Beast: John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin

The first full-length narrative biography of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, considered one of the greatest drummers in rock history, and a genuine wild man of epic proportions. Despite never taking formal lessons, Bonham began drumming for local bands immediately after graduating from secondary school. He was recruited to join Led Zeppelin in 1968 and became the richest rock band in the world. In their first year, they released two albums and completed four US and four UK concert tours. Throughout the 1970s, Led Zeppelin reached new heights of commercial and critical success, making them one of the most influential groups of the era. Bonham was found dead in 1980 due to alcoholism, anxiety, and the after-effects of years of excess.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Hachette Books

Beast: John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin is a comprehensive and captivating biography that delves into the life and career of one of the most influential drummers in rock history, John Bonham. Widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time, Bonham's talent and energy were instrumental in the formation and success of Led Zeppelin.

Born in 1948, Bonham began playing the drums at a young age and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled musician. Despite never taking formal lessons, he was able to learn and practice on his own, eventually joining local bands in his hometown of Ledbury, England.

In the late 1960s, Bonham was seeking a more stable and lucrative career, and he found it when he was recruited to join the newly formed Led Zeppelin. Led by the legendary guitarist Jimmy Page, the band was on the rise and needed a powerful drummer to complement their sound. Bonham's unique style and technique made him an ideal fit for the band, and he quickly became a key member.

In their first year together, Led Zeppelin released two albums, "Led Zeppelin" and "Led Zeppelin II," and completed four US and four UK concert tours. Their popularity exploded, and they soon became one of the most successful rock bands in the world.

Throughout the 1970s, Led Zeppelin continued to reach new heights of commercial and critical success. They released a string of hit albums, including "Physical Graffiti," "The Song Remains the Same," and "The Black Album," and performed sold-out concerts around the globe.

Bonham's talent and energy were evident in every aspect of the band's performances. He was known for his powerful drumming, his unique style, and his ability to captivate audiences with his stage presence. He was also a skilled songwriter, contributing to several of the band's most famous songs.

However, Bonham's life was not without its challenges. He struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, which ultimately led to his tragic death in 1980 at the age of 32. His death was a devastating loss to the music industry and to his bandmates, who continue to honor his legacy with their music.

In conclusion, Beast: John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin is a must-read for anyone who is interested in rock music, music history, or the life and career of one of the greatest musicians of all time. Bonham's talent, energy, and impact on the music industry are undeniable, and his story is a testament to the power of music to inspire and transform.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 139 x 210 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780306846694