What Makes John Bonham Such a Good Drummer?

Here’s a super-impressive video for your viewing pleasure, about the Numero Uno Rock drummer of all time. It really demonstrates Bonzo’s techniques more clearly than I’ve ever seen before, anywhere. Yet, these details are presented in such a concise way that even the layman will be able to get the idea. It’s an outstanding production job in that respect alone, and quite the trick to pull off.

All of JB’s ultra-creative playing is why he’s always been my favorite Rock drummer. I think what really grabbed me about him at first was his performance on “The Ocean”, which has always been my favorite Zeppelin tune… What a groove. But, the shuffle throughout “Fool in the Rain” has to be his most complex playing ever, with incredible syncopation.

For those of you who know me well and just fell over: Yes, Peart is my number 2 simply because the horse came before the cart, and he’s always noted Bonzo as a major influence. Hell, I wish I could play half of what either of them are (or were) capable of. One of these days I’m going to master Bonzo’s triplets, they’re a lot tougher to play than they sound!