John Bonham’s Best Opening Drum Beats: A Tribute to the Legendary Drummer
John Bonham, the iconic drummer of Led Zeppelin, is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in rock history. His unique style, powerful playing, and distinctive drum beats have inspired generations of musicians. In this article, we’ll explore John Bonham’s best opening drum beats, which showcase his incredible talent and creativity.
The Man Behind the Drums
Born on May 31, 1948, in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, John Bonham’s journey as a drummer began at a young age. He joined Led Zeppelin in 1968, along with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, and went on to create some of the most iconic music in rock history. Tragically, Bonham’s life was cut short on September 25, 1980, at the age of 32. His death marked the end of Led Zeppelin, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.
The Best Opening Drum Beats
From Led Zeppelin’s extensive discography, we’ve curated a list of John Bonham’s best opening drum beats that showcase his incredible talent and creativity. These drum beats are not only iconic but also demonstrate Bonham’s unique style and ability to craft memorable, catchy, and powerful drumming.
#9 – We’re Gonna Groove – Coda
While we wanted to stick to the original Led Zeppelin studio albums, Bonham’s opening drum lick on "We’re Gonna Groove" was too good to ignore. This track was originally recorded during a rehearsal at Morgan Studios in London in January 1970 and was included on the posthumous live album "Coda" in 1982.
#8 – Boogie With Stu – Physical Graffiti
Our favorite Led Zeppelin album makes a quick appearance on this list. "Boogie with Stu" was released on the 1975 double album "Physical Graffiti." Recorded in 1971 at Headley Grange, a historic English mansion known for its distinctive acoustics and informal setting, the track stands out as a lively, impromptu jam session featuring the Rolling Stones’ road manager and pianist, Ian Stewart.
#7 – D’yer Mak’er – Houses Of The Holy
Oh, those drums are just so heavenly. It’s such a simple drum riff that he’s playing, but he creates a sound that no one can duplicate. The song was released in 1973 as part of Led Zeppelin’s iconic fifth studio album "Houses of the Holy." The recording sessions for "D’yer Mak’er" took place at Stargroves, a country house owned by Mick Jagger, and at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.
#6 – Moby Dick – Led Zeppelin II
I can still hear Robert Plant’s live vocals saying Moby Dick, Dick, Dick….. You know what I’m talking about. Moby Dick was John Bonham’s shining moment during Led Zeppelin’s live shows. This instrumental tour de force from Led Zeppelin’s 1969 album "Led Zeppelin II" is an epic legendary classic by Bonham.
#5 – Good Times Bad Times – Led Zeppelin I
Led Zeppelin’s "Good Times Bad Times" is the first of two songs on this list that don’t just feature John Bonham alone at the start. However, the accompaniment is very sparse, and it is truly indeed John Bonham’s explosive drum fills and groove that take center stage at the song’s opening, which made us feel that this one should be on this list. The song was released on Led Zeppelin’s debut album "Led Zeppelin." It was the album’s opening track.
#4 – The Ocean – Houses Of The Holy
Led Zeppelin’s "The Ocean" is the second of two songs on this list where John Bonham is accompanied by his bandmates during the song’s opening riff. However, Bonham does start this song off with his iconic counting that they included on the record. And of course, those fills that he plays in between Page and John Paul Jones’s riffs are just so rock and roll iconic that we had to include this one. It all happens before Plant sings a word. "The Ocean" was released on Led Zeppelin’s studio album "Houses of the Holy."
#3 – The Rover – Physical Graffiti
In the number three spot on our "John Bonham’s Best Opening Drum Licks" article is "The Rover." "The Rover" may very well be Bonham’s most underrated opening drum riff. However, it’s not on their most underrated album; "Physical Graffiti" is thought by many to be Led Zeppelin’s best.
#2 – Rock And Roll – Led Zeppelin IV
Some people may argue that "Rock And Roll" should be number one on the list. It’s an easy argument to make. Is it more popular than the number one pick? Well, probably. Would more hardcore Led Zeppelin fans pick this one over the number one pick? I don’t think so. I think we got it right. Of course, this is such a classic opening drum riff, and drummers love playing it. It’s not completely original, and Bonham was the first to admit it. The drumming pattern is reminiscent of Little Richard’s "Keep A-Knockin’." "Rock and Roll" achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim, contributing to the massive popularity of "Led Zeppelin IV." The album itself reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and number two on the Billboard 200 in the United States, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.
#1 – "When the Levee Breaks" – Led Zeppelin IV
We close out our "John Bonham’s Best Opening Drum Beats" list with a song that always stands at the top of almost every Led Zeppelin fan’s list of favorite Zep songs. The song was originally written and recorded by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929 about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. However, Led Zeppelin did what they always did with old blues classics, completely reinterpreting and reimagining the song. It sounds nothing like the original; it sounds like Led Zeppelin. This may very well be John Bonham’s most shining moment in the studio.
Conclusion
John Bonham’s best opening drum beats are a testament to his incredible talent and creativity as a drummer. These iconic drum beats have inspired generations of musicians and continue to be celebrated by fans of Led Zeppelin and rock music in general. From "We’re Gonna Groove" to "When the Levee Breaks," each of these drum beats showcases Bonham’s unique style and ability to craft memorable, catchy, and powerful drumming.
FAQs
Q: What inspired John Bonham’s drumming style?
A: Bonham’s drumming style was influenced by his early days playing in bands and his admiration for classic rock and roll drummers such as Charlie Watts and Ginger Baker.
Q: What was John Bonham’s favorite drumming technique?
A: Bonham was known for his powerful, dynamic drumming style, which often featured his signature double bass drumming technique.
Q: What is the most iconic Led Zeppelin song featuring John Bonham’s drumming?
A: "When the Levee Breaks" is widely regarded as one of the most iconic Led Zeppelin songs featuring John Bonham’s drumming.
Q: What was John Bonham’s legacy in the world of rock music?
A: John Bonham’s legacy is that of a drummer who inspired generations of musicians and continues to be celebrated by fans of Led Zeppelin and rock music in general.
