Remembering Bonham

37 years ago today, we lost someone whom most refer to as ‘the greatest rock drummer of all time’. John Henry Bonham died on September 25, 1980 after a day of excessive drinking.  He was on his way to rehearsal with Led Zeppelin on September 24 for their upcoming North American tour and stopped for many shots of vodka. Bonham then continued drinking after arriving at the rehearsal. It was reported that he consumed around 40 shots over the course of the day. At the end of the night, the band went to Jimmy Page’s house and John Bonham went to bed. John Paul Jones discovered him unresponsive the next afternoon. His death was found to be accidental and was caused by him vomiting and choking. John Bonham was 32.

Check out his rare footage Bonzo being interviewed by Scottish comedian, Billy Connolly.

We'll honor Bonzo’s thundering greatness with lots of Led Zeppelin on the Blimp today.

WBLM welcomes back Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience to Portland at the end of November. It's an incredible celebration of the music and a personal tribute to John Bonham with touching stories of father and son.