John Bonham: The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin

by Mick Bonham

In 1980, John Bonham, considered one of the greatest drummers of all time, died under tragic circumstances. Two months later, a simple letter signed by fellow band members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones stated that Bonham could not be replaced. After nine multi-million-selling albums and record-breaking world tours, Led Zeppelin came to an abrupt and premature end. This personal account of John Bonham’s life was written by the person who knew him best—his brother, Mick. Beginning with his childhood, the book follows Bonham’s rise as the internationally acclaimed drummer of one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Featuring interviews and previously unpublished photos, this is a tribute not only to John Bonham, but also to Mick Bonham, who died after completing this book.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2005

Reviews

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mick Bonham’s unfinished memoir of his brother, the mighty John Bonham, is a wonderful read. Who else but Bonzo’s own brother could provide such personal insight? The stories he recounts about growing up with Bonzo, and Led Zeppelin’s rise to fame are unique, touching, and humorous. Some of the Black Country jargon was lost on me, but that made it all the more authentic. Sadly Mick passed away before the book was finished but it is perfect just the way it is. If a big publishing house had stuck an editor on this, a lot of Mick’s charm and honesty may have been lost. John Paul Jones sat down with Mick for an interview for the book, too. Good stuff!

[Shreyas Atre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, Mick Bonham, the younger brother of John Bonham, wanted to write to right the wrong written by those who didn't know John well. He wrote this book describing the life with John as a brother, a drummer, and a family man.

Mick wanted to rewrite the book to make better, but sadly passed away before he could do so. His widow decided to keep the writing as it is to honor and encapsulate the true nature of the life shared by both brothers.

It's a casual tale, told by a simple, funny, and hard working man about the life of an international icon who himself was a family man above all. The interviews and stories give a nice depth to the characters, and provide some fond memories of Bonzo. The humor is subtle, and makes it an easy read.

This book is definitely recommended for the fans of Led Zeppelin, and more so for the fans of John "Bonzo" Bonham.

[Paul Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes what you personally bring to the book you are reading makes all the difference in one's thoughts and opinions about it. As a devoted and passionate fan of all things Led Zeppelin and its great John Bonham, I devoured "John Bonham: The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin" with such special interest and fascination that my perspective travelled far beyond my typical sense of critical opinion.

If say, I was someone who didn't know much about John Bonham and Led Zeppelin, and was hoping to read an in-depth, comprehensive biography about the late Led Zeppelin drummer, I would feel both confused and disappointed about "John Bonham: The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin." The book is short, unfinished, features lots of British slang that is foreign to American readers, and provides for more questions than answers as to who what John Henry Bonham's life was like and who he really was.

YET...since I AM a passionate fan of all things Led Zeppelin and John Bonham, I could not help but enjoy the unique, down-to-earth modesty of "John Bonham: The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin." Written by John Bonham's younger brother Mick (aka "Michael") Bonham, the book offers a close, personal, and intimate portrait of the Led Zeppelin drummer. Through Mick Bonham's perspective, we get a revealing take on how he and his famous brother spoke with each other...the specific British phrases they used to communicate their shared joy, anger, resentment pain and brotherly affection.

As mentioned earlier, "John Bonham: The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin" inspired more questions than it gave answers...especially since the author himself died prematurely before his book could be finalized before publication. Why so little mention of John and Mick's mother Joan, her divorce from their father "Jacko," and how did it affect John Bonham? How much did the author hold back on telling John Bonham's personal story, and what light would it have shed?

Nonetheless, since there is a dearth of material written about John Bonham, I savored every morsel his brother was willing to dish out, including his interviews with family and friends who knew Bonham well. The portrait of the legendary percussionist is of an ambitious and talented man who kept his feet firmly planted on the ground as a drummer, family man, businessman, car enthusiast and farmer. Drumming was his passion and he loved playing with Led Zeppelin, yet he also fully embraced the modest, quiet life of the British midlands and hanging with his pals at the local pub.

"John Bonham: The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin" serves as a sensitive portrait not of an iconic rock superstar who travelled the world with his legendary band. Instead, Mick Bonham's book is about John Henry Bonham the man, the human being who had flaws and temperaments that mixed with his immense talent, generosity, charm and love.

[Ade RIO · Rating 4 out of 5]

maaaanttaaapppppp.................

[Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish it could've been longer!

[Prima]

cool