It's a very good book. Mick Wall is a highly respected British rock journalist and the book is well referenced. I bought it to read for the flight back to the UK for my dad's funeral and it was a pleasant distraction from the realities of life!

I saw Led Zep in the late 70s but became a much bigger fan later in life. Probably nostalgia. I don't detract from Bonham at all - he was a master of his craft and the number of imitators that he spawned is surely testament to his greatness. Just wish he'd been a nicer bloke!

If i'm not mistaken he's a member here on the VDF !

that is an observation looking through the looking glass, Bonham was flesh and bone, He wasn't without his faults not one of us are. John you of all people should recognize substance abuse with you were once a substance abuse counselor , This was the Jekyll/Hyde of Bonham. You listen to those that had real direct contact with him you get all types of stories, as you will with any person, I think Beware of Mr Baker puts this on great display. as to your comment of Buddy Rich didn't think much of him and your in good company. well no comment to that one at all, Buddy didn't much care for rock music period. So !?? No fire gear needed it's you opinion no more valid or less than any of ours that are posted.

1. Quite often great artists are troubled people. So what? In my opinion Bonham was a true and great artist. The drumtracks he "designed" and played in Led Zeppelin are gems, absolute examples of musicality, originality and inventiveness. With respect to these qualities hardly ever lived up by anyone. All of it is recorded and for our enjoyment. In enjoying I'm not bothered one tiny bit by the fact that he was a troubled soul. Just like enjoying a Van Gogh painting, for example.

2. Great copy-drumming. Even if I would practice the rest of my life for 2 hours a day, I would not attain those skills. Respect for that.

3. But:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oQsKRyihEA"]How can you tell a good drummer and a bad drummer apart? - YouTube[/ame]

I think all drummers who had their own voice were pretty much one dimensional, even Buddy Rich, who is my favorite. I mean, Buddy couldn't sound like Bonham and vice versa. I think that's what made them unique, they didn't sound like anyone else. Sure, if you're a studio or working drummer trying to make a living at it, you have to be a chameleon, but you will never achieve greatness.

I would say almost any time you look at a genius at his craft, Your gonna find torment above and beyond what the average person goes through. It takes a certain type of person to achieve that type of experience and level of depth/dedication to their art. A dedication most people won't have. It is often an outlet for their frustrations or an escape. A lot of amazing pieces of art were fueled by release of demons and frustrations. And to top it off, most people won't understand it. So these individuals become reclusive or become what would seem in general human behavior as @ssh@les.

At some point as an artist, you stop painting for recognition. And you start painting from the heart. At that point, it is an expression of self. And a million people will tell you how you should be doing it. But it's art. So what gives them the authority to tell you how to express yourself. That would turn anyone into an abrasive person.

These are just my opinions.

I listen to other drummers for things I can use when I play. Bonham used certain phrasings that can be used in certain situations, as did Rich, Krupa, Bellson, etc. I always learn things when I listen to others play. That's what is so wonderful about it all, you never stop learning. I'm 63 and still playing quite a bit and I can't imagine stopping.

"Don't be the next Buddy Rich, be the next you!" Buddy Rich

Exactly.Bowing