Mike Portnoy's Influences: John Bonham

Mike Portnoy talks about John Bonham's influence on him as a drummer.

[@PJBonoVox]

It's quite reassuring to know that even someone as skilled as Mike Portnoy would say "I'll play it, but it won't sound like him".

[@mikemike7345]

Exactly it's an unorthodox feel if you play it with a metronome yeah I know what you mean you have to this space in between there you have to play it with the record to get it down like he had it or is closed

[@DoktorDamage]

Yep. It's the same as guitar players. You can have all of the pedals you want, but you ain't gonna sound just like a certain guitar player because you just ain't him, lol.

[@davidgordon4756]

@@corryburton9834 loo

[@frankspikes4867]

That's a great point. I think what's most important is to have your influences, and incorporate what they do into your own style.

[@Luckzzz]

@@shivasix9136 That's your point.. My point is Bonham is way better and he deserve a god's badge. Portnoy couldn't play "Fool in the Rain" middle section .. But Bonham could play all DT songs.

[@MrChuckwagon55]

To this day I still haven't heard anyone that sounds like John Bonham.

[@thrashkid665plus1]

i haven't heard one drummer who can exactly replicate the bonham triplet. his sound and feel was something entirely different.

[@Garapetsa]

MrChuckwagon55 his son Jason can play....better. you see more passion in Jason's playing..go check out when he's in your area. I saw led Zeppelin back in 70s... Chicago. he played well....but you can see he was wasted as the others and audience were too.

[@Garapetsa]

Get Jason record. Listen

[@CatsCoffeeGuitars]

I understand Bonham is an icon, but saying that may lead people to think that you don't listen to music at all and that you're spinning three records all the time.

[@Braglemaster123]

MrChuckwagon55 Right

[@wtarizona1017]

Bonham made you wait for it. His timing was so relaxed, yet tight, loose and fluid.

[@chuckydombroski]

He was just so damn satisfying to listen to. He knew when to hit the snare and when not to. His feel is unmatched and his chops are insane. His little nuances I’m the mix keep him very interesting to listen to. The most tasteful drummer of all time

[@e.longchaleo1030]

The reason John Bonham sounded that way is because he was John Bonham. 🤘🤟

[@phillipzx3754]

And now, Mr. Portnoy....we listen to you as an influence. I'm 63. Been playing since the 60's. I enjoy listening to the drummers you mentioned, but I absolutely enjoy listening and watching you play the drum kit.

[@jalanjones7310]

At 63 if you are into Portnoy you must be a talentless drummer huh?

[@fr0zty86]

Why? Drummers pick up and like other drummers because of their style, seriously if you yourself are a drummer u should know.. ;) it's all about feel and vibrations :)

[@juholaaksonen7455]

I appreciate this comment and approach :)

[@ericking4072]

jalan jones -THE QUEEREST COMMENT ON YT.

[@DoktorDamage]

@@jalanjones7310 Wow, that was lame bro.

[@abhimanyusammysharma1813]

John Bonham's "When the Levee Breaks" is for me the ultimate drumming experience....the ultimate grooves

[@Gitfiddle]

What made John Bonham special for me is not so much the stuff you hear but what you feel when he played. He always nailed the perfect way to glue the band together to creat a groove. The space in between his notes were as crucial as the sound he created. He understood that a drummer controls the way a band feels. No band ever felt like Led Zeppelin.

[@jeremysalazar2631]

Hard to describe that brilliant unique sound and groove of Bonham.. It's like he had a mystic ability were you could hear his soul transmutated into the physical realm through the drums lol He is GOAT hands down.

[@chuckydombroski]

John bonham is exactly what the goat of drums should sound like. Never over plays or underplays. His sound and feel will never be matched.

[@attila_szilagyi]

Portnoy is a great drummer and also a great guy.

[@yuriyknorozov123]

Very true! ;-)

[@jefffromjersey52]

Attila Szilágyi He does seem like a VERY nice dude ... never met him but you can just tell ..

[@g_pazzini]

But he left DT because of his arrogance... Play with another band and ignore his DT mates...

[@jalanjones7310]

Portnoy is an amateur still compared to Bonham and others. Too many others to name

[@corywinn1637]

He honestly is probably a arrogant prick. He seems so full of himself. Not so much in this video but watch others.

