What Makes John Bonham Such a Good Drummer?
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- Опубліковано 24 кві 2024
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00:00 Intro
00:37 Title Card
00:45 Good Times & Triplets
02:01 Satisfaction vs Heartbreaker
03:21 Synchronicity
04:57 Kashmir
06:08 Black Dog
07:35 Fool in the Rain
08:53 Conclusion
When a band decides not to continue because you lost your drummer you know he was a special man! They loved this man!
Shame Foo’s couldn’t do the same for Taylor!
@Dominique Young Actually, I Completely Agree
@@dominiqueyoung4951 why? You don't have to shoot off your own foot if you don't want to.
And the Rev too😢
@@jeremybean-hodges6397 ok Grohlie 👍🏼
My favorite little Bonham fact is that every pause after a verse in “Black Dog” was a random length. The band stopped counting, and then Bonham would cue them back in by tapping his sticks together a beat before the start of the next guitar part. It’s really faint in the mix, but you can hear it if you listen closely. It’s a really smart way to do a big pause like that in a song, honestly. It takes the pressure away from everybody in the band to be magically in sync with each other, and just gives the rhythm section the authority to decide when the rhythm picks up again.
Been listening to Black Dog, trying to pick up little licks from the master and working on my kick triplets and it's so goddamn frustrating to try to syncopate with the recording. No two vocal breaks/returns to the riff are the same for, as you said, Bonzo would cue the REST of the band back in himself and all you have to listen for is his almost-indistinguishable stick hits. It's frustrating but fun and challenging and the only way I'll get it is to play the song over and over and over again until it becomes muscle memory. When I go digging up different recordings, remasters or live editions of Black Dog, they're still unique to each performance-which is JUST as rewarding, given that he likely counted in at his leisure based on different stipulations in the performance, ie. the length and style of Robert's refrains, the ring-out of Jimmy's guitar, or just how amped or tired John likely was from LZ's insane shows.
Cheers mate.
I've listened to this song since basically birth and I've never noticed this. That's so cool! They were truly an irreplaceable act
I’m glad I saw this. I’m new to guitar and just started learning and I have been struggling with black dog. I love Bonham, he’s my favorite drummer of all time, but now I have someone to blame for not being able to play along to that song out loud. God it’s difficult.
Makes me think also of how you can hear his pedals squeaking on many tracks
@@js2010ish ahh yes, classic Ludwig speed king pedals 😁 they're known for it
I don't play drums, I really don't know much of anything about drums, but Bonham's playing bring a surge of emotion to me that makes me want to cry. I can't say that of any other drummer I've ever heard.
Exactly. Bonham propelled the nervous system beyond words.
Watching musicians stretch and be pursuaded by the soaring invitation today reflex that imitable contribution of his genius. He raised the hairs, rippled the skin, ran rainbows up and down the spine and propelled toes to tap. Jumping into that feast in time transports the spirit. Just hearing evokes ...launching to explore and never the same. Jon Bonham left a gift to the ages.
The whole band fantastic, and on his beat. Words are not enough.
I don’t play drums either and I don’t play a drummer on tv and I didn’t stay at a holiday inn express last night. Lol I’m a huge Zeppelin fan and Bonzo is awesome. The only other drummer that matches his ferocity is Bull Ward. Ward seems to get over shadowed. Listen to the Original Black Sabbath album and the paranoid album as well. Bonzo, Ward, and even Keith Moon are the last of those swingy jazz bluesy hard driven drummers. There’s really nothing more to say about Bonzo. Everyone knows how awesome he is. He’d be first carved on the Mount Rushmore of Drummers. Listen to the drums on Sabbath wooo man. 😮😮 have a nice day and listen to what makes you feel.
@@joemomma3988I like your opinions sir
the sound bonham gets when he hits the snare and hi-hat together- its perfect and no other drummer can make it sound quite that good / crisp.
Lets just say every member of Zep was a freak of nature and there will never be another.
Second!
Others, *cough* Greta Van Fleet * cough* try but don't even come close.
Except for all the ones that came before...
@@GVilleAnarcho wrong. songwriters have nothing to do with the unmatchable PERFORMANCE of the four members of LZ playing in unison.
Except for the part that's other people's shit.
I’ll show my teenage ignorance. By the time I saw Zeppelin play in ‘77 I’d seen a bunch of great bands and great drummers including Neil Peart and Ian Paice. I was not the biggest Zep fan when I went and Bonham was just another drummer. That all changed in a magical instant. We were close to the front near the center when the lights came up.
Zeppelin didn’t walk on stage, they floated. I’ve never felt that way ever again.They opened with Song Remains the Same. The first minute of that song changed the way I’d view every other band, every other guitarist and every other drummer…forever. John Bonham played drums like there was no tomorrow, every minute on every song. He was fast and powerful, but Bonham had a unique and distinctive beat that I’d never heard, and still have not heard duplicated. The music of Led Zeppelin is legendary. Thanks in great part to the truly magical groove Bonham created. Apologies for the rambling…it happens every time I reflect on that one night of magic.
Bonham died 6 months before I was born, you are lucky to have seen them live. Sometimes I wish I was born two decades earlier. Thanks for sharing!
No need for apologies, I too get long-winded when talking about Zeppelin. People will often say Peart was the best rock drummer, but I vote Bonham...hands down! Neil was indeed a perfect drummer, and I might say the ONLY one that could fit in Rush. When we're classifying "rock" drummers, in my opinion there has to be a little dirt, a little grit, what Jones called the "stomp groove." Peart's style of playing is too clean and precise. I'm constantly reminded how John was too heavy-handed, with such a thunderous tone in every Zeppelin song. BULLSHIT!! Like the narrator, I play "Fool In The Rain," and walk away. I'll return and interrupt any, "Ya, but..." and play "Achilles Last Stand" to end the debate.
