribute. John Bonham still is, and always will be, a great influence on my playing.

[@johnbonhamacelebration8859]

Thanks Graham. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@pablocruise678]

Mine too... and some others

[@zombywoof1015]

You're welcome. Piecing this together was a most enjoyable labour or love. Cheers mate.

[@RicOshayed1]

M

[@somenoonsomenoon8874]

Beautiful documentary An influential master of the craft

[@jimmyb4728]

Thank you very very much for doing this celebration of John Henry Bonham. When I was a teenager back in the 70's and 80's I listened to LED ZEPPELIN every day. I'm 56 now and I still listen to them every day. LED ZEPPELIN THE GOAT!!! 😎✌🥁

[@marksager4322]

excellent tribute to the greatest rock drummer that ever was..thanks so much

[@stevepringle2295]

Thank you for doing this tribute to John Bonham.

[@markpalmer932]

I live half an hour away from Redditch. But, John was so good, I still feel pride to know I’m a midlander like him!

[@marciashiraishi5891]

Thank you! The musical legacy of John Henry Bonham will never be forgotten 🎶🥁🎵💙

[@isopropyltoxicity]

R.I.P my hero John henry Bonham

[@micheleberara2842]

There are many, many great drummers in the music industry. You can hear the influence of other famous and very talented drummers in the music we listen to today. There are none as talented and innovative as the late,great John Bonham!!! He was a rare talent that was so very unique. He used his hands, feet and his passion to become the most famous and recognized drummer of all time. He will be remembered forever, just as the greatest band in Rock history. Led Zeppelin. Wonderful tribute. Thank you so much for sharing your extraordinary talent with the world!!! Rest in peace Bono.

[@vicesquadpunk]

Wonderful..... truly ... I am a guitarist and had connections to the Led Zeppelin organisation, a highlight having met and drank Champagne with Jimmy. It must never be underestimated the importance of a good drummer in any band. The legacy that John left is insurmountable, a most inspirational musician ❤️

[@fredybarra8318]

Yes he did kick-ass and a.hard drinking bloke too

[@toddsherman3596]

Yeah sure you have connections

[@kevinkiso4579]

​@@toddsherman3596Haha

[@bishlap]

we can't say that we didn't hear the best of John Bonham - we certainly did. Thank you, Jimmy, JPJ and Robert Plant.

[@sandramorrison4811]

This is THE BEST DOCU, I ever seen ! Thank you!!!

[@Thorum13]

Very touching...moving video. Thank you so much!! We owe so much to your boy!!

[@markr.devereux3385]

Those Bonham triplets across the toms still sound as good as they did then.

[@drumdiscussion7776]

Much respect and honor to the John Bonham family. His influence on the Music Industry and the drumming community is everlasting. Thanks for the tribute!

[@rocker2462]

Thank you for such a beautiful and informative tribute to my hero, my idol, my mentor and the greatest drummer of all time.

[@djquinn11]

My first concert was Zeppelin in 1977. John Bonham was a force of nature on drums, just incredible. RIP

[@richardfinney3179]

Carmine is still a great teacher I love his chops I first herd his double base and started to copy it then I met Carmine in 1975 and my sister went with me to the session well they liked each other and off they went I saw him a few more times through the years, in 67 i herd Ginger Baker I loved cream so I played there music in bands but they broke up and formed blind faith I met Stevie Winwood in 66 loved his keyboard and singing he was with the Spencer Davis group the next guy I got lessons from was Billy Cobham I loved his playing he was a big influence on my playing I love the drums and music in general God bless John Bonham he was a great drummer and I really liked there music lots of good times listening to there stuff RIP JOHN

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

Very nice, beautifully done. 40 years, my goodness, I remember the awful day. Cheers for this. Long. Live. the. King.

[@coolhatadventures8111]

Thank you for this wonderful and rich history of an amazing inspirational musician !!

[@BunyanaRed1958]

Great video tribute to a great man. Thank you for posting it. John was the best drummer ever to grace a stage and a recording studio.

[@JMK65]

Thank you for this wonderful documentary! I really have missed him...

[@sagiriizumi8079]

John Bonham: "He hit hard"

[@kevinbutters5964]

Knebworth. JH Bonham. Unforgettable. x

[@usmcfutball]

Whether you're me or you or John Bonham or Neil Peart...we ALL have that picture of ourselves sitting behind a four piece kit with two cymbals on vertical stands and an inexpensive hi-hat. We all begin that way...but legends like Bonzo are able to change the world from that starting point. He was an inspiration to me. I played a club in Syracuse, NY USA called the Grape N' Grog that night in September, 1980 when John Henry Bonham died. I went through the motions doing my damnedest on 'Communication Breakdown'...although I knew in my heart that the Man who could play it the best was gone forever.

