The BLACK SABBATH Song That Blew Led Zeppelin's JOHN BONHAM’s Mind
Before joining Led Zeppelin and becoming a rock legend, John Bonham was already turning heads in the music scene of England’s Black Country.
As a teenager, just 16 years old, he crossed paths with a fellow drummer: Bill Ward, who would later power Black Sabbath’s thunderous rhythm section.
Related:
Their connection was instant, and Ward quickly realized Bonham wasn’t your average kid behind a drum kit.
At the time, Bonham’s name was already circulating among established musicians. Everyone wanted him in their band.
In the end, it was Jimmy Page who sealed the deal, convincing Bonham to join the New Yardbirds, the group that soon transformed into Led Zeppelin.
Meanwhile, Black Sabbath was just beginning to shape its identity, watching their Birmingham peers take off.
Ward vividly remembers his first impression of Bonham.
“I thought he was out of time, because his bass drum was doing things I didn’t understand,” he said. “A year later I realized it wasn’t off, it was a different language. I remember thinking, ‘My God, I can’t believe he can do that!’”
Even as they went on to become icons in their own bands, Bonham and Ward stayed friends. They once had a jam session together, but no one recorded it, a missed opportunity that still stings for fans of both bands.
During one of those rare moments together in the studio, Ward got to hear which Sabbath track Bonham liked most: “Supernaut.”
“He loved that one,” Ward said. “He walked in, saw I was using two bass drums, and said, ‘I do that with one!’”
“Supernaut” was released in 1972 on Black Sabbath’s Vol. 4 album. It’s been a fan favorite for decades, but knowing it was Bonham’s personal pick gives it a bit of extra firepower.
Ward doesn’t hold back when talking about his old friend. In his eyes, Bonham wasn’t just good, he was in a league of his own.
“He was the best in the world,” Ward said.
And if Bonzo was into “Supernaut,” maybe it’s time to give that track another listen. 👇
Got a tip for us? Email: [email protected]
Wolfgang Van Halen, son of late guitar legend Eddie Van Halen, was originally scheduled to appear at Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert, Back to the …
