John Paul Jones Give His Honest Thoughts About John Bonham’s Drumming
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Led Zeppelin’s rise to fame wasn’t just a product of catchy riffs and electrifying vocals—it was also thanks to the synergy between its members. Among them, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham formed the backbone of the band’s thunderous sound. Their tight-knit collaboration created some of the most dynamic grooves in rock history.
John Bonham, affectionately nicknamed “Bonzo,” was more than just a drummer. He was a rhythmic innovator who brought a rare blend of finesse and fury to rock music. Drawing inspiration from jazz icons like Gene Krupa while injecting a ferocity that pushed rock’s boundaries, Bonham carved out a unique space for himself in music history.
With such high-level musicianship in the band, it’s no surprise that even fellow members were in awe of each other. John Paul Jones has never held back in praising Bonham’s contributions, often citing his instinctive playing and raw power as irreplaceable elements of the band’s sound.
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Bonham’s Brilliance Behind the Kit
One of the most enduring examples of Bonham’s talent is the drum solo “Bonzo’s Montreux.” It captures everything that made him extraordinary: intricate rhythms, explosive fills, and a deep understanding of groove. The piece stands as a testament to his technical prowess and creative mind.
Another fan-favorite track, “Moby Dick,” showcases Bonham’s ability to hold an audience captive with nothing but drums. His solos weren’t just demonstrations of speed or volume—they were musical journeys in their own right, with structure, surprise, and soul.
Even when playing with the full band, Bonham’s drumming stood out. Songs like “Black Dog” revealed his knack for playing off-kilter grooves that still locked in with the rest of the band. His timing and feel helped define Led Zeppelin’s identity, setting them apart from other hard rock acts of the time.
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When Genius Meets a Challenge
Despite his near-mythical reputation, Bonham wasn’t immune to difficulty in the studio. One instance that stands out is the recording of “Four Sticks,” a track from Led Zeppelin IV. Known for its challenging time signature shifts between 5/4 and 6/8, the song proved to be a rare hurdle for the drummer.
According to John Paul Jones, Bonham struggled to find the groove in “Four Sticks.” While guitarist Jimmy Page could lay down the riffs with ease, Bonham had a hard time identifying the downbeat and fitting his part into the unusual structure. Jones recalled having to count things in for him and noted that Bonham’s natural feel didn’t always align with technical counting.
Still, the song’s complexity didn’t stop Bonham from eventually nailing it—albeit with some difficulty. In the end, only two studio takes were attempted because Bonham used two drumsticks in each hand, giving the track its name. One of those takes stuck, a brilliant if hard-won performance that reflects both his humanity and his greatness.
John Paul Jones Reflects with Respect
In reflecting on Bonham’s drumming, John Paul Jones didn’t shy away from mentioning the hiccup in “Four Sticks.” But rather than serving as criticism, it came from a place of admiration and honesty. Jones wasn’t exposing Bonham’s flaws—he was highlighting how even legends have learning curves.
Jones emphasized that Bonham’s greatness didn’t come from rigid technique but from his feel and instinct. Even if Bonham couldn’t always articulate what he was doing in terms of traditional counting, the resulting music was no less brilliant. His intuition often produced rhythms that defied logic but felt completely right.
Ultimately, John Paul Jones’s comments add depth to Bonham’s legacy. They reveal a man whose genius was real, but not effortless—a man who had to wrestle with his instrument at times, just like any great artist. And in that struggle, Bonham’s brilliance became even more remarkable.