I saw them in '75, Nassau Collesium, NY City. "Physical Graffiti" had not been released yet, but that didn't stop them from playing "Houses of the Holy," "Sick Again," and "In My Time of Dying." New songs from our favorite band? You're kidding us, right? They played for nearly THREE hours!! They have what they call "nodding songs," where a member can just start a jam and nod, follow this. I forget the song they started with, might have been "Whole Lotta' Love," in the middle of it there was a bit of a lull, and Plant started singing Rick Nelson's "Garden Party." Best band ever!
Here's a party question for you: If you could see ONE last fantasy reunion concert of these 3, would you pick Zeppelin, The Beatles, or Elvis Presley?
@@philweeks8459 thanks for a great post. I’ve seen a ton of bands but not Zep. Only RP solo a few years ago. I’m jealous of you.
I’m a lame ass drummer sitting in front of a red vistalite kit as I type I have often argued that Peart is number one and Bonham is number two. Hear me out.
Peart lasted. That counts for something. He also played such a wide variety of percussion and was a physical baddass with speed, precision and nuance. Bonham on the other hand had such fluidity and speed belying great power.
I love both bands and saw rush twice, which is not nearly enough, but appreciate the humor and self deprecation that rush out out while zep got self absorbed- though in a different time and who could blame them given their talent and god like status in rock.
I’m rambling I know- but love talking about stuff like this. Both of us are right and neither of us are wrong in my mind.
Here’s another one I like to argue. Greatest rock and roll song. Here’s my take.
Number one- sympathy for the devil. In your face, questioning authority, jungle beat at the time rock was called jungle music.
Number 2. Imagine. Same rebellion, same message, different delivery.
Keep well.
@@steveb796 too bad you didn't see Page/Plant and the "No Quarter Tour" that was pretty awesome as well. And I'm going to agree with you by saying that yes, Peart is indeed a better percussionist than John Bonham. (I also liked your "no one is right or wrong" comment. I try to tell my friends the same thing. It's really all just a matter of opinion, right?) My point was when it comes to rock, there has to be a little dirt, slight mistakes if you like. Peart was PERFECT and didn't make mistakes which makes him the better drummer but not the better "rock" drummer.
I get the longevity comparison. Kinda' hurt. Yep, two different lifestyles, groups, access to indulgence, etc...but I didn't like the shot. With that being said, indeed Rush lasted longer than Zeppelin, but who had more hits? Who sold more albums? Of the two, which had given more as an influence to rock as we know it?
I also liked your greatest rock song debate. Hard to top "Sympathy" for all the reasons you listed AND more. Here's one I like to purpose on a first date, or party, etc... If there was a fantasy concert, of these 3 who would you most like to see... 1) The Beatles, 2) Led Zeppelin or 3) Elvis Presley? (Mind you, these are fantasy concerts and they're performing at their peak.)
@@philweeks8459 no disrespect meant on the longevity comment. Rush was a niche sound so comparing album sales is apples to oranges. Both great bands. And I get the grit factor for Bonham.
As far as which I’d like to say more, that is tough. I’d have to go with Zep based on when I grew up, my tastes and I think they were probably the biggest wow factor for a live performance over the other two. Great question.
To think this man was depressed towards the end of his life and said "everyone's a better drummer nowadays than me". How wrong he was and how incredible he still is 50 years later. Still the best drummer of all time. John Bonham may be gone but the music lives on 🤘
"Best drummer of all time" doesn't exist
@@Martin_Bernard last name Bonham, first name John, period.
@@jiceBERG There's always this annoying "best ever" comment under every great drummer's video, GOAT don't exist, you can never compare different time, different music, different style, etc.
@@Martin_Bernard Yes you can, hence John Bonham.
@@Rick-tw9ge That's only your preference, but there have been way too many great drummers and it's impossible to compare because music is an art, not a competition
During John Bonham's birth, his mother underwent 26 hours of labour at a midwife's house. When he was eventually delivered, his heart stopped and a Doctor was called. The Doctor managed to save his life and....the rest is history. Despite his worldwide fame and fortune, he never forgot his roots and the community he grew up in. A friend of mine recalls watching him on tv and then a few days later seeing him drinking in a local pub.
His mum's labour would have been easier if he wasn't born holding drumsticks in each hand. 😉
As a Led Zeppelin fan I can honestly say watching this opened up another level of understanding to the songs and albums I've heard hundreds of times. Excellent work and explanation.
Nickify
For your health!!....
that and they lifted everything they put on vinyl ,,,,
the band should have been called heavy fingers
Yeah...those 4 notes they used....what a shame.
Who do you think of when you hear "Blue Suede Shoes"? Well....that's not his song. Who do you think got paid for it though?
I guess Frank Sinatra wasn't such a good singer since he made money singing songs he didn't write himself.
Bill Russell The idea that bands can't sample is just nuts. Bands have been doing sense way before zeppelin was around and they will continue to do so. Led zeppelin took the music they "lifted" to a whole nother level.
Bill Russell... it's okay man... every honest dude admits that he got a little envious at seeing the legendary Plant sidepipe the first time. The difference is the rest of us don't let our penis envy delude us that they're a bad band cause they're the only ones to ever re-record a blues song, let alone doubting the fact that Zeppelin was arguably the finest lineup of musicians the world will ever see.
“WERE YOU RUSHING OR DRAGGING?!”
