Led Zeppelin - Ramble On (w/ Music) - Drum Cover

"Ramble On" off of Led Zeppelin II - Another brilliant demonstration of dynamics, groove, and catchy accessibility that permeated Led Zeppelin II, Led Zeppelin melt a lot of faces and blow a lot of minds with this song.
John Bonham's approach to this song was unique in playing some sort of percussive element throughout the verses instead of opting for a more traditional beat. It's a relatively easy song to learn note for note, especially given that the isolated drums of Bonham's actual performance are available (here: • Led Zeppelin - Ramble ... ). Still, it instills a great sense of timing, dynamics, groove, enough technique to give a beginner - intermediate drummer a bit of a coordination challenge (because of the ghost notes / texture), and a song every drummer should have in their arsenal because it's a fan favorite to hear at any show.

[@ScienceTime]

this channel should have 14 Million subs....

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! I would love to produce enough videos to earn that many subscribers. Your comment certainly is all the incentive I need to keep it going though. I really appreciate it, man. Thanks!

[@slayer99199]

This is probably the best drum cover of "Ramble On" I've heard on KZbin.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

That's a very nice thing of you to say, my friend! Thank you so much! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond to you, but it it doesn't mean your comment didn't mean the world to me! I promise I'll keep giving these videos as much effort as I'm capable of!

[@kimholland9316]

Excellent cover. I am always amazed at how Bonham came up with this

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Right?!?! His composition skills are just so creative and able to tap into the most primitive parts of your soul (in the most transcendent way possible). I really appreciate the kind comment, Kim! Thank you so much!

[@Bollymurkoce7]

Love this keep Led Zeppelin alive John’s drumming on this you can just feel the groove excellent cover sounds like the recording ! Beautiful drum kit too!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I really appreciate it! I promise I'll keep giving these videos my best effort! Ramble On really is a great foundation to build off for learning dynamics and making that chorus drive, but still groove. All the best to you!

[@dangernoodle8102]

This is so great, I have also always loved JPJ's bass part on this song

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Man! I absolutely love listening to the drums and bass version of this; Sooooo good!

[@Justme77400]

Yes!! Absolutely!!

[@markherendeen3828]

Bonham's feel is so hard to imitate and this is about as close as I've ever seen! Very well done!

[@patrickjenkins2788]

You sir are amazing thank you for the videos!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I truly appreciate it, Patrick! Comments like yours make these endeavors worth it! I promise I'll keep giving them everything I have!

[@michaelkonopka9607]

Pretty Sick❤

[@Juno_Beach]

now this is a JAM

[@kevinfrazee7690]

You are amazing and so inspiring. Your attention to detail is incredible. I never realized that part was played on the rim of the tom. Thank you so much!!!

[@yettiman2817]

Dude. ... that was fucking awesome.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm thrilled you dig it, man! Thank you so much!

[@waynesmith537]

Totally awesome I’ve been following all your videos on led zeppelin and you have inspired me to learn to play the drums you are very talented my journey starts now.

[@tommybell1786]

Your videos are great!!!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, Tommy! I'm happy you dig them. I'm hoping to have more coming soon!

[@wildbumbylee6731]

That totally F**min Rock Me! BRAVO! Excellent job as usual.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, Daniel! I'm glad you dig it! It was definitely nice to get something new up!

[@stiixbeatman]

Outstanding. One of my all time favs to play.....👍💪

[@reflectionsoftheday3894]

Hi! This has been added to my new playlist Drummers Worldwide. Merry Christmas!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

That's awesome! I'm thrilled to read it! A most Merry Christmas to you, as well!

[@reflectionsoftheday3894]

@@KickItLikeBonham Thanks! My cat's getting neglected, lol, but I haven't worked on my channel for a few weeks. Thought I'd take a few days & get ready for Christmas & new playlists. If you know of any drummers you want me to add, let me know, I'll do it. Getting ready to log off, need some sleep & get the cat some attention! Guess you could call me a crazy old cat lady....Bye

[@jonmartin8400]

Crisp. Accurate. Awesome 🤘🏼

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm glad you dig it, man! Thank you so much! Simple, but not easy.

