Many polls have crowned the band Led Zeppelin as the greatest band in history. And yes, that means surpassing The Beatles. Critics argue that Led Zeppelin mastered the push and pull playing technique that created the perfect tension in their music. If you want to see what they are talking about grab Led Zeppelin Remasters disc 1 and cue up the track Black Dog. Good luck nailing this drum take on your first try.
John Bonham is the driving force behind the band. His presses the band forward with his laid back feel, tight articulation and use of space. Listen to the album and you will hear studio drumming that will defy any artist yet to come. Be careful before you sneak a peak at footage of Bonham playing live especially the tune “Moby Dick”. You may contemplate quitting the drums. I know I did.
There are many misconceptions about Bonham. The biggest is he was a heavy hitter. According to his long time drum tech Jeff Orcheltree, John’s amazing drum sounds were made not through force but perfect technique. The rest was all about the rock and roll show. The second is that he was all Rock and Roll. If you listen closer you will quickly find out that is not the truth. The track Dazed and Confused is a rock drummer playing with one hell of a swing. Good Times Bad Times has a broken Latin Feel. In Whole Lotta Love he uses the hi-hat like the great Tony Williams.
To this day teachers, universities and drum enthusiast still analyze this amazing drummer. While studying New Orleans second line rhythms I found Bonham marching along. Watch the video and enjoy.
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