The Reign of John Bonham: The God of Rock Drums
John Bonham is widely recognized as one of the greatest drummers in rock history. His powerful performance and unique style have left an indelible mark on the music world. This article explores why Bonham is revered by both fans and professional drummers alike, and delves into his impact on the music industry.
John Bonham: A Beast on the Drums
There are several YouTube videos that effectively illustrate why Bonham is considered one of the world's greatest drummers. One notable video is a detailed explanation of why Bonham was so exceptional on the drums. Another video ranks him as the greatest drummer of all time, with a compelling argument made by Howard Stern. The performance of 'When The Levee Breaks' is also a testament to Bonham's thunderous talent.
His Unique Style and Influence
John Bonham was far more than just the drummer of Led Zeppelin; he transformed the way rhythm and time signatures were played together in rock music. In 'Kashmir,' while Robert Plant sang over a 3/4 time signature, Bonham seamlessly played a 4/4 time signature on the drums. This interplay created a signature and original sound that set Bonham apart. His ability to play over the top of songs, often creating an anxious or nervous feel, is evident in the iconic song 'Immigrant Song.'
Bonham's drumming on 'Good Times Bad Times' features smoking hot triplets that captivate listeners, and his delivery on 'The Unfinished Tune' and 'Fool In The Rain' showcases his incredible versatility. He also created an addicting syncopated bass drum pattern in 'Traveling Riverside Blues,' and his powerful energy and bottom-end sound drove Led Zeppelin to new heights. Many contemporary rock drummers today cite Bonham as an influence, and he is often credited with starting many of the cool tricks we use today in modern rock drumming.
Sound Atmosphere: Creative Recording Techniques
Bonham's contributions to Led Zeppelin extended beyond his live performances. For 'When The Levee Breaks,' he recorded his drum track in a hollow staircase hallway in an old hotel. This creative technique gave his track the most amazing delay and echo effect, which was mixed louder and more prominently in the music. These sound engineering techniques added to the track's atmospheric quality, further cementing Bonham's status as a musical innovator.
Around the Drum Community: A Controversial Figure
As a professional drummer for many years, my perspective on Bonham's status is a bit different. While Bonham was indeed incredible for Led Zeppelin, his overall technique, speed, and creativity are not at the top of the heap compared to many other drummers. Several drummers who have truly shaped the genre include Carl Palmer, Buddy Rich, James Bradley, Phil Collins, Steve Gadd, Phil Erhart, Neil Peart, Bill Bruford, Joe Morello, Omar Hakeem, Barrymore Barlow, Dave Weckl, and Vinny Appeluca. Each of these drummers has their unique style and has contributed significantly to the music industry.
A Time to Rethink the Legend
It's important to remember that while John Bonham was undoubtedly a powerhouse drummer and a legend in his own right, many other drummers have offered unique and incomparable talent. The music world continues to evolve, and modern drummers continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible.
While Bonham's talent and legacy cannot be denied, it's also valuable to recognize the contributions of other great drummers. John Bonham's music and his impact on rock drumming will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come, but so too will the legacy of the drummers mentioned above.