[@tedfurlo2268]

Well done! Your videos are always so very exciting. The drum kit sounds great bro! Thanks again, Ted

[@ConstantGeekery]

Impeccable 👌🏻

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate the kind words, my friend!

[@SergioGarcia-dl7zk]

Ese solo al final... graciassss!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

¡Gracias, mi amigo!

[@melcooper147]

Nicely don!

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Like how you used the rim of the drum in the beginning! Great groove and a great cover!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much! I screwed up the framing on the overhead camera, but that's actually my stick bag I'm using for the percussive effect. All the best to you! I dig the content you have on your channel!

[@dagconst1]

Strange high hat pattern , I think I have it figured out now . Great cover

[@KickItLikeBonham]

It is interesting! When you hear just the bass and the drums together, you can hear a little more clearly the pattern Bonham is playing is mirroring the bass part, but that gets a little lost with the guitars and vocals. Still, as with almost everything Bonham did, it's a brilliant composition.

[@franciscojoseolivero3409]

This is awesome!, it's not easy to get Bonham right, so many subtleties. I'm working on the same cover with a band and your video is really helpful, thank you, cheers from Argentina!!

[@tombrenes2411]

Killed it you have his heavy hands !

[@KickItLikeBonham]

And I promise these heavy hands more of these covers in them sooner than later! Is there any song in particular you'd like to hear? Thanks so much for the king's words, Tom!

[@tombrenes2411]

@@KickItLikeBonham do the ocean !

[@KickItLikeBonham]

@@tombrenes2411 It shall be done!

[@timgawertdrums]

Great to see you uploading again, Derek! Fantastic as always. Hope you’re well in these times of plague. ✌️

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha! Thanks so much, Tim! On the whole, I have nothing to complain about. It turned out that having our second child at the beginning of the year really worked out well for my wife and me! As the world shut down, we had a chance to grow together without the guilt of having to go out on tour or be gone for any amount of time. That being said, I'm definitely a bit more anxious to shift into the next gear. I know it's not going to be as soon as I'd like, so I'm really going to try and be productive with drum covers and videos as much as possible in the meantime!

[@timgawertdrums]

@@KickItLikeBonham congrats on the youngin! Keep the videos coming...😆🤘

[@derekpink]

I was just thinking about Achilles Last Stand and remembered your channel. Glad to see you’re still coming out with the incredible videos. Best Bonham since Bonham.

[@jamesmcfadden8708]

Kick ass brother! I love how you ended it! BRAVO!

[@garycordle5295]

Good job 👍 enjoyed the video, 🔥 one of the best cover songs I've heard, but you always have done your homework.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, Gary! I think I recorded this song three different times, and the previous two just never sat quite well enough with me. So, I definitely take your kind words to heart, because I worked really hard to get to this point 😂

[@user-dh1ft8dp8k]

I really enjoyed this! Great job!

[@markgreco1962]

Thank you for wearing the Showco sound shirt

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! You bet! That's still my favorite stage outfit Bonham wore!

[@nicotallac2554]

Fruuu bis. Speachless

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha! I'm grateful you could express your speechlessness with a very nice comment! Thank you so much!

[@theprinceoffreshair]

Jamming along with the bonham outtake and trying to get as close as I can is so much fun!! Good job derek great cover!! Also that 24 inch giant beat ride is amazing!!!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, my friend! You're not kidding about that 24" ride! It's still my favorite after all these years!

[@petertate5741]

Brilliant cover mate ! Well done.Great representation.👍

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, Peter! I really appreciate the kind words, my friend!

[@peterlaberee2151]

Very nice!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I really appreciate the kind comment, Peter! Thank you so much!

