John Bonham: A Thunder of Drums

Anyone who is into John Bonham ( and what drummer isn't)should have a copy. Well written account of the man.

It's always interesting to find out what makes other drummers tick. This book offers plenty of insight into the legendary Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham; kit configurations, heads, tuning, etc., but not a great deal more than what you could generally surmise if you're a drummer who was influenced early on by Bonham's playing. He used the Buddy Rich, Big Beat era kit and tuning, with coated Emperor heads, with the reso side tuned a third higher, so when the batter side is struck, the drum produces a nice, fat, resonant big bottom sound. Bonham was one of the first recognizable rock drummers to utilize a smaller kit comprised of very large diameter shells; 14" tom tom, 16" & 18" floors toms, and the trademark oversized 26" bass drum. Later, the "ching ring" on the hats would also become a Bonham signature. As a youngster, I got my first kit in the early 80s, an orange sparkle Ludwig trap kit, and immediately set about mimicking the sound and feel of drummers who were in late 60s, early 70s bands: Ginger Baker, of Cream, Carmine Appice, of Vanilla Fudge, Paul Whaley, of the notorious LSD-guzzling Blue Cheer, and of course, Bill Ward, of Black Sabbath. But if you're inspired by those sounds, what drummer wouldn't be influenced by Bonham's "Dazed & Confused" fills, or the bass-heavy stomp of "When The Levee Breaks," or the double and triplet bass notes in "Good Times Bad Times?" Maybe he wasn't the most versatile drummer(like many good rock drummers, he was self taught), but his style, the sheer heaviness of the wallop he brought to heavy metal, and particularly to his "Moby Dick" solo's, more than made up for it. He's influenced more garage band bashers than anyone could count. His playing reflected a spirituality, and one which he took seriously, comparing misusing and neglecting drums to being just one step below child abuse. I still play now more than ever, and have a couple of Bonham-sized Ludwig kits, one of which is done in green sparkle, as something of an homage to Bonham, who used that particular kit to record most of the Zeppelin records. "A Thunder of Drums" is a good book for fans or drummers in general. Let the free form flow...

This book is very good. Eventhough it doesnt talk about all the members in led zeppelin it tells about the life of the great john bonham. I started to play drums because of him. The first time i heard kashmir and when the levee breaks i fell in love with the drums riffs. if you get this book you are getting your money worths

Obviously the best rock drummer of all time, the book includes ample information about Bonham's personal life, as well as his professional side and even his tricks of the trade.The book is a clinic for rock drummers. Bonzo and others who worked with him, discuss how he tuned his drums, what drums he used and why, what to do and not to do about drumskins, and more.The book also contains some remarkable color photos of the band on stage. With their dazzling light show, the photos suggest what it might have been like.But what I can't understand is this. The book says that Bonham "drank vodka out of a bottle like water". Someone that far gone obviously needs help. With all of the people around him, did anyone try to organize a posse to get him some help?Bonzo's alcoholizm even got to the point of interfering with rehearsals and shows, and soon after, ending his life. Did they all think they were invincible? Robert Plant's experiences in near previous years should have taught not. What a waste of an incredibly gifted musician, and a human being.

If you're a drummer you'll really enjoy this book. Fantastic amount of detail including, equipment and Bonzo's influences. Lots of photos too.