John Bonham

John Bonham (May 31, 1948-September 25, 1980), British drummer for Led Zeppelin, a popular rock group formed in 1968 by guitarist Jimmy Page.

Bonham, who previously performed in clubs with Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, quickly established himself as a superstar drummer. While not as loose and unhinged as Keith Moon, nor as critically respected as Ginger Baker, his sheer power behind the drum kit has influenced nearly every hard rock and heavy metal drummer since. His initial hard hitting style was displayed to great effect on "Immigrant Song" (Led Zeppelin III), "When the Levee Breaks" (Led Zeppelin IV), and "The Ocean" (Houses of the Holy) On later albums, Bonham rather adeptly handled funk and Latin influenced drumming on several cuts. Bonham was found dead in 1980, after drinking to excess.

His son Jason Bonham (1966) also became a rock drummer.