[@jamman6]

At 2:48 there is some out of time or something... maybe on the actual recording... although I'd never venture to say Bonzo is out... but amazing work to cover this incredible tune. That Ludwig sounds massive!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I suspect anything that gets off time is me. It is tough to hear the 8th notes after the crash out of the solo; that 24" Giant Beat is so big! But I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and really appreciate the comment! Thank you so much, my friend!

[@dansdrumchannel9239]

Great playing/kick-ass drum sound = LIKE!!😎

[@thebestofgoodmatter]

Your drum cover is better than that two guys who pretend to know everything about bonham but their drum cover not even close to bonham 😅 For me this is the best bonham cover!

[@LNVP484]

Pretty nice Cover! You Rock

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, man! I really appreciate it! All the best to you and your channel, too!

[@dthom09]

hooooooly smokes... i looked at the view count and was surprised this wasn't a 1M+ views

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! You and I can celebrate together when that day comes, and in the meantime, I'll take the kind words and turn them into encouragement to keep the quality up the best I can!

[@TheBigred2500]

Every song was designed to make you feel good

[@seanraynor5547]

So fucking cool.. love the groove at the end brother 🤘🤙

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Right on, man! Thanks for sticking around that long! I really appreciate the kind words, Sean! Thank you!

[@seanmiller6701]

Absolutely love it!!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I'm thrilled to hear it, Sean! Thank you so much for the kind words! There will be more coming along soon!

[@emileeeoo]

That drum kit sounds amazing! You're a great musician my brother There's something that I don't understand... where do you hit the sticks since the start to the chorus of the song? I can't see clearly

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Thanks so much, Emilio! I really appreciate it! In regards to your question - I used my stick bag to act as the percussive element. I don't know what Bonham actually used, but I thought my stick bag sounded close enough for what I was going for.

[@harryguitar8506]

@@KickItLikeBonham iv heard it could have been a guitar case on the recording :)

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Aye! It's certainly possible. I know there's a lot of conjecture about whether it was a drum throne, a magazine or book, a guitar case. Until Jimmy Page or someone that was there can confirm what it was, it'll forever be left to our imaginations. However, I would wager that whatever it was got set on either his floor tom or rack tom. He comes out every chorus by crashing on the ride cymbal, and then is instantly back onto the percussive element. I'm guessing the reason he used the ride cymbal was because whatever he was hitting was right next to it...

[@taylorjones2553]

Yessir!!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You know it! Thanks so much, Taylor! I appreciate it, man!

[@OakLawnSpeedShop]

My man can swing it like JB>

[@Strider258]

Great cover! By the way, felt strip on reso or batter? I've seen George from Bonhamology put it on reso, but whats the difference?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You can definitely do both. I prefer just the batter, as that's more accurate to how Bonham had his for 9/10's of his career. That being said, for the maple thermogloss and the green sparkle kit, Bonham utilized the Ritchie ring on the resonate head, which essentially acted as a felt strip. As a preference for aesthetic, I like resonate head without the felt strip. Without it, you just need to make sure that front head is tuned really well to eliminate any overtones that Ritchie ring or felt strip would assist with.

[@6345788]

The kit sounds like sound waves from Heaven. The snare is golden. Wow! Since I've listened in awe of your superb drum covers, I ask this... Do you transcribe the drums before you do the cover or are you learning them by rote? To play them the way you do with all the nuances, my guess is you're transcribing them first. Either way, they sound superb!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Man, I'm sorry it's taken me a bit to get back to you, but it certainly doesn't mean that I don't thoroughly appreciate how nice your comment is! I'm always a little insecure about my ability to mix /translate what the drums actually sound like in these videos, so your kind words definitely provide a nice boost of confidence! In regards to learning the songs - I do my best to memorize them. I started out my musical endeavors on the piano and trumpet, and so I learned a little about reading music. When the drums took over, it became less of a necessity (I ignorantly thought at the time), and so I let that fall by the wayside. I would definitely like to cultivate that aspect of things again, especially because it would save time learning the songs and also to have that part of things accessible to anyone trying to learn them. As it currently stands though, I just work through the songs piece-by-piece. I have a little practice pad kit that I can play late at night, and so I'll work through the compositions until I feel like I can play it from start-to-finish without any mistakes. Then, I'll set up the cameras and hope that I can get a solid, accurate take within a few playthroughs. This song wasn't too tough, especially because we have a reference of Bonham's isolated drums for this. Something like 'Achilles Last Stand' took...a little while longer 😜

