John Henry Bonham is recognized as one of the most prominent drummers in rock history. He was born on May 31, 1948, in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, to their parents, Joan and Jack Bonham. Bonham is known for his remarkable speed, power, and unique drumming style. His effect on the music industry is still felt today.
John Bonham Net Worth
After adjusting for inflation, John Bonham net worth at the time of his death in 1980 was estimated to be about $10 million. That amounts to almost $35 million now, in 2024. His popularity with Led Zeppelin, which is still among the best-selling bands in history, was largely responsible for his wealth. Bonham has been recognized as one of the all-time great drummers, and his drumming legacy continues to inspire musicians all around the world.
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Early Years and Drumming Passion
Bonham showed a natural talent for rhythm at an early age. At the age of five, he started studying how to play the drums. He built a crude drum kit out of boxes and coffee tins, taking inspiration from drummers such as Max Roach, Gene Krupa, and Buddy Rich. At the age of ten, his mother gave him a snare drum, and at the age of fifteen, his father gave him his first real drum kit, a Premier Music set.
Despite his early starting point, Bonham did not take professional drum classes; instead, he improved his technique by consulting with other Redditch-based drummers. He played with groups like the Blue Star Trio and Gerry Levene & the Avengers while still in school.
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Rise to Popularity with Led Zeppelin
When John Bonham graduated from high school in 1964, his career took an unexpected turn. In addition to playing with other local bands, such as Terry Webb and the Spiders, the Nicky James Movement, and the Senators, he was his father’s apprentice carpenter. When he and future Led Zeppelin leader Robert Plant joined the blues group Crawling King Snakes, both of them met. With the creation of Band of Joy, where Bonham played drums, this partnership continued.
Following the disbandment of the Yardbirds in 1968, guitarist Jimmy Page started a new band and hired Plant, who suggested Bonham for the drummer’s role. The famous band Led Zeppelin was founded when bassist John Paul Jones joined. After changing their name, the band originally known as the New Yardbirds became one of the most famous and successful musical groups of all time.
Led Zeppelin released eight studio albums in ten years, seven of which peaked at number one on the US Billboard 200 and all of which were certified platinum in the UK Albums Chart. The sound of Led Zeppelin was defined by Bonham’s drumming, which became apparent in hits like “Good Times Bad Times,” “Ramble On,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Stairway.” to Heaven,” and “Kashmir.”
“Moby Dick,” Bonham’s most famous drum solo, which can be heard on the album “Led Zeppelin II” (1969), became a performance mainstay and frequently lasted more than 20 minutes. Notable songs that showcase his powerful drumming style are “Immigrant Song,” “When the Levee Breaks,” “The Ocean,” and “Achilles Last Stand.” Bonham experimented with funk and Latin influences throughout his subsequent recordings, especially on “Royal Orleans” and “Fool in the Rain.”
Personal Life and Tragic Death
Jason and Zoë Bonham are their two children. John Bonham wed Pat Phillips in 1965. Zoë continued her career as a singer-songwriter, carrying on her father’s legacy, while Jason moved to drumming and started playing in other bands, even taking part in Led Zeppelin reunions.
John Bonham passed away on September 25, 1980, when he was thirty-two years old. After a day of excessive drinking, Bonham drank about 40 shots of vodka in a 24-hour period. He was found lifeless and later confirmed dead from a lung infection. After his sudden death, Led Zeppelin decided to pay tribute to their late bandmate by not going on without him. This led to the band’s dissolution.
Succession and Legacy
After his death, Bonham’s family received some of his fortune. His children, Jason and Zoë, each acquired a 5.5% part of his net worth, while his wife Pat received an 11.5% stake. John Bonham lived an extremely short life, but his contributions to music and his lasting influence on drumming ensure his legacy will continue for many more years.