[@DualityofManLimited]

Absolutely brilliant documentary!

[@robsgarage4746]

one of the best. his playing was sexy as hell especially with his hand playing the drums. incredible stuff and tribal rhythms.

[@kevo8013]

Really enjoyed you're documentary on John thanks for putting it out

[@nicktasker7689]

Great video celebrating one of the greatest drummers of all time , very informative and interesting early years . Thanks

[@bumsharvest5493]

That was really well done. Thank You. We here in the metro Detroit area love John Bonham and what he gave us.

[@theodorecomps5035]

Hey that's where I grew up too.

[@Zepmansam]

Such interesting and wonderful insight into John's upbringing and early evolution as a drummer. Ros and company, thank you so much for putting this together. Miss him every day.

[@jackhammer7824]

Love that memorial , a lasting tribute to a real powerhouse , pounder! Your wild unrestrained lifestyle gave the rock world a beast , to hundreds Of young people a great experience and influence. Your son has also stepped up To show the world your amazing skills. RIP 6 triple shots of 100 proof vodka Took you down , but never buried you.

[@overdriven56]

Nice tribute! Thank you.

[@steliosposeidon6871]

Great tribute and interesting to hear about his early days. On the anniversary, I marched into my local and put five LZ songs on the juke box.

[@barbararobbins441]

Thank you,

[@charlescrisp2814]

Bev Bevan is also a great rock drummer

[@billmaglis6207]

Yes Charles i do agree Bev is a fabulous drummer as well and what a lovely guy and gentleman too. Loved his contribution to this tribute. Led Zep and John will be remembered enjoyed and loved through the ages👍

[@craig45duncan]

@Biff Malibu I remember seeing Bev when he played in Black Sabbath.

[@theodorecomps5035]

He started playing with The Move I believe. Then he later became the drummer for E.L.O.

[@TessArchiveClearance]

What a lovely video, a worthy tribute to a wonderful artist.

[@martinherts1967]

This is an absolutely beautiful Tribute, Thanks so much for putting this together!

[@chriswright8464]

Great MUSICIAN!! Thank you for your story.

[@martinmullen71]

A great memorial, where have all them years gone, it’s quite frightening, after watching this it would only be right now to treat the neighbours to some of Bonham’s great drumming !!

[@lancemuuss9852]

God bless Mr Bonham thanks for the great drumming. You made and Zeppelin made my youth

[@dorrianstone7264]

Happy Birthday, Bonzo!

[@talldude5841]

Great show. From the other side of the pond.

[@c.thompson6638]

Great tribute production. The personal stories and accounts bring John Bonham to life for those of us who did not know the man. Redditch is now on my bucket list.

[@joseantoniocespedes8599]

John Bonham and Ian Paice are two of my favorites drums players of all...bye my dudes.

[@paulwong3359]

The Music World misses you 'John Bonham' , your Drumming still rings in my Ears! RIP!

[@thefeet]

Thank you. I almost clicked away after a few minutes... but I stayed for the duration and SO GLAD I DID! ... John was an amazing "power-house" as the drummer in my band once said. (who had been influenced by John) Even though I am a guitarist, since then I have always listened to Led Zepplin in a different way... my ears always draw me to the drum track on every Zepplin song to admire the talent and unique style he brought to the band and the world of rock. Great video. Again...Thank you for this very interesting video. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@martinjohnson9316]

If i was in that car hurtling around the bend to see a momentarily stationary hot rod in the fast lane in front of me, i would have been as mad as hell....until i found out it was John Bonham. Then i would have laughed at the audacity. Thank you for this excellent back story.

[@Gratefulman1965]

As a fifteen year old kid in 1980 I remember well the death announcement of not only John Bonham but also earlier in the year for Bon Scott and later that year in December when John Lennon was shot to death. An absolutely heart wrenching year in music. ⚡️Legends never die⚡️

[@jasonstclair1329]

Very informative and made with great respect. Long live Jason and his tours

[@sandramorrison4811]

That statue is incredible!!! Or memorable thingy, watever!!!

[@adriancummings558]

This is very cool awesome job, thanks for the upload !!!!

[@zachschoenberg4474]

Greatest musician ever!!!