[@vettezeppelin]

What Bonham did was MAKE the Song...The Ocean, When the Levee Breaks, Living Loving Maid, Whole Lotta Love, Achillies Last Stand, Nobody's Fault But Mine and way more...Any other drummer would not have made those songs what they are..He influenced the song, made it better.. Other drummers play in the song but you could replace them and most wouldn't be noticed. Bonham completed the song and with him gone, Page, Plant and Jones could never make music again like they did when he was here. Truly Magic!!

[@TheViva73]

vettezeppelin his timing was impeccable due to his hi hat keeping time

[@Karol-ds1qs]

Nicely written but you've forgot to mention the one all four LZ members are proud of the most - Kashmir - whilst recording at the Headley Grange, that great driving tempo from JB started the idea for this song. JP then came with the riff which was later expanded further. JPJ added orchestration and the Mellotron parts and of course RP created amazing lyrics whilst travelling in Morocco. An amazing example of creativity when four legends meet and create musical art which will live forever...

[@powercourageandwisdom]

Fool in the rain has me so captivated that I actually tried to learn the groove. I now have my own version, thank you very much, and I'm not even a drummer. But when there is a drum set that makes itself available, there I am, trying to replicate the magic that is John Bonham.

[@kpag3030]

vettezeppelin Yup. That’s why they said they would never form back up again as Led Zeppelin after he passed.

[@marklucia8852]

Didn't his son play in Zep for a while?

[@gareginasatryan6761]

Bonham’s genius was that he composed with the music. Most drummers are not musicians, they just know rhythm. But different melodies have different emotional feel, he actually tried to complement all the instruments (and vocals) instead of just laying a rhythm for the bass.

[@RJW998]

It is wonderful to hear someone as fantastically gifted as Mike clearly is, still in love and even awe of his influences and childhood heroes. Top bloke

[@RobotequeMusic]

If you ever set a metronome to Bonham or even Baker, or try to quantize their beats digitally, you notice there is space BEFORE and AFTER their hits--depending what they were doing. It's not just the order, but the timing decisions Bonham made that made him "Sound good".

[@stillnessinmovement]

totally. that is what I think is off with Jason. he's too precise. sometimes being a little behind is better, sometimes ahead is better. back and forth, makes a whole different vibe, that's the art of drums, not the notes, the perfect/imperfect placement that makes it groove...

[@BrianZoeu]

Pauses are as important as playing

[@michaelginty7477]

MantaRayGun aa

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

also room ambiance.

[@mrbouncelol]

It's called push pull and the seeming incapability of Mangini to utilise it is probably the main reason why people think he sounds robotic unmusical

[@AlmostReady504]

Mike Portnoy is a monster. An absolute monster player

[@scottmiller260]

Fool in the rain is Bonham’s best. Dude had some chops!

[@peevee605]

Jeff Porcaro took that, blended in some Bernard Purdie and his own and recorded Rosanna with Toto.

[@chuckydombroski]

Bonham was just unbelievable

[@dragonsoul974]

Portnoy is one of the best drummers ever. I consider him a great artist and a great person as well. I loved DT's music, but now it's not the same: in fact i'm still folowing Portnoy in his other projects, cause I, as a drummer myself, take my insipiration directly from his style. Keep up the good work Mike, and screw those deaf people that are only envious about you!

[@jennferramage3269]

John Henry bonham. The drummer that tops all drummers. Sad to say, I was on my way to buy 2 tickits for the upcoming LED ZEPPELIN CONCERT ,I TOOK THE DAY OFF, JAZZED AS IV EVER BEEN, SONG COMES ON RADIO , (ALL OF MY LOVE) WOW HOW COOL, NOT REALY FIRST VERSE AND A FADE ,THIS MORNNING IN ENGLAND THE DRUMMER FOR LED ZEPPELIN ,JOHN HENRY BONHAM ,DYED THIS MORNING IN HIS SLEEP! R I P JOHN, AND OH YEAH THANK YOU!

[@charlesdjones1]

He died a month after I was born :( and it honestly still bothers me he died so young, I became a big fan around 14, those old cassettes at Wmart with the old man carrying the sticks on his back just stood out to me, so I bought it and I was never the same again lol.

[@alexkistenev6855]

Portnoy's become a legend as well. His own manner is unique

[@rsviews2167]

On top of his brilliant and radiant drumming technique, Mike is such a trully passionate and devoted music fan. And he's so generous about it too. No ego, whatsoever. The value and joy of music always comes first with him. I got nothing but upmost respect for him. A real living and breathing inspiration.