John Bonham: “both”
Lol imagine him playing whiplash
Li3htning He sure as hell wouldn’t let some band director smack him around.
Such a great comment - love it!
He would slap him across the face with a fish
Comment of the year, congratulations. Still giggling.
I grew up in a jazz household. As a teenager my dad took me to see Miles Davis and others. At the same time I was a huge fan of rock music, especially Led Zeppelin. When I learned later that John Bonham was self taught listening to Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich this made sense to me, as to why I loved their sound. All the musicians in the band of course, but John Bonham’s drumming most of all. When Bonham died I could barely listen to them anymore; for years I did not. Now I am a student of drums and have an even greater appreciation. There’s just nothing like Led Zeppelin and nothing like drummer John Bonham.
In My Time of Dying is the best example of how phenomenal Bonham was. Isolate just his drums. 11 minutes of unfathomable power and rhythm. First couple minutes starts slow, but the last 2/3 of the song he adds layer after layer, breaks and incredible variety with each minute building into an unreal crescendo along with the rest of the band. I zone out to it every time.
I'm with ya, I want it played while I'm on my death bed to send me off
@@dangergirluk1 ❤️ I'm stealing that and adding it to my death bed list. 😉
That Kashmir time signature analysis blew my mind. Never thought about it. Well done!
Lucas Brito Not really tho. Just finished composed a song with my band the other day and one of the parts in the song my drum beat plays exactly like Bonham's in Kashmir in terms of beat and time signature. It's just a matter of perspective, really..if you count the beat simply as 6/8, 3/4 rather than 4/4 or 8/8, with alternating 1-2-3 pattern. Kick-Snare-Kick goes first, then follow by Snare-Kick-Snare. And repeat.
Black Dog, now that's something out of this world.
Playing games with numbers. That's all this mental masterbation is all about. Stop it and PLAY !
He played those bass triplets in Good Times Bad Times with one foot, by the way.
Fucking Insane
Makes him even more badass
Have you seen the early video where he played the kick on 'Good Times Bad Times' with his left foot, and the hi-hat pattern with his right whilst playing right handed with his hands? Cool as.
Will Hartley lies
The Moon Truth
Triplet fills was the secret for Bohnam, triplet fills were of course used by many drummers before him, but his more raw, hard hitting, and his loose groovy feel were the ingredients for greatness.
He has influenced countless drummers, not just in rock; but in every genre. RIP Bonzo the beast
I've never been more randomly obsessed with a musician as I am with Bonzo. I can't explain it beyond my visceral love of music and how his drumming makes me feel...all the feelings.
I am the same. I love all kinds of music and adore LZ as a band, but there's something about the way he played that always captures my attention. I listen out for his fills and they have the same effect on me hearing them for the 100th time as they did the first.
He had an incredible sense of timing (very important for a drummer), and he beat the skins with a ferocity that would make the most macho caveman cower!
This actually made me appreciate much more not only Bonham, but drumming as a whole. Good job!
That's what I was a tryin to say with all those words...
Yeah same here man!!!
John Bonham's secret was that he was a Motown freak. He single-handedly made hard rock sexy by incorporating Motown-inspired grooves into Zepp's music, as well as jazz. He blended it all together like no one else. In the early days of rap, Zepp was the most sampled band.
The Beasties used a lot of Zep lol
I've never thought of him in those terms but makes sense. And I've always loved motown too. I think most folks in their 50s and 60s do.
NO! Not WAS. IS: according polyphonic.
Zep has always been a treasure trove for hip-hop, especially in the 80s and 90s.
John Bonham's drumming is as mysteriously good as the writing of some of my favorite writers. It's so natural and effortless and has perfect judgement as to what to emphasize or omit.
Led Zeppelin is just so perfect, perfect vocalist,godly guitarist,godly drummer and an amazing bassist
kind of the anti-WHO in some respects but very similar in others
Zeppelin couldn't open for Skynyrd. Skynyrd had a U. S. Marine for a drummer!!!! No taxation without representation!!!!!
They are all gods, John Paul is as filthy as the rest of em
They said he played drums like a guitar.
They were an great extremely talented band!
Bonham revolutionized the way drumming was played from the late 60’s to the end of the 90’s. His kid can really wail on a set too. Very talented musician.
Thank you for the explanation. I finally got why they had to quit the band when he died. He couldn't be replaced by anyone, and without him, Zep truely could not be Zep anymore.
It's too bad The Who didn't figure that out.
Could probably say that about every member of the band
I can't believe what Angus Young has been doing with that monstrosity he's dragging around the world and calling AC/DC. It's disgusting. Malcolm Young WAS AC/DC. More than anything else, his rhythm guitar is what made that band distinctive. Angus is a big enough name in the music industry to make it as a solo act. Why can't he just tour under his own name, write some new material and play shows that are a mixture of new songs and AC/DC songs? He has enough fans to pull it off. This way he could honor the band and give AC/DC fans what they want and still do both in a way that honors Malcolm.
Zep Leppelin?
@@danl.4743 Leddelin*
Zeppelin were freaks of nature. Arguably:
- the greatest rock singer of all time
- one of the all time great rock guitarists
- one of the all time great bassists and multi-instrumentalists
- unquestionably the greatest drummer of all time
I’m still partial to Neil Peart, being the best, but John Bonham is right up there.
@@johnsmith2221. No offense but I find Neil boring. You could skip a few of Rush albums and not miss anything.
@@gregrajab6085thats the big difference. Neil was technically sharp as a sushi knife. Bonham makes you wanna stomp your feet.