[@gustube23]

This cover is really good, I have just purchased a 26 inch x 16 inch bass drum but because I berry the beater I get flatter rebound, is there any difference between the depth Bohnam used a 14 inch depth your green kit also looks like a 14 inch depth not sure on this kit your playing on Ramble On, is it a 16inch depth or a 14inch? also is there any difference on rebound from both of these bass drum sizes? thanks for a great Bonzo Drum cover.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I think a lot of the response you get off the head is influenced by the tuning of the kick drum, as well as the kind of kick pedal you are using. My biggest recommendation would be sliding your foot position back on the pedal a little bit, so that it's lower and closer to the floor (just a little). I find that helps prevent burying the beater when I don't want to.

[@gustube23]

@@KickItLikeBonham Thanks for your reply I will try your suggestions.

[@AlexSlavenDrums]

What monitors do you use? Would you recommend getting an expensive pair? Or are the cheaper ones good? Excellent cover as always btw

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ah, man! I responded to this, but it looks like a gremlin in the system caused a hang up. In regards to monitors, I actually use a pair of Sennheiser headphones I bought in 2012: (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001FTVDQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). They're decent, but there's not a ton of definition in the low end. As a result, I get something that sounds good with those, and then listen over the cheap computer speakers once I've bounced a mix. If that passes muster, then I'll take it out to the car, where I have the most decent speakers. I think all of those steps wouldn't be necessary if I actually bought a decent pair of monitors, so I would recommend that to you. Unfortunately, since I don't have a pair to recommend, I would leave that to other, more experienced engineers/mixers. My guess is you could find something around $500 (for two monitors) that would last the test of time, especially if you live in the United States and with Black Friday sales coming up...

[@AlexSlavenDrums]

@@KickItLikeBonham Ok thanks, i think i'll get a pair from Amazon. Although i don't like in the US, the UK also has some pretty good black friday deals, so i'll keep a look out.

[@andreajonesmusic]

This is wonderful AS USUAL - with credit to you/this link/channel is the stereo drum output available? -or I can CashApp a donation? I want to cover this, but writing out the MIDI drums is a PITA. Thx!

[@07480]

what are you playing on when you doing the 16ths. that a practice pad on your rack tom?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

My stick bag! I was so bummed when I realized I didn't get more of the rack tom when I saw the footage, but yeah - stick bag.

[@mexman000]

How much is that entire kit? Amazing!

[@RorRiiZzLE]

I can see something lying atop the tom, but idk what it is. EQ pillow, towel, something to answer how you do the beginning tapping… does it sound like that at the kit or did you have to manipulate the audio with whatever software you use? If you have gotten it to sound like that right at the drum, you mind explaining how and if it kills the rest of the use of that tom? Like, I’m thinking maybe if there’s just a practice pad or something like that on top that could be quickly removed if needed and replaced. Rest of the kit sounds great though man.🤘

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Hey Rory! I was super frustrated to find I hadn't framed the overhead camera correctly after I recorded this, but I'm just using my stick bag as the tapping device. I ended up taking the sticks out to make sure the tapping was consistent and I didn't accidently get a different sound by whacking a drum stick underneath. That being said, what you hear is what it sounded like at the kit, and I was really pleased with the approximation that resulted; it managed to muffle the tom underneath so that I wasn't picking up any low end resonance from the tom, put still creates that soft but plucky percussive element! Plus, it's very easy to remove when you need to!