[@jefffromjersey52]

I really like how HUMBLE this guy is.. He pays tribute and is VERY good.. but he downplays his abilities when talking about the Great John Bonham.. Well done Sir..

[@chuckydombroski]

John bonham is truly great. No drummer has a better feel or sound. His crashes are so satisfying. He has chops for days.

[@conallhomer6962]

Mike Portnoy seems like a really super chill and cool dude 😎 Brilliant drummer too. 👍🏻

[@davidleaver3570]

It doesn't get any better than a video with one of my favorite drummers, Mike Portnoy, discuss another one of my favorite drummers, Bonzo!

[@markcatanzaro9699]

When Bonham hit hard it sounded like he was hitting them with a pair of lead pipes- but his grace notes were as gentle as a butterfly landing with sore feet... Just one reason he was so great... there are 999,999 more, but I can't actually name them all...

[@3ggshe11s]

Nice to hear a little "Bonzo's Montreux" in there!

[@dmoney1324]

Can’t believe it took this long to find a comment saying this!

[@hyalinamusic18]

When you see Mike Portnoy (one of my favorite drummers) geeking out about John Bonham (one of my other favorite drummers). This is pretty great

[@tacogamerz3554]

So my son decided to learn Dazed and Confused for my birthday present. Gotta say I always thought that was one of Bonham’s best. And so glad he learned it!

[@chuckydombroski]

Probably one of the best drum tracks ever written. The drums in dazed and confused are the definition of cool. The tone quality is out of this world as well.

[@ytpboi3030]

Mike’s got a god dame KILLER snare sound holy shit

[@apolloptx]

Nobody sounds as heavy as Bonham.

[@chuckydombroski]

Bonhams drumming has the fattest sound ever. The tone quality is so good it’s almost unreal.

[@richevans609]

Alex Van Halen is heavy!

[@chevken1831]

Alex Van Halen was always kind of underrated.

[@IAmInfinitus208]

Thank Page for the mic placement then. His skills at recording was essential to that sound!

[@thediehardarkansasrazorbak7288]

@@chevken1831 Alex is no slouch..I'd agree he is underrated

[@74dartman13]

I play and he's my biggest influence and When the Levee Breaks, definitely one of my favorites too!

[@sipzter]

In my teens when Zep came on the scene in the US. After hearing them, listening to them it go to the point where I KNEW when Bonham was playing. Wheteher it was a new album a 45 or whatever, his touch, feel and groove were SO distinctive it was like, "Oh Zep must a come out with something new cuz I haven't heard this tune before." And I mean hearing a snippet of a tune without hearing Plant's distinctive voice. Bonham had his own voice and man it was SPECIAL! Miss him and wonder what he would have played over these many years? Thank you Mr Portnoy for showing such respect and playing him so well..

[@DavidRFIT]

What if you swap the T and the N?

[@SuperLeeJinki]

porntoy

[@SihtamEmperor]

thanks Faris for ruining the joke for everybody

[@hearinggonebeethoven5787]

booo XD

[@thejoeyrichey]

David RF kmmm

[@philsurtees]

Ha! Good one!! From now on I won't be able to see or hear him without thinking Mike Dildo...

[@kellylee5842]

Mike Portnoy is one of the best drummers ever

[@cyberboy419]

"When the Levee Breaks" was recorded at a different tempo, then slowed down, explaining the "sludgy" sound, particularly on the harmonica and guitar solos. Because this song was heavily produced in the studio, it was difficult to recreate live; the band only played it a few times in the early stages of their 1975 U.S. Tour, before dropping it for good. However, the song was revived for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1995.[4] "When the Levee Breaks" was the only song on the album that was not re-mixed after a supposedly disastrous mixing job in the U.S. (the rest of the tracks were mixed again in England). The mixing done on this song was kept in its original form. In the May 2008 issue of Uncut Magazine, Page elaborated upon the effects at the end of the song: Interviewer: How was the swirly effect at the end of "When the Levee Breaks" achieved? I always imagine you sitting there with a joystick ... Page: It's sort of like that, isn't it? It's interesting: On "Levee Breaks" you've got backwards harmonica, backwards echo, phasing, and there's also flanging; and at the end, you get this super-dense sound, in layers, that's all built around the drum track. And you've got Robert, constant in the middle, and everything starts to spiral around him. It's all done with panning.[9]

[@eddieroxx]

One of my favorite drummers, hands down. Portnoy that is. So much better, than that other dude in DT right now. and yes...Bonham is a legend.