Not that Rolling Stone is the be-all-end-all, but they included every member of their band except Plant in the top 15 of best in the instrument, period. Both Bonham and Page in the top 2. Thats pretty insane.
@johnsmith2221 im not shocked to see a rush fan here. Can you lot not shut up about Peart for 2 seconds
I’ve always been in awe how they pulled off Black Dog. With the amount of pauses and the seemingly erratic fast meandering flow of the song, it would seem hard for all members to keep time together. Very impressive.
Personally I think Bonham ruined that song not giving it a steady backbeat, the way the drums counter the riff In a weird way, I think page let him ruin that one cause he was jealous Jones wrote such a great riff
@@wyrlismike dude the drums sound amazing this way
@@serbiansleeperagent the drum sound is amazing, the lack of a back beat isn't. To me anyway
I would love to see videos like this for each member of Zeppelin.
Keep on watching. :)
second you
Agreed. Polyphonic, please make it happen.
YEAH
Yes
Bonham was a 19 yr old kid when Zep recorded their first album. He was self taught. GOAT Rock Drummer !!!!
And Plant was 18... un fkn real!!
Keith Moon : enters the chat
Best band ever.John is the greatest so talented n skilled player.The way he hits the drum's just sound so raw.Using only one pedal sounds like 10 of them.
He only played like an 8 year old girl.
There’s about 500 million Zep fans that would disagree with you, including me.
Been a LZ fan for 30+ years, and this video really helped me appreciate Bonzo more. Thanks.
I still cannot belive Bonham played the bass drum on Good Times Bad Times with only one bass drum. Man he was lighting fast, what a powerhouse.
I think they nailed it when they said he played with the guitar instead of the bass. That explains it all. That's why his drumming is so striking.
The entire band revolved around Page's guitar licks. The songs were all dominated by memorable licks.
And Page could be a little sloppy. Maybe the weird timings evolved from that someone saying, "hang on, lets make that 'mistake' again. Black Dog is unbelievable that it could be designed this way from the very outset. Amazing.
@@Neilhoh3 Exactly. I 100% agree with you. People that actually do hate on Page use the excuse, "he's a sloppy player." But that's just his style. He's not sloppy, but instead a loose player, swaying in and out of the beat, and being the forefront of the sound.
Good drummers either play with the guitar or the guitar follows the drummer. Shit drummers follow the bass.
@@TheHyde8875 It´s not as simple as that you dimwit.
The Rock Stars all aligned when this band was formed.
Rock Gods*
Yes they did
Yes they absolutely 💯 did!!!!!!
It is mind blowing, mind blowing, that this band came out of, what Americans wouldnt look twice at. Blues. Also called or considered throw away music by young americans. "I had a dream, crazy dream, anything I wanted to know, any place I needed to go....I wanted to see Zeppelin more than anything. Then it happened, the unimaginable, April 1980 I think.
Jimmy Page hired who he thought would compliment him the best. Make no mistake Led Zeppelin was Jimmy's band. I guess John Paul Jones had a career prior to Zeppelin. But Plant and Bonham were virtually nobodies. Plant got Bonham in the band.
One of all time favourite song is when the leeve breaks. And i had no idea why it was such magic to my ears until you explained it. And Kashmir! O M G !!! Everytime I listen to it, it takes me to a place far away. Thank you for this vid my guy, I'm gonna rediscover my led Zeppelin now. 🤌💜💜
Dyer Maker is an amazing piece of music, because it's based on Reggae music, but still manages to keep a solid rock tempo, and how they managed to do this will always blow my mind, but it definitely couldn't have been done without John Bonham's amazing percussion. There's truly no other song like it
Fool In The Rain is one of the greatest songs ever. It's like no other song and I loved your breakdown of these songs. Most amazing.
leokimvideo OAR did I pretty great job with a cover of this song
you are correct
leokimvideo: It's just too bad that John Bonham and Keith Moon lost the fight against alcoholism. May they Rest in Peace.
Sina's cover of Bonham on Fool In The Rain was so tight, some asshole music VP made her take it down. If you missed her, meet the 15 year old girl just as good as Bonham ever was. ua-cam.com/video/C00BpiE52mM/v-deo.html
yes
Led Zeppelin is one of those rare bands where they physically cannot work if a member is missing. All of the members were irreplaceable
The crap that fanatic people say .. 🙄
@@rejdrouin it's not fanaticism if you knew anything at all about music.
They were all incredibly gifted musicians. It doesn't take a fanatic to recognize they were perfect together.
@@rakuencallisto
Incredibly gifted musician dont need to steal from other in order to have something to play, you fool :) :) :)
@@rejdrouin You apparently know nothing of musical chemistry.
Like the Beatles!
Can’t forget “can’t stop loving you” it was a pure battle between guitar and drums.
My favorite drummer hands down . I could listen to him play all day even without the music . He was so special . Makes me sad that I never got a chance to see him play live .
Led Zeppelin NEVER gets old. After 45 years of listening it still moves me the same way. Incredible.
@l l Check out Greta Van Fleet playing live though. Particularly on SNL. They are very sloppy.
I was born in 1968. However, my parents had Led Zeppelin's albums. I can't say that I remember the music from back in the day, but I definitely know about their music today!!!
I like the skill of other drummers, but I love and appreciate the skill John Bonham brought to his skins and accessories. His sound has always fascinated me.
I have Pandora, UA-cam, and Google Play Music. I have inserted Led Zeppelin to all in one way, shape, or form. When I opened my Pandora account, the 1st "station" was Led Zeppelin.
Thank you for posting this video.
So what they sound like zeppelin .maybe they were influenced by zeppelin did you ever think of that .
