THE TIGHT BUT LOOSE POLL
ON THE OCCASION OF
HIS 6OTH BIRTHDAY
Here are the results of the TBL online/magazine poll. This list has been compiled from the many entries submitted from fans across the world – the definitive fans opinion of the percussive favourites of this much missed special musician. Of course there will be arguments for the case of certain omissions and such debate is guaranteed to have you marveling again at the legacy he left behind. As it stands the poll unanimously reflects the remarkable standards he set.
For John Bonham at 60 this is his Greatest Beats…
1 WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS
No real surprises here. Still the most infectious drum pattern ever committed to tape...and boy does it keep getting committed….
2 IN MY TIME OF DYING
The most intense of percussive performances – and triumphantly Jason did it justice at the 02
3 ACHILLES LAST STAND
How he pulled off those apocalyptic drum fills only his fellow musicians and the four walls of Musicland studios can tell…
4 GOOD TIMES BAD TIMES
Doing things with a bass pedal that it took two of James Brown’s drummers to try and emulate…and they knew a bit about rhythm…
5 THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME
(Live LA Forum ’77 Listen to This Eddie version)
From the ten second torrent of speed at the opening to the breathless finish this is an absolute Bonham live on stage tour de force
6 FOOL IN THE RAIN
The dexterity remains the same…
7 POOR TOM
A New Orleans shuffle par excellence
8 KASHMIR
The pride of Zep and Bonzo too…
9 WHOLE LOTTA LOVE
How cleverly he drives against the riff dropping and stitching amongst the beat at will
10 ACHILLES LAST STAND
(Knebworth ’79 DVD version)
One of Bonzo’s finest gigs…he knew they had a reputation to restore and wasn’t going to let anyone down
11 HOTS ON FOR NOWHERE
Once underrated percussive swing fest from John Henry. Not anymore
12 MOBY DICK
(Royal Albert Hall ’70 DVD version)
Drumming skills faster than the speed of light on another famous night
13 ROCK AND ROLL
What air drumming is all about. Thanks John (again)
14 OUT ON THE TILES
A riotous percussive extension of the man’s own exuberance
15 KASHMIR
(Knebworth ’79 DVD version)
The esteem of his performance at this gig amongst fans is more than evident. Here’s another one he led by example
16 NOBODY’S FAULT BUT MINE
The disregard of time keeping as his son once observed
17 SICK AGAIN
(Knebworth ‘79 DVD version)
And yet more from out on the field…how he pummeled his fellow band mates into an inspiring romp through the backwaters of side 4 of the Graffiti
18 HOW MANY MORE TIMES
The spirit of Gene Krupa lives on…
19 D’YER MA’KER
That expansive Ludwig sound drove this one from beginning to end
20 THE CRUNGE
Could anyone do The Crunge?
Could anyone replicate John Bonham’s percussive perfection?
It’s a no to both of course – his influence and legacy remains undimmed |