[@timothycavey1994]

I was lucky as hell to have seen him and Led Zeppelin play Seattle twice and both times I was amazed at Bonzo's power when he hit the drums......I think his power started somewhere in his bone marrow and ended at his fingertips.....I always think as if I feel the beats like him and sometimes I sound like him, but not always ! He had what I call drum soul, and it was his feel of what the sound should be for each song. Thats why every one of their songs were so great and usually a different style or sound for each one. The closest to him now would be Aronoff now for my ear, but he needs to stay with one band and slow own for the music.......Long live BONZO ! No. 1 drummer or me !

[@U2WB]

Bonham has so much feel. That’s sorely lacking in most drummers today; they sound so mechanical to me.

[@masbro1901]

i miss Portnoy in Dream Theater. DT is not same anymore.. T_T

[@matheusferreira7229]

Yeah, now it's actually better

[@drummerdude100]

Matheus Ferreira if you're deaf

[@cayamadrums]

I don't think is better, or worst .. I think it has a different sound that I actually appreciate and enjoy. The tuning also of Mike Mangini has more punch and is way more clean than Portnoy . But definitely Portnoy was more appealing to watch, has more charisma

[@tommasotemporin]

Rahim Saadi mangini is faster, has a incredible independence of arms and legs, ambidexterity, huge knowledge, great dynamics, and he's just perfect for a progressive band like DT.. porntoy? has to play RLRLKK in every song and needs to spit on john amp, really? you say mangini has no feelings, apparently you haven't never heard mangini playing in a clinic or something like that. just listen the solo he did in luna park dvd, just from 0:25 to 0:30 he did an amazing and musical fill. but deaf people like you will never recognize an artist, because you want portnoy and his color beard back :'(

[@drummerdude100]

Tommaso Temporin Awhh, someone gonna cry?

[@paulhasenauer4166]

I could literally listen to that in the background through my whole day! Awesome

[@dandubejr5010]

Yes its the way that he played but, When the levy breaks was recorded with microphones in stairways that captured natural reverb and delays that made that iconic sound so unique

[@dannew]

So glad that Mike pulled out When the Levee Breaks as a signature groove.....although it's widely acknowledged that the big open sound on that original recording was all about some of the mics being placed away from the kit, outside in the hallway. One helluva groove though. Easy to play. Impossible to make it sound like Bonham, no matter where the mics are :-)

[@varukerbrains]

thank you for showing your humility towards bonham! You are a decent man. Thank you. it means a lot to me.

[@steverussak4926]

I enjoyed this. I wasn’t planning to watch but it kept me gripped. I really appreciated the personal take on Bonham’s groove feel and style.

[@Suraj_Parajuli]

His creativity and his unique style.. the bend, really love to see him play!!!

[@MyDyerMaker]

I disagree a bit with Portnoy. Bonham's signature sound was partly due to the drums- the 3 ply Ludwigs, their unique sizes and the LM402 snare. In my opinion, Bonham's playing is modeled after jazz and big band swing drummers. He'll always the best rock drummer of all time.

[@TheApostleofRock]

MyDyerMaker True. But I still think he's right when he says Bonham was Bonham. Sure he tuned and miced things certain ways, which all helps, but in the end, Bonham's sound is nigh inimitable.

[@ledavalon7118]

Bonham and John Paul Jones were actually a funk rhythm section. Funk rhythm paired with hardrock/blues leads is one one of the things that made Zeppelin sound so unique.

[@mikeswenson4058]

+monokhem Agreed. Not only did Bonzo play with a VERY heavy groove, but then when he needed to, could be a speed demon, as well, while still not losing his power and groove, which is very difficult to do. That's where Bonzo was/is without equal, IMO.

[@GahDub]

One of the things that's always puzzled me is why are there SO many critics on board a thread like this....ESPECIALLY when the host prefaces the whole demo with his own confession of not being able to sound like Bonham. Not good enough I guess. I also have noticed all these years on youTube that no ONE of these "critics" has EVER posted something of their own that even REMOTELY backs up their silly critique. Why not just listen and not be a dick to someone like Portnoy who is light years ahead of you?

[@Fsuholley]

GahDub damn right.

