“Hey, hey, mama, said the way you move, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove.”
There are certain bands whose iconic music, moments and lifestyle have the effect of being able to define and change the cultural landscape.
Led Zeppelin were definitely one of those bands and today marks the 34th anniversary since their iconic drummer John Bonham sadly passed away.
Although singer Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page were very much at the front, it was Bonham’s thundering and powerful drumming that often propelled the band forward, especially during their legendary live performances.
In the grand scale of the greatest rock n’ roll drummers of all-time, Bonham definitely ranks highly. In fact, Rolling Stone placed him first on their list in 2001 and it’s such a tragedy that the 32-year old was gone too soon.
Bonham’s death in 1980, due to asphyxiation, while the band were rehearsing for an upcoming tour, proved to be too difficult for the remaining members of the band to endure as they soon split up.
This tragic story did have something of a positive ending though because in December 2007, John’s son, Jason Bonham, stepped into his father’s shoes in London’s O2 arena and played drums for Led Zeppelin on their long awaited reunion concert.
We’re sure his dad would have been proud.
Foo Fighters lead man and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl said: “John Bonham played the drums like someone who didn’t know what was going to happen next, like he was teetering on the edge of a cliff. No one has come close to that since, and I don’t think anybody ever will. I think he will forever be the greatest drummer of all time”.
The folks at Muzu TV sent us in this playlist of the legendary drummer doing what he did best and before you ask, of course Moby Dick is on the list.
Iconic band, legendary drummer and some amazing songs. Enjoy.
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