@David N Ah... the short answer is YES dick head. TOOL has written and performed better music than Led Zepplin.
In middle school I bought my dad a zeppelin greatest hits CD for Xmas. I heard the first song and immediately took the CD back.
Jack White said it best “I don’t trust anyone that doesn’t like Led Zeppelin”
I mean, I like Led Zeppelin, but why should I give a shit who he does and doesn't trust?
AestheticBiker82 or what you think ;)
Fuck that's hilarious. It's like people who dont like chocolate.
Truth Be Told, There Will never Be Another Like The Almighty Led Zeppelin and Bonzo
PERFEKT,,,,,LOL..
Thank you for doing this!
I always had trouble describing Zeppelin’s unique sound and how it hits you, but “stomp groove” is perfect. Bonham was clearly the backbone of creating that groove and now I know how they got their stuff to sound like no other band.
I also know now why they couldn’t go on after his death. You might be able to train a drummer to play what’s already there, but there’s no way that they could make new music and keep sounding like Zeppelin without Bonzo. The man was a genius.
John Bonham's drumming can be summed up in one word; talent.
Top three along with baker moon
Genius
hard work*
That's maybe 10 percent. They were a love band so they practiced their asses off. Bonham was gifted for sure but he also loved to play every hour in every stinking club.
Crap. Of course I've always heard that Bonham was a drumming savant, but my ears could not hear what you hear. Your explanation opens up a whole new level of appreciation. Thank you.
That’s sick!
Edward Lopez - Spot on; as a non-musician, all I could suss was that Zep, more than any othar band from the classic era, was doing interesting timing changes. It’s nice to get a full explanation with examples. Perhaps if I watch this a dozen times or so, the tutorials will sink in to the point of comprehension.
Although you comment was short, Edward, you are spot on/directly to the point. Most would have needed an extended paragraph to equal what you said.
And he was entirely self taught.
You need to listen to some James Brown son!
I'll never forget the day I discovered Led Zeppelin. I was in the backseat of my family's minivan on a trip to Oregon while listening to recordings of several violinists and their interpretation of a piece I was learning at the time. My last batteries died on the CD player, and the only other ones within reach were the wrong size. They were, however, inside of an older Walkman so I decided to channel my ADD and start fiddling with the radio scanner.
While searching I came across a silent station in the static, likely right after the DJ introduced the track. Two seconds later I heard the downbeat of Kashmir and there was no going back. I spent the first 2 minutes of the track in total amazement and the last 6 trying to figure out the theory when the string section came in. Once I realized that it was a waltz over common time, it became evident that the elitist nature of the violinists I was surrounded by were all wrong; creativity is unleashed when you don't stick to the standard and liberate your imagination from conservative and cautious habits.
Took me 2 years to figure out the band & name the track, as this was far before the days of high speed internet. That and I couldn't figure out what the f*ck Plant was saying. I'm forever grateful the universe sat me down and showed me how to get the Led out.
Gave me goosebumps reading your story....
I knew Zeppelin because Good Times, Bad Times was on the radio a lot, but I hadn't experienced Zep 4. A guy who was sort of a new friend of mine took me to his back yard, where there was a grove of bushes, and we climbed under there with his boom box, into a little clearing that was isolated on all sides. He pulled out a little pipe and asked if I wanted to smoke some pot, as it was often called back then. We hit the pipe and he fired up Zeppelin 4, and I've never been the same since. Thanks, Dan, you made me at least a little bit cool that day. That led to 38 years and counting of guitar playing, and enjoying the hell out of Zeppelin.
I was on a school bus in 5th grade when a 6th grade girl shared 4 with me. Black dog was the 1st thing I heard and I was sold.
@@sundaynightdrunk keep on rockin´
It kind of goes reverse sometimes though :) the first couple LZ albums were based hugely in blues. E.g. "Nobody's fault but mine" is a cover.
ua-cam.com/video/Y_o4omd8T5c/v-deo.html
They were fantastic, but standing on the shoulders of giants!
I am always amazed at Johns drum work , even now there songs still move me ...and i am old. Saw them play at the forum once. Best drummer ever.
Bonham, Peart, and Carey are some of the most interesting drummers to listen to. They never just sit in the back, they take odd angles at what the other band members are doing. This makes them stand out but simultaneously fit well in the mix
When Zep started out in the industry, the joke was they had a drummer who couldn't keep time. But he was drumming on another level. It wasn't all 4/4 time. He could do 5/12, he could do 20/16. He was in his own league.
Try tapping along to Candy Story Rock on Presence. uh uh.
@@silasmarner7586 ❤👍❤👍🎶
Every truly great artist is a ground breaker and the less talented (read: jealous) people flock like seagulls to hate on them. Even Picasso and Van Gogh were considered hacks in their early years.
@@michaelg7904 well said👍❤🎶
5/12 isn't a thing. There are no 12th notes in music.
I realized the same some years ago: he fucking plays the riffs with the drums. He just had the ear, technique and talent to understand and reconstruct those catchy guitar/bass riffs with his instrument.
Nicko McBrain does the same thing in Iron Maiden, if you listen.
Thank you for stating in a few words what took this video 10 minutes to suggest
I was fortunate to grow up in the 70s and 80s and I learned to play the drums by playing along to all of Led Zeppelin's albums (and many other bands) with my headphones on. Bonham was the best teacher to learn from. I loved his style, especially his right foot on bass drum.
Led Zeppelin is untouchable 💯 You will never find 4 men each one with an exquisite talent of their own.
"I've always been obsessed with drums. They fascinate me. Any other instrument - nothing. I play acoustic guitar a bit. But it's always been drums first and foremost. I don't reckon on this Jack-of-all-trades thing. I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts."