[@marianneewing7287]

Thank You

[@vinnykster]

Exactly! These critics also never ever have the balls to make their own You Tube to prove how much better they are. It's because they're complete FRAUDS

[@el34glo59]

@@vinnykster Agreed. KZbin is full of frauds

[@robd3529]

GahDub amen 🙏🏼

[@MrDlt123]

'Fool in the Rain' - I spent months in the early 80s trying to swing that simple groove the way he did and it was maddening. He had a way of making something simple so much more intricate.

[@jamesmorizio532]

Mike..Excellent ...As a novice grey haired hack drummer, I must practice what you preached here...Thankyou..Moritiz

[@Capsarge72]

Awesome. I'd like to see Gavin Harrison and Simon Phillips.

[@JoelMedeirosIA]

Great video. Mike Portnoy don't need any comment and Bonham is a legend.

[@Plymouthmusicschool]

There’s something really sincere and organic about that era of music.. Technology was nowhere near where it is today and all musicians had to really really work to get their tone and as a result they Developed a unique sound and style

[@TheMotownPhilly]

Bonham was and is my favorite drummer. There are many reason why Bonzo was great. Portnoy nails it when he said it was just John and that's the end of it. Bonzo had a special way he felt and played his music and it was unique and mesmerizing. That band was so strong that Bonham would be playing 4/4 and the band would be playing a different time signature and it synced up to make beautiful grooving music. Zep is the greatest band of all time. RIP John Bonham

[@stereopolice]

I didn't like Mike Portnoy until now, based on things he said in other interviews. However, this interview makes up for it. I love how humble he is here, and how willing his is to give props to past great drummers. That's so refreshing.

[@ItsNotaTuhmah]

He always did.

[@drummersrockdotshop6539]

Agree Wholeheartedly, Nice To See and Hear True Honesty with a Refreshing Point of view about His Influence

[@sammyvh11]

Mike grows on you. I saw him on the G3 and saw a totally different side to him. He's awesome.

[@megastation842]

that was amazing keep on rocking.

[@haroldspencer1733]

John Bonham was the numbre one drummer that influenced me growing up in the 70s and 80s..im 55 years old now..i am now influenced every bit as much by Mike Portnoy !! I think Mike Portnoy is one of the greatest drummers to ever pick up a set of sticks !! I want to think Mike for spending his entire life perfecting his kraft and always be willing to pass a lifetime of knowlege on to us..THANKYOU MIKE PORTNOY.

[@peterknispel4020]

Breakdown of the John Bonham shuffle from the song "Fool In The Rain" I loved this one by Mike. Thanks

[@Taesian]

Make it longer! It was great!

[@orkycathcart6397]

I AM SO GLAD HE WORE SHORTS SO WE COULD BE BLESSED IN LOOKING AT HIS LEG TATTOOS !!!

[@Calvin-Kleinveld]

Great, thanks!! Love the sound of John Bonham.

[@trevbeats77]

YOu are most uplifting to me being a drummer for many years..btw MIke, it was JB that made me become a drummer..x

[@samjose751]

The thing I believe separates Bonham from the rest was his dynamic agility. His hands were amazing, and he made his set sound so apart from everyone else - the way he tuned it.

[@waqqodonkey]

+sam jose his sound and groove is definitely unique!

[@macadoo2530]

+sam jose Everyone (non drummers) thinks he was just bashing as hard as he could..What they do not understand is the swing pulse/dynamic subtleties inherent in his playing.The greatest due to his originality/creativity in my opinion.

[@d.r1499]

i really respect drumming style's & all Drummer's. & drum's at the moment i'm trying the best i can to help my 10 year old niece, of course it's never easy because i don't have all the answer's for every drumming style's but Drum's Rock like Def Leppard & the 80's. i will always have a long journey yet. to still get 2 were i have to go & of course. i may never get 2 level 1000%. but that's not what matter's. what doe's matter is. i try my best everyday. to help my 10 year old niece of course i don't have. all the answer's that i should have. because i'm not level 11,06% as good as some of these people like this guy or Baard Kolstad. but i'm just going to do what i know. the best way i know. because i find just being my self is all i know. & of course sometime's it's a little bit hard with a disability. when teaching my 10 year old niece of course 10 year old kid's. just what one thing to happen is. to become fast & good in one day, but it doesn't work that way it take's time. for me i was lucky because i hear drum's in my head all the time everyday. & sometime's my heard hurt's because all i ever hear are drum's banging my brain's even when i'm not playing the drum set. with groove's 24/7 so i don't know if anyone ever feel's the same way even in the street drumming & singing. but it get's a little bit way to much sometime's. But what an extreme Lesson that i'm watching greattings from Australia Victoria Wodonga.

