10 Fun Facts About the Drum God: John Bonham-Bonzo
John Bonham, also known as “Bonzo,” was the powerhouse behind Led Zeppelin‘s legendary sound. His thunderous drumming, impeccable timing, and raw energy cemented him as one of the greatest drummers in rock history.
Bonham’s life was as explosive as his playing, and much can be said about his adventures. But this is not a biography so let’s keep it short and explore 10 fun facts about the Drum God!
1. Started playing drums at the age of five
John Bonham knew that drumming was his destiny from an early age. At just five years old, he created a makeshift drum kit using containers and coffee tins, mimicking his idols Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, and Max Roach.
By age 10, his mother Joan bought him a snare drum, and at 16, his father Jack gifted him his first full drum kit.
2. Never had a proper drumming lesson
Despite his incredible technical ability, Bonham never took a formal drumming lesson. He was self-taught, relying on his natural raw talent and an impeccable ear for rhythm. The closest he ever got to a proper lesson was receiving advice from local Redditch drummers.
This is a trait he shared with fellow Led Zeppelin bandmate Jimmy Page, who was also mainly self-taught.
A drummer with no formal training destroying the drum kit, mesmerizing to watch.
3. Used to work as a carpenter
The Bonhams ran a family carpentry business which was established by his grandfather, John Henry, and run by his father Jack.
After leaving school, Bonham worked as an apprentice carpenter in his family’s business. However, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional drummer and while sawing wood by day, he pounded skins by night.
4. Bonzo appeared in a movie
In 1974, Bonzo made a brief appearance in the musical fantasy film ‘Son of Dracula’, starring musicians Harry Nilsson and Ringo Starr.
He shared the screen with The Who’s drummer Keith Moon and Peter Frampton, performing as part of Nilsson’s fictional band. John Bonham, Moon, and Starr also contributed to the film’s soundtrack.
5. He rode a motorcycle inside a rented hotel
John Bonham was a petrolhead and had a huge collection of cars and motorcycles. And when you take this fact into account along with Led Zeppelin‘s reputation for going absolutely wild on tour, you get a recipe for “disaster”.
The band is notorious for their hotel-destroying antics, for which they received lifetime bans from several institutions. During one tour, the band rented an entire hotel, and Bonzo decided to take things to another level by bringing his motorcycle inside and riding it through the hallways.
6. He was Tony Iommi’s best man at his wedding ceremony
Bonham and Black Sabbath’s guitarist Tony Iommi were close friends, both Birmingham locals.
In 1973, when Iommi married his first wife, Susan Snowden, Bonzo stood beside him as his best man at the wedding ceremony. Unfortunately, the marriage lasted only three years, but the bond between the two Midland legends remained strong until Bonham’s untimely passing.
7. Bonzo was married and is the father of two
Behind the wild-man image, John Bonham was a devoted family man. He met his wife Pat Phillips, while playing in amateur bands, and the two remained together until his passing.
The couple had two children – Jason and Zoë Bonham. Both followed in their father’s musical footsteps – Zoë pursued a career in singing and songwriting, while Jason became a renowned drummer who has filled in for his father in Led Zeppelin reunions.
8. He and Plant were bandmates before Led Zeppelin
Before joining Led Zep, John and Robert Plant were already rocking together. They first played together in a local band called Crawling King Snakes before reuniting in Band of Joy.
When Jimmy Page needed a drummer for his new project, it was Plant who recommended Bonham. Then John Paul Jones joined and the rest is history.
9. Carmine Appice advised him to use Ludwig drums
Early in his career, John Bonham used Premier drums, but decided to switch equipment during Led Zeppelin’s North American tour when he met Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice.
It was Appice who introduced him to Ludwig drums and recommended him to switch. Bonham took his advice and never looked back – the Ludwig drum kit later became synonymous with his iconic sound.
10. He is one of the most influential drummers
Just like his Led Zeppelin bandmates, Bonzo is also a master of his craft. His groove, powerful technique, feel, and innovative use of bass drum triplets have inspired countless drummers across generations.
Legends like Dave Grohl, Joey Kramer, Roger Taylor, Tommy Lee, Chad Smith, Brad Wilk, Neal Peart, and Lee Kerslake among many others cite him as an influence.
Final Thoughts
John Bonham’s legacy as one of rock’s greatest drummers remains untouchable. His raw power, creativity, and unmatched groove helped shape Led Zeppelin’s signature sound and inspired generations of musicians.
From coffee-tin beginnings to riding motorcycles in hotel halls and immortal drum licks, his legend lives on.