-- John Bonham
do what they want YourWay. Be your original self, not a copy. i agree.
When a drummer screws up a song, its dead. Others can stop or change people, volume, the song can still be salvaged. Drums are the heartbeat. No heartbeat no life. Dead.
Hitting something to make a sound is the most basic of instruments, probably the first instrument we used to make a sound.
Bonham is greatest player at putting soul and feel in it. And i think peart is the best at putting technicality in it.
As someone who knows what a triple paradiddle is, I can confirm this.
And that's why i'm in love with Gavin Harrison's playing 🎶
Wow. I have thought this about Bonham for years but never had the music knowledge to break it down like this. Outstanding.
The most amazing feature of his talent was how he got each appendage to move independently from one another. Playing triplets with his right foot, 4/4 time with his left foot, and hands going all over the kit. A genuine virtuoso and any drummer's hero.
Jimmy page was an accomplished sessions musician and producer and former Yardbirds member. He was the first to mike a drum kit that seriously catapulted the enormous thundering sound of John Bonham ✝️ RIP 🥁 🔊
Bonham’s left foot was the best in rock history! His steady and powerful hi-hat is what kept the song pulsing forward.
This was an excellent analysis, as always. I am in my 60s now and appreciate Led Zepp more than I did when I was 20.
I have played best part of 60years, Buddy Rich I watched in concert and was blown away, Bonham for me brings another dimension to the table a true great.
Same
Me too. Didnt know what i was listening to, haha
I know right? how is that possible? timeless.
same do I!
I never thought i would ever listen to anyone discuss a drummer this good. Wow!!! Thank you
I learned to play drums, as a kid, by listening to my favorite songs on headphones and trying to play along. Needless to say, Zeppelin was playing over those headphones more than any other band. IMO, Bonham is so good because he plays on the edge with a form of a controlled reckless abandon. His beats are all on purpose but they are also unscripted. His playing gives off a vibe that anything could happen at any moment. He was good at capturing the raw energy of jamming with your buddies while being one of the most skilled drummers ever. Hard to beat that.
Your videos make us feel way smarter during our editing binges. Keep up the great work my dude!
Never seen it broken down and explained so well - fantastic stuff!
Nailed it
The beat in Fool in the Rain is something like a Purdie shuffle, but with a Bonham force that's unique. So cool!
John Bonham is the THE greatest rock drummer of all time.
Nobody else had the unique combination of Sound, Groove, technical ability, dynamics, power and sensibility.
He knew when to get on top and when to lay back. His drumming was more about feel than perfection.
He had that incredible right foot and don't his hi-hat work and those sick fills are often never mentioned
He remains the All Around perfect drummer for rock. And be could have played in a Funk band or a Metal band just the same.
He was extraordinary
They were just a super group. Jonesy is often the least celebrated but the guy played(plays) 22 instruments...TWENTY TWO...if that is the weakest link on the chain that friggin chain is titanium.
Props to Jonesy. Glad you mentioned him. The guy is a class act and incredible musician. His bass playing on The Lemon Song still gives me chills and smiles every time I hear it.
Zeps sum is greater than it's parts.
You know, I've noticed that myself, though I hadn't realized that it was because they just didn't see him as important enough. I just thought I missed newsy items about him over the years of my fanaticism. That's a sad, sad commentary for journalism!!! Do you know if Rolling Stone, at least, wrote extently about him with the others? I was much too young to follow them at that age. I enjoyed their music thanks to my parents! Along with Black Sabbath, Rolling Stones, and more but I only really remember those two other bands. One for the faces on the album cover and the other for the music. Especially the Paranoid album. I didn't understand everything they were saying, but the music was great! Now, when I hear some of the songs, I really see how my parents let us be a little unsheltered. I greatly appreciate that. Even back then, I knew they were giving me a gift by not keeping us so sheltered. Don't get me wrong, outright bad was not allowed to happen to me or my siblings. We had a whole club protecting the li'l' kiddies ☺ Just good cleanish fun and a bit of openness of my parents lifestyle. And, one good dirty ditty!!! 😀 Anyhow, if you're still at this, thanks for reading! My all-time favorite rock N roll band is the best subject for my input! Led Zepplin Rocks!!! Too much? Oh, well. It happens.
I don’t consider him the weakest link in the chain and I don’t think anyone else did either. Jimmy set out to find the absolute best of the best and he found it in each of them. It was no accident and there was no weak link.
You have that right, Brother :D
NO ONE HAS ANSWERED THE QUESTION....LMAO
40 years ago today the world lost an amazing drummer......RIP John Bonham.
Can't believe it's that long ago! We had tickets for the upcoming concert at the Spectrum here in philly, and I remember how it got canceled...:(...I was 20 when he died...
Sad
@@godbluffvdgg oh my I can’t imagine. How upsetting for everyone.
I remember in high school people saying bottom wasn’t a great drummer I didn’t know all the details of what was going on just a moment he was the greatest now it’s proven true
And John Lennon.
I never really focused on the intricacies of Zeppelin, just the band as a unit that just killed it. Lately I’ve started to appreciate the genius of the the 4 parts alone coming together. It’s amazing what looking through a “microscope” can reveal…😏
Excellent job! I noticed what you are talking about when I was young. Just thought it was wonderful! 70 years old now and still loves their music.
Achilles Last Stand is the most incredible piece of drumming I've ever heard. John Bonham was an absolute master of his craft. Rip
What about moby dick?