[@peeholio3260]

Mention John Bonham and to any musician its instantaneous admiration. No matter what instrument they play

[@MrSupersia]

Love it Mike Portnoy plays it with his interpretation and thats the way,you hear it,you feel it and you play it. Well done!!1

[@Ranger.TomGunna]

Fool In The Rain may be the greatest drumming ever and don't @me

[@Ash_Hudson]

Led Zeppelin was Bonham's toy to play with whenever he was bored.

[@waqqodonkey]

+Ash Hudson LOL! that's funny .... how lucky were those guys to have Bonham as their drummer?!!

[@odenirongiant]

+waqqodonkey Yes , all of them were unbelievably talented. They truly complimented each other for sure. The stars definitely aligned getting this foursome together. Robert's amazing voice with Jimmy's guitar mastery and don't anyone forget about o'l John Paul's bass prowess.

[@Ash_Hudson]

waqqodonkey Too lucky

[@jennyritterbeck]

Jonesy's prowess was with more than a bass. Dude can play anything and arranged most of Zep's tunes. Yes, he was really playing those recorders on the Stairway intro. He's a musical genius.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Ash Mofo yeah, I don’t think so

[@robertkess9907]

I think that it's interesting that in the recording of When The Levy Breaks the echo beat was from the recording process, he only hit the drum once. But we as drummers that follow him, even if we know this, it doesn't change that we know how to include that echo beat with our foot, it's the only way you can do it. So it will always be a little different than the recording, but it still captures that feel really well.

[@asianzeusecannon5880]

U can tell Mike loves playing just his style n speed is crazy,well played n skills cool video thanks.

[@pjcouture5203]

When the levee breaks was recorded in a stairwell I believe!!

[@JECastle4]

Yes, with a binson echo machine

[@yioryaras]

Mike you are really stating it as it is... when we attempt to replicate art, drumming or whatever might be the form, we can only perform close to the original and never identically the same. This is what makes art so special. There can be many versions of one's work and indeed all interestingly artistic; nothing can ever do the magic of the original and it will stay there timeless becoming a study case.

[@KTF0]

+George Karapiperis You're right. Even when you do see clones of someone it's still not quite as good as sounding like the original because it's not individualized. When you learn a new instrument, you'll get something out of every thing you cover/play and eventually develop your own style once you get good.

[@waqqodonkey]

+George Karapiperis true, Bonham's playing is special indeed!

[@macadoo2530]

+George Karapiperis Well said. I'm sure Bonham had his own influences in mind when creating his own classic parts. So true that everything evolves out of what came before.

[@hellgrinder2941]

You greek?

[@bigdaddy5150sh71]

Mike is one of my favs! I grew up with similar influences. Wish it was longer. 🤘✴️🔆📀❗👹☠️🏴‍☠️🏁

[@listillolordoc7604]

Awesome! I always got the snare and kick as his sound. Thanks for emphasizing his play on the High Hat.

[@pawelmorrison]

The reason why When The Levee breaks sounds o beefy is that the drums were set in a stairway hall in Page`s house recorded with one mic placed on the top of the stairway.

[@baggins555]

Umm, yes that is ONE reason. The other reason is that it's John Bonham!

[@pawelmorrison]

Sure is!!

[@JohnnyLennony]

Paweł Morrison and the compressor yo

[@JohnBindon]

Paweł Morrison When the Levee Breaks was NOT recording in Jimmy Page's house at all ! Bonham sound was partly responsible for the sound of the drums on that song - his tuning style, his heavy hitting & his feel ! Led Zeppelin's untitled album, which featured When the Levee Breaks was recorded in an entrance hallway open space at Headley Grange - Zeppelin put mics under the staircase, overhead on a upper area of the 2nd floor, in a chimney & in a small bathroom ! That is where the sound came from ! Compression was only used very in a very limited fashion - Bonham hit the drums & cymbals so hard - there was "trigger compression" set up - in other words - the compression would only kick in - if something was hit too loud !

[@BBBri57]

JohnBindon Yeah, but as Jimmy Page said, the mic placement was key to the sound of that track, in that spooky old house and a reason why the drum sound is unique from every other Led Zep Track. The slap back echo of the big old room enhances the sound, and fits the tempo of the song. Its really subtle, but thats why no one can get that same sound easily. I think Mike did a stand up job of the actual drum part, and his snare sounds fantastic. But to get that authentic big sound, needs some big reverb I think, and a 26" BD :-)

[@jesselukemccarty2760]

Phil Collins, would be nice' to see his style of playing drums, played by Mike Portnoy.

