What Makes John Bonham Such a Good Drummer?

I'm no drummer but I've heard from a few that one of the things that Bonzo did that set him apart was his innate ability to play just behind the beat, like the R&B drummers did. It gave Zeppelin a swagger and strut that most blues rock and hard rock bands didn't have. And then there's those impossible rolls, all done without losing the beat. He had impeccable control. He got in an argument about mike placement with Terry Manning while recording LZ II and Manning insisted that they need more mikes to control the volume. "When I want it louder, I'll PLAY it louder." He knew dynamics better than most, including Ginger Baker.

Here's the thing about Ginger. He's the most miserable misanthrope in the rock pantheon. His jealousy of Bonham's reputation and success just burns him, despite his own achievements. Bonham didn't need a jazz players swing, not when he had that strut. But Ginger is an insecure, petty man and he'll be making remarks like this while they nail the coffin lid shut. There's a reason that Ringo and Moon were buddies of Bonzo, and not Ginger.

 

Recording drums well is a real talent. Ironically, the first album is probably the best recorded (imo).

 

the power and the majesty!

 

John Bonham if you listen to his drumming is incorporating styles from funk and other genres which is not noticeable to every one. He also really knew how to fit what the songs needed as well which is the most important function as a drummer in my opinion.

 

One word, POWER!

 

Brilliant at composing his parts, always played for the song. But I’d rather listen to an awful Peter Criss drum solo than suffer 45 minutes of triplets enduring Moby Dick live!

 

The whole spectrum of the SOUNDS he made! He was a drummer and a musician!

So unique. So powerful. So perfect.

 

No comments on the Beato videos from the OP?

 

I think this guy gets a bit too technical into how bonzo played. Like black dog, he says it sounds like its out of sync.

I would have never thought of it that way till he said that. He is in sync, he just has cool changes in his playing.

I practiced a lot when I was a kid and always practiced to zep. Stairway is a easy song to play, but I love how bonzo plays in that song. It's a fun song to play that builds up and has cool changes even in his steady timing in the song.

I am not sure he thought a whole lot about what or how he played. Sounds like to me he just played.

 

Booooooooo

 

the limit to which many people are willing to invest in the role of drums in music, ladies and gentlemen.

 

Agreed. Another example of his impeccable control is "Kashmir", especially the live version from Wembeley. And to think, that was mere days from the end when people think of Bonham as being completely wasted and out of control. Well, there's one place where he never relinquished control, and that was the drum throne. Those rolls wash in like huge waves at incoming tide. And they're so damn leisurely - he has all the time in the world. He was a true master of the drum kit. Every year where I listen to Zeppelin brings him higher in my esteem.

 

No offense to the OP, but I tend to think that when you've seen one of those YouTube 'splainy videos, you've seen 'em all. But I take your point.

 

Rick Beato is different. I would not lump him in with other YouTube bozos. He knows his stuff.

 

Bonzo is the best I ever heard play the drums. His attack, technique, musicality etc. There is no one better.
One of his "secrets" was his tuning of the skins. He tuned quite high in order to allow the sound to project farther. (i.e. loud!) He tuned the bottom skins even higher than the batter side as well.
Sad that near his death he thought that he wasn't very good drummer and told Plant that maybe he should play the drums and Bonzo would sing. (Bonzo had a good voice as well. A couple examples are background on Good Time Bad Times and harmony vocals on Bron-Y-Aur Stomp.)

 

Zep never played Wembley Stadium. Do you mean Knebworth, from '79?

There was the tour of Europe the next year, where Bonzo did seem a little off. Some of that is the flaccid, flat sound of the drums on all those soundboard recordings.

 

Yes, I meant bleeding bloody Knebworth - why did I even make that mistake? Wires crossed with the Floyd, apparently!

I though Knebworth was later than it was as well.

 

Well, Floyd did Knebworth too -- in '75, I think. Genesis, The Stones, Queen...all the big ones except The Who did at some point.

 

He could swing, shuffle and rock all with convincing authority.

People who think he was just a hammer aren't very good listeners.

 

Same country, close enough

 

So many things... my simple opinion is he is like a Rolex, best at what they do, number one being keeping time but also with a signature style, instantly identifiable, flash, simple, pure, solid, not exactly in that order and so much more as well as everyone would want to have for use for the reasons stated. He is in that line of exquisite models.

 

I quite appreciate the role of a drummer and how important it is. John Bonham was a good drummer. I was joking in my comment, but it is true---he was an extremely loud drummer.

 

Nice subtle nod to Keith Moon, one of the few rock drummers of all time who was right up there with Bonzo.

 

He had a unique style (that I never get tired of) and someone who knew how to record him. And the added benefit of lots of great songs to drum to.

 

Ginger Baker can cram it with walnuts. That is all.

NJB