[@YouriLigotmi]

Thank you for the video! John's playing had such a huge impact on me, he is one of my main influences and he will remain in my top 3 for ever. I also learned a lot by listening to the drummers who influenced him like Bernard Purdie, Earl Palmer, Charles Connor, Alfonse Mouzon, Elvin Jones, Roger Hawkins, Al Jackson Jr etc... His playing touched me deeply and opened my ears to a whole new world of drumming. To me, he was an educated musician in the sense that his drumming had deep roots leading all the way to the originators of the instrument, in New Orleans and he was standing on the shoulders of the giants that were before him. He is a milestone, there is a before John Bonham and an after. I really should go to Redditch some day to pay my tribute to John.

[@rikjensen573]

Thank you Gerald...great insight and detail. I got to hear Buddy Rich, once...I'm that old. Not to mention Art Blakey, Tony Williams and Max Roach...life is good.

[@danmaltby3271]

Thank you so much for this documentary, its pure gold for and ol Zep head like Myself, by his pals,

[@richardhuffman58]

John Bonham was a true legend!!!

[@kevinkiso4579]

Had to begin it with Bonham shaking his head at Jonesy for the allegedly bunk note! That was a big deal when Song Remains came out. Lovely film, thank you.

[@stephenord3403]

I'm 65 and not well. JHB was my hero and influence. Love 💘 you the Master, bringing my Ludwigs with me

[@dianedell6157]

Beautiful tribute to John Bonham. I was fortunate to see LED Zeppelin in 1971 in San Antonio .

[@StratsRUs]

Superb.Thank you.

[@user-xe6gx6wh4g]

John Bonham is by far the biggest influence in my drumming. Thanks to the older kids, cousins etc his playing seemed to be everywhere when I was a kid in the seventies. Zeppelins music also provided a lot of imagery for me. Playing the drums is what gives me joy and I wish to thank Mr. Bonham for his great influence and inspiration. His style of drumming put a spark in me which lasts to this day. And he was also a pretty cool dude :).

[@timbrady6473]

Well done, thanks.

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one, he was an amazing drummer..

[@caz4777]

Great tribute to John Bonham. Ray Columbus and The Invaders, who recorded "She's a Mod", took the acetate back to New Zealand with them, and made their cover recording at the Herne Bay, Auckland studios of Eldred Stebbing. The film clip showing them with Roy Orbison, is when he (Roy Orbison) came to Australia, and hosted the Melbourne show "Big Beat" on the 29th of January, 1965. Ray Columbus did go to America, but didn't have the success there he hoped for.

[@nebaldeby5369]

Just found this most excellent tribute. Well done. Must listen to Bonzo’s playing in When the Levee Breaks after this.

[@aggierowe9574]

Wow! This is so cool. Thank u for making this available to new fans of Bonzo

[@benbodman2213]

This was very interesting, thank you

[@karl.wayne.tollefsen9060]

I remember the first time I heard MOBY DICK, live. I couldn't believe at the speed & intensity of his solo. One of the best if not Best rock drummers of all time. You have been and always will be missed. R.I.P. BONZO..

[@helenaopal]

Thank you for this! It's amazing.

[@dant3964]

Thank you for this. I was born in 78 and didn’t hear too much of Led Zeppelin growing up. I started learning guitar and playing music by Oasis, Dire Straits, The Bluetones, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Green Day, Blink 182 etc. Then I discovered Foo Fighters and fell in love with Dave Grohl / Taylor Hawkins drumming. I started to learn drums and have been playing now for around 12 years. As I delved deeper into Dave Grohl’s drumming style and autobiography I learnt of his influences, (especially a man called John Bonham)! I started listing to Led Zeppeliln and seeking any videos of him playing live! I was amazed. Such a powerhouse behind that huge bass drum! Driving the groove of the song and looking and sounding like a Rock Drumming God! His playing has since influenced me and every time I sit at a kit, I always find myself drawn to the Immigrant Song groove, Bonham triplets, the opening of Rock and Roll and, (if I’m feeling ambitious) the crazy outro complete with herta’s! Thank you John Bonham. You left this world far too soon but your legacy has forever changed and inspire the world of rock and roll. 🤘❤️🥁

[@jamesbush6616]

Great work. A fitting tribute for a great drummer. I really liked hearing about him from this grassroots perspective - it really brought it on home ; )

[@THEATREofPAIN270]

What an amazing tribute. So cool to see some of his old mates. "BONZO FOREVER". If my wings should fail me lord, Please meet me with another pair.........

[@bamjimba]

ACE ......!!!