[@davidmohr1920]

Drum's are such a great instrument cept when you have to haul them around to gigs Thanks for posting :-)

[@snail5341]

I appreciate the respect Mike gives talking about John Bonham.

[@JamesYatestrickysnugglemuffins]

0:23 When the Levee Breaks!!

[@Hellwyck]

+James Yates He says it's the intro in the video

[@JamesYatestrickysnugglemuffins]

Yeah I commented that before he said it in the video Hellwyck​

[@Hellwyck]

OK, as you were :)

[@connorferrand527]

I thought that was peter criss at the end there

[@colnago1mc]

Love Portnoy and Bonham and I am a huge Rock drumming fan. I would love someone to demonstrate what Ronnie Tutt plays during his monstrous solos of the 1970's or his playing on Elvis live at Madison Square Garden. Drum & Bass Guru.

[@timhallas4275]

My first impression of John Bonham's unique sound was that he was playing inverted to the rhythm of the music... then I realized that he WAS the rhythm of the music.

[@santinocastillo9348]

AND ALSO HIS LOOK HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY SLIENT BOB.

[@ssj43720]

mike portnoy My drum God i miss him in DT. Once the legend always the legend (y)

[@raywestcoast98]

Yea, because there is new Dream Theater, that nails old dream theater, you nailed it! ;) Give me some examples, why Mangini doesn't fit Portnoys place? Well, I just can say that Mangini is more talented for sure, he keeps the tempo, no rushing like portnoy, Mangini doesn't stel the whole show and be a clown, Mangini nails portnoys fils that portnoy have played over 20 years, Mangini got new stuff, new moves etc. SO, why Mike Mangini Doesn't Fit Dream Theater? Give me even one reason!

[@raywestcoast98]

***** Thoose are the real facts, thank you! They are bad losers, they can't admit that there's just much better drummer than Portnoy, and that guy is named Mike Mangini.

[@raywestcoast98]

***** You nailed it, once again!

[@ssj43720]

***** i never said that Portnoy was the only person who wrote all the songs. you guys are making that false allegation. I never said anything like that most of them was composed by Petrucci. But both of you should really understand the difference between a musician and a music teacher. I would say that jimmy(the rev) of avenged sevenfold is better in musicianship than Mangini. you guys should listen to yourselves first before making any false allegations against something that i haven't said. you guys proved yourselves to be a true wannabe again. bravo. keep it up

[@raywestcoast98]

***** And if we look closer, MM plays 100x more amazing 4 limb polyrhythms and talking about odd time polyrhythms and Mangini plays more odd time signatures than Portnoy, Mangini's drum solo contains numerous odd time signatures and chances etc... (I can play 4 limb odd polyrhythms too, I'm on the way practicing them, because I get it that how it is even possible to learn and play those 4 limb polyrhythms, where every limb (hand/foot) has it's own motion). So Mangini nails Portnoy in his main thing also, lol...

[@marianneewing7287]

Thank you for Bonzo's tribute-as a kid my dad would take me to every Stan Kenton concert around Philly-always love the drums But when I heard John for the first time My World was rocked

[@nongthip]

This is great, but we need more! Definitely more Bonham tributes 🥁

[@Kratos40595]

He was too cool for dream theatre He needs a band like Tool

[@Ranger.TomGunna]

He's great but he couldn't hold onto Danny Carey's nut hairs on the drumkit bub

[@ProtomanBlues]

Tom Skywalker Mike portnoy is way more talented than Danny Carey lol

[@Drummer12ify]

Geoffrey Moore i hope u are kidding..

[@davidnissim589]

As great as Portnoy is, Tool has Danny Carey for a reason.

[@ProtomanBlues]

David Nissim Danny Carrey volunteered for Tool because he felt sorry for them lolol

[@jaydewey3809]

Nice! Didn't know Portnoy has a Bonzo symbol tattoo. Portnoy should tell old Ginger Baker to stop dissing Bonham and Moon. As obviously, the legacy and influence of Bonham in particular --is unmeasurable in the drum world.

[@markdrum2392]

Yeah, I saw a video interview with Baker where he said that he would never play a certain type of lick. It was exactly like what he played on "White Room". "When the Levee Breaks" is an all time classic. I still play it when I'm feeling righteous. It's probably one of the best drum intros from the past 100 years.

