FRANKIE BANALI - Remebering John Bonham
from BW&BK

LED ZEPPELIN fans around the world are remembering late drum legend JOHN BONHAM September 25th as it is the 25th anniversary of his death (September 25th, 1980). Looking back at the last few hours of his life, according to Wikipedia, Bonham disliked both being away from his home and family for long periods and flying. This led him to heavy alcohol use to work off his nerves. On September 24, 1980, he was picked up by Led Zeppelin assistant Rex King from The Old Hyde hotel to be at rehearsals at Bray Studios for the upcoming tour of the US, the band's first since 1977. During the journey Bonham had downed four quadruple vodkas, and continued to drink at the studio. A halt was called to the rehearsals late in the evening and the band retired to Page's house in Windsor. After midnight, Bonham had fallen asleep and was taken to bed on his side. Tour manager Benji LeFevre found him dead the next morning. The cause of death was asphyxiation caused by choking on his own vomit. John Bonham was buried on October 10, 1980 at Rushock parish churchyard, near The Old Hyde farm. He was 32. Led Zeppelin issued the following statement on December 4th, 1980: "The loss of our dear friend, and the deep sense of harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were."

QUIET RIOT drummer FRANKIE BANALI, a self-confessed Zep-junkie and devout Bonham follower, has graciously answered a number of Bonham-centered questions for BW&BK in memory of the late skinsman. Enjoy...

BW&BK: Toughest Bonham performance(s) to duplicate.
Banali: "They are all equally difficult because John had such a wonderful feel and swing. Credit must also be given to Jimmy Page (guitar) and John Paul Jones (bass) because musically they were so supportive of that style of drumming. You can't play drums that way and with that feel if it is not with the right musicians and songs."

FRANKIE BANALI - Remebering John Bonham Page 2