Mobs Dick is amazing but Achilles last stand is fucking insane
@@marcoswilson1613 Yes, it's like a 10 min drum solo 🥁
indeed!!!! in Achiles Last Stand and In My Time of Dying, Bonham and Page just do the best performance together
Led Zep, The Stones,The Who, Pink Floyd, The Beatles ... the UK has produced some serious musicians.
QUEEN
None of them can come close to Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaghuan, Albert King, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Etc. all those bands from England wanted to be Muddy Waters, and Albert King. They tried, but couldn't come close. Ain't gonna lie, I do love Thin Lizzy, but they're Irish.
Queen
maverick buckley Radiohead
Muse
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
I have been obsessed with the ethereal, unique, inexplicable feel/vibe they evoked for 35 years. I still can't wrap my head around it, but the math and visuals you provided make me feel like I am almost grasping the edge of a wisp of how this thing happened. I'll be watching this many times over.
My 12 year old daughter loves the Good Times, Bad Times intro. It’s great that she noticed it without me mentioning it to her. Definitely an exceptional drummer he was.
As a guitar player, Jimmy Page was always my focus when I listened to Zeppelin. This video really opened my mind up on how awesome Bonham was. I'll definitely give him more focus from now on.
In reality..it was JPJ, listen carefully...
Eric Chappell listen to their live concerts. That’s where you can see Bonham as the driving force.
I saw Zeppelin live and in person in 77. They are all fantastic - yes bonzo was phenomenol, but I think JPJ was the glue.
As a guitar player, Jimmy Page is feckless compared to Eddie Van Halen.
@Possumlove Whatever man. I got into Zep when I was 14 at my penfriends house in France when Led Zep 4 came out. For a while I was focused on Stairway to Heaven, but when I got the album back in England, it was When the levee breaks that has held my interest because of the heavenly drums. Same with Since Ive been loving you. Bonham influenced a progressive rock band to produce blues and jazz riffs and because they were all so talented, they allowed themselves to embrace those styles,along with the gothic lyrics and power chords.
I don't even know what you were speaking of, but I do know how many times I've felt it. He was - a gift.
Probably the best band of the 60s 70s , plant is a true rock god , as a band through their time they always rocked everyone to the max , when a teenager discovers led zep it a beautiful thing !
Dunno if anyone's mentioned it, but the drum part in "Fool In the Rain" is a classic Bernard "Pretty" Purdie shuffle. The beat propels the whole thing forward and you don't even realize it's happening.
I was a drummer in a garage band when Good Times Bad Times was released. I remember being faced with the record when two of the guys brought it in for us to learn 'by ear" as we did with all the tunes we played. Upon hearing the intro, I thought, "Man, I'm in for some work on this one." We all thought Bonham must have had two kicks (like Keith Moon). The bass player asked me, "Can you play that with one kick?" I told him I'd just have to since I couldn't afford another kick. And so I did, but it wouldn't be until years after Bonham's death that I learned that he only used one kick.
We played the song a lot, and as fun as it was, it always left me... somewhat fatigued.
"Somewhat fatigued" :p Good effort.
When John Bonham passed away the rest of the band decided they couldn't do 'Led Zeppelin' without him. Thanks. Good video.
I'm in my 60's and back than I wondered...why not just get a new drummer? Now I know why. He was irreplaceable. RIP John.
@@Dyros55 They collectively said no one could do what Bonzo did. Any drummer who tries to keep up with him will tell you the same, save his son Jason who pulled it off big time!
@@Dyros55 I agree he was irreplaceable what an incredible drummer
Exactly, its like Rush not going without Neil Peart, who was better
@@harrisfoster1066 Except that Neil Peart and Rush were almost seventy years old when Neil passed away. I saw Neil play a high school with JR Flood in about 1970. Were you there?
John was the best drummer and you’re the best at explaining to the average listener why he was the best. Keep up the great work.
Four months on youtube and Polyphonic got his most popular video. 17 million? Well deserved man. Ur videos are great!
It's pretty remarkable how drummers from all genres admire Bonham. Metal players are influenced by him, progressive rock drummers like Phil Collins and Bruford, the Ramones drummers loved his playing, Bobby Bland had him sitting in and enjoyed it, Rappers sample him constantly, Paul McCartney had him playing with him, Stewart Copeland admired him, Neil Peart , Alex VH, Jeff Porcoro, Cozy Powell . Page told a story recently about Ronnie Verrell, a highly respected session drummer Jimmy knew from his studio days, coming to him shortly after the first album was released and asking him to introduce him to John because he was amazed by his footwork. Bonzo was one of a kind.
Rappers sample him.....Phsssss get that fucking bull shit out of here..
When I was in the Army stationed in Germany in 1970 me and my army friends would go to many Rock and Blues concerts. We saw Led Zeppelin in Frankfort in July 1970. A few years ago I caught an interview with Jimmy Page and he said one of the best crowds they ever played for was that concert in Frankfort. Thank you Jimmy.
Frankfurt*
Good stuff.
Dreaming about that 😉.
Where’s Frankfort? It doesn’t exist in Germany…I would think if you were stationed in the city of FRANKFURT you’d know how to spell it…
11th ACR Fulda?
Lucky you--seeing Zep in Germany and not having to go to Viet Nam. I did Germany too--Baumholder. First saw LZ, Chicago 71.
Bonham belongs to a cohort of undisputably amazing musicians, who gave the so called "popular" music (namely, rock, jazz, funk, soul, even the first disco music) a right to stand hand to hand with the utmost specialized music of all time. Great analysis, thank you for your work.
This video is very well done! I love how cleanly written out all of the rhythms are in the examples.