[@jamesraleigh4299]

Baker is AN ASS... Simple as that...

[@scottetoll4899]

Well done Mike. Your playing smooth as always. Tempo up on When the Levee breaks. Adrenalin I'm sure!! Thanks for your insight. Scott Etoll.

[@carl_lindquist]

Loved this video! All the best!!

[@jimmythundarrsdrumcoverser492]

Why do people compare drummers against each other? You cant factor styles into that comparison. I've been playing close to 40 years now and I've given up trying to jump over or under a bar someone else has set.I play for me now and I play my way.....

[@jasoncavitt2043]

That's always annoyed me, too. Maybe the athleticism associated with playing drumset stirs one's competitive juices---I dunno.

[@Bob-nu3xe]

Jason ytube is full of the worlds greatest this or that, it gets peoples attention, drums is no different, drumming behind a kit is a very personal thing to do no two drummers are the same, its a great club to be in all drummers are very special people why? because drumming and performing on the kit is where a drummer wants to be, the centre of the universe is the drummer seat ,I have played for almost 60years still enjoy every minute.

[@aaronmanzer3451]

I think the subtle aspect that is missing is Bonham's approach to where 1 fell in music. Drummers have different interpretations of when the first beat of the measure should fall and how to make it sound like like 1 fell just a hair before/after/ or exactly at 1. Bonham often dragged the beat ever so slightly and purposely. I think this subtlety contributed to his band's darker and druggier sound. There isn't a ton of urgency in a typical led zeppelin song (generally speaking). The mark of a good drummer is playing what's appropriate/effective for the song. In that regard Bonham was a great drummer for his band.

[@jalanjones7310]

It's called soul. Portnoy has none being a Jew.

[@marianneewing7287]

Gotcha

[@wiggy009]

jalan jones not true man. He plays with great soul and feel and tastieness

[@dbmdrums1105]

Great video...saw this for the first time loked it

[@technoadmin]

Mr Portnoy's influence is certain one of worthy. I think you are a great drummer and that you have certainly learnt well from the master... Looking forward to seeing you live very soon in Montreal.

[@therealmealdeal]

..Wasn't When the Levee Breaks recorded in a house with the drums actually being down a stairwell? I get that he sounds the way he does because he's a monster, but recording definitely plays a part as well. Room acoustics and anything post production can change everything.

[@jennyritterbeck]

Yeah, Page set his drums up in s stairwell in Headley Grange. They used the Stones mobile recording truck. Bonzo was Bonzo, but Page produced the band extremely well. Esp. Bonzo; Jimmy knew how special he was. Page is really underrated as a producer. I think this why their music has stood up to time. In your face is still in your face, no matter what year it is!

[@ledavalon7118]

If you can find any live audio from them playing Levee you'll find that Bonzo still plays heavier and deeper than anyone who tried to replicate his sound

[@fredgehrer9441]

You can change the sound and augment it to make it beefier or less so, but if the original playing sucks, you still can't make it sound good. The old saying goes, you can't polish a turd. John Henry Bonham gave the beats and the sound like no other. He didn't need the studio stuff but it was like polishing a jewel ...

[@simonebevini4357]

Tell me a drummer (that came after Bonzo) who didn't get inspired by John

[@richardadesmond]

He got in with Jimmy's beat when he drummed.

[@dasgelobte2007]

Very good to learn and worth to leave comment, thanks!

[@superdynamite7800]

Bonham sounded like Bonham because he was Bonham, Partly true. Jimmy Page is partly responsible for creating the “Bonham” sound you hear on those recordings. Page was a master engineer.

[@mitchelladams1772]

Fool in the Rain!

[@cobra1995xx]

Mitchell Adams exactly.. how can anyone mention Bonham and not fool in the rain... not another person on earth can "play" that song and sound like him

[@tys53pan]

yes! fool in the rain....the most incredible half time shuffle ever!

[@norpriest521]

@@cobra1995xx Because Moby dick 😎

[@Kman1960]

“Kick It Like Bohnam” , this guy is Bohnam incarnate ! It would help you to take all the muffling out of your bass drum. And yes, Bohnam’s tuning of his drums was very important to his sound !

[@novola1972]

Thanks Mike great groove and timing. Also everything you hit had its own different volume you seem to put different weight into every aspect of your drumming makes it sound very dynamic