[@Mac102250]

How do you feel about the senheisser e602? I play a 22" kick but I've haven't found a mic that works great for bonham tuning and unported heads.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I really dig it. I picked one up because a venue I played used it (because it was an unported head), and when I had someone play the kit and I listened from out front, I absolutely loved the tone and definition it captured (plus, the sound guys REALLY knew what they were doing). This is the first time I've used it for a video, but I found it was really easy to mix and EQ and get the sound I was going for...

[@ronm2296]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@nicotallac2554]

Fruuuuuu

[@honeybadger145]

you look like dr strange jajajja, anyway .... amazing cover !!! :D

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Ha, ha! I'll take it! If only I had those powers... Thank you so much for the nice comment, my friend!

[@johngold1849]

What are u playing that 16th note groove on before the intro? Good Job brother, keep up the goodness.

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I used my stick bag for the percussive element of the song. I don't necessarily think that's what Bonham used, but it's the closest approximation I could come up with for this cover.

[@johngold1849]

@@KickItLikeBonham Sounds just like the recording. Good use of equipment!

[@Justme77400]

What are you hitting on in the intro?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

My stick bag. I placed that on the rack tom, and that's what I'm using for the percussive element during the verses.

[@chesterma6321]

Where did you find the maple thermogloss?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I ended up making / fabricating a lot of it myself. The floor toms were orphan Ludwig shells that I smoothed out, and then together with the Keller shells I used for the kick and rack tom (to be able to get them as accurate to Bonham's kit as I could at the time), I applied a colonial maple stain, and then about twenty layers of a high gloss varnish. So, it's not a true thermogloss, but I love how it sounds and I was able to customize it to look like Bonham's drums without any extra holes.

[@Jordan-ne3xw]

how do you not get blocked when uploading this with the music?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I usually do (initially). I contest the copyright claim under fair use terms, claiming that it's my own cover and for teaching purposes. So far, the review period usually expires before anyone has a chance to look at it, allowing the video to be live again. I know that if they do review it, and don't agree with my claim, I'll get a strike against my channel (which has happened before). I figure I'll ride this wave as long as I can :)

[@zakkstyx2574]

What is on your tom making that sound?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

I used my stick bag on the rack tom to get that sound.

[@zakkstyx2574]

Thank you. Your cover was great by the way, bonzo would be proud.

[@Zepyhp]

awesome sir! May I ask what ride symbol you are using?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You bet! That's a 24" Paiste Giant Beat (modern reissue). It's easily my favorite cymbal of all time!

[@Zepyhp]

@@KickItLikeBonham No 24" Paiste 2002 Ride?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

@@Zepyhp I have one of those, too. However, I think the modern 24" 2002 Ride is too heavy. There is an exception - the 24" 2002 Rev. Al Ride. That is a bit lighter, and a happy balance between the Giant Beat and how dark and washy it is, and the regular 2002, which is too ping-y and defined.

[@Zepyhp]

@@KickItLikeBonham any thoughts on the 24" Paiste Big Beat?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

@@Zepyhp I haven't played those before, but from the sound of them, they seem to be a nice combination of darkness, but with definition. They're definitely a line I've been interested to check out though, as I believe Mike Miley from Rival Sons plays them, and I love their sound!

[@thomastucker9052]

tht paiste gong is pissa !!

[@KickItLikeBonham]

You're going to have to elaborate - is that a good thing? :)

[@shimmysham1236]

169th like. Nice.

[@donknotts5625]

A stick bag on the tom ?

[@KickItLikeBonham]

Yes, indeed!

[@spencersotelo2908]

What snare do you have? Is it the Ludwig supraphonic? I have one but trying to get used to it a lot of ringing but yours sounds very good! Any tips/ideas to get it to sound better?