The part about the drums following the guitar lines is an overlooked part of Zepplin. It allowed John Paul Jones to turn the bass into a more melodic and interesting sound while still staying with the guitar and bass.
I always felt the drums should follow the guitar/ accent the guitar not the other way around...this is very difficult for drummers to do since it is generally accepted that the drums set the beat for a song.
The catch is...the guitar....sings the song.
When they are matched with one another such as this....well.....just listen
My sense was always that Bonzo was always a nanosecond behind Page and Jones, but always in time. It was an awesome skill.
as a drummer of 20 years, im truly impressed by your concise breakdown of johns incredible drumming. to this day nobody sounds like bonzo. thank you
may I ask you a question? at the end of the video when he analyzes the polyphonic part, why doesn't he just put the drum part into 12/8 signature but put it in 4/4?
I am a huge fan of Joe Morello, most famous for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. He could put 15 over 7, as but one example of his greatness. The Quartet's Carnegie Hall double album (1962) has a 10-minute-long drum solo on "Castilian Drums" that remains in my mind as one of THE best solos ever recorded. That said, after watching this video (and having heard Led Zeppelin's works for 40 years), I am now convinced that Bonham belongs in this category -- one of the ALL-TIME greats!
Linh Dam I see what you did there
So many people have tried and failed just the same as trying to sound like Paige.
Check out Tomas Haake from Meshuggah. That dude buries John Bonham with no sweat.
Amazing! thank you for breaking down Bonham's beats. I know nothing of the intricacy that goes into being a musician but your examples allowed me to follow along. If you're not a music teacher, you should be!
One of the most interesting things I've seen on UA-cam. I often know a song is special but can't explain why... This video does a great job of doing that! ThX
Fool in the rain is based on the Bernard Purdie Shuffle. Tiki Fulwood (funkadelic)was doing triplets on the bass drum before Bonham but Bonham made it famous. He wasn't a funk drummer but there was a heavy funk element to his drumming. I personally love " Trampled Underfoot" it's a funk/rock masterpiece.
Kemet First I think it was Vanilla Fudge's drummer who also inspired John Bonham. The drummer for Vanilla Fudge was doing triplets.
Kemet First yip! Binham did change things up a lot, and made it his own. I love what Paccaro did with it too. I like reading posts of knowledgeable people. Not (Peart is the greatest drummer ever) He's done far better than most financially, but so has Lars, Peter Chris. Ah, shouldn't talk shit about other drummers, but I couldn't help myself
I'm a big fan of the funk rock of The Crunge as well, built out from Bonham and Jones' love of funk they even get Robert Plant to break out his best James Brown impression on the bridge!
As a drummer I always loved them specifically because of this playing around with the timing. I was blown away the first time I heard it as a teen.
Thank you, I loved that analysis!
I've watched this over a half dozen times now. At the end you say that it is impossible to do John Bonham justice, without giving it more time. Well? When are you making a longer version?!
After watching this video, you can see why Zeppelin broke up after Bonzo’s death. He truly is irreplaceable.
This is exactly what I told to myself after watching this video
Absolutely true. Jimmy Page said there was nobody who could replace what Bonzo could do. It just wouldn't work.
@Phantom Freeze Not in 1980 as he was only 14 and not ready to step into his fathers huge shoes. Zeppelin did the right thing by breaking up. I recently watched their 2007 concert and was really impressed with Jason on the drums. He was very very good.
His son, while not seeming to have that special Bonzo touch [yet] is still an admirable replacement, the band members are all uncles to him.
I couldn't of said it any better my friend!
And he only used a 5 piece Drum kit. He was a machine. RIP to the best to ever do it.
What!!
Holy shit, you're not kidding!
keith moon was better
@@thespursfan7564creatively they are very close but Bonhams technique was way above moons
I don’t think Keith moon was better, but I think Neil Peart was. But Bonham is great.
Really fascinating your video breakdown and so well narrated so although very complex we get a feel of the musical theory behind these iconic grooves! Thank you!
You forgot to talk about his mustache
Oh my god, I'm crying laughing at this comment.
He also forgot to talk about Mitch Mitchell.
He also forgot to talk about his moustache
You also forgot to not let the door fuck you on the way out!
Big Smoke. ?
The fact that drummers today still have a hard time learning a fool in the rain (i am one of them) is a testament to how great John was..
Some purdie shuffle that was!
Been playin over 50 years and cannot master the complicated Bonzo licks at all. He was one of the greatest drummers to ever live.
He didn't do it all on the same track if that makes you feel better
Excellent video. Really informative without being pretentious or dragging things out. Thank you!
Excellent post, thanks for putting this together!
This is the reason why Led Zeppelin could not continue on without John Bonham. Their sound was dependent on the interplay between each and every single one of them with the other. That's why Zep made the smart & right decision to conclude its tenure at that point.
Not exactly Zep, but Plant. And that's mainly because they were best friends, but yes, even though Page and JPJ wanted to give it a try, they probably knew that they couldn't really make it without Bonham.
The right decision. Brits are good at ending things at the point of diminishing returns, e.g. Colonialism, The Office.
Mate, I reckon Jason does a pretty good job picking up where his dad left off ...
John had been with Plant since Jr high Robert did not want another drummer!@
I was always fascinated by these unorthodox Bonham rhythms, but this video really breaks it down nicely. Well done!
Thanks, makes me appreciate his genius even more.
Superb video, thanks for that. One thing that is not mentioned in it is the sound itself: The way Bonhams drums are recorded, mixed and produced is super special. Such a legendary love to rhythm.
Superb video. One can really appreciate how in synch Page and Bonham were during their time together. The music is timeless. Thanks for putting this together.