The Inside Story Of How Led Zeppelin Drummer John Bonham Died Tragically At Just 32 On September 25, 1980, John Bonham died in his sleep by choking on his own vomit following a day of heavy binge drinking. When they burst onto the scene in 1968, Led Zeppelin established themselves as a force to be reckoned with by putting out iconic songs like “Whole Lotta Love,” “Immigrant Song,” and “Stairway To Heaven.” Today considered a staple of the rock genre, Led Zeppelin was composed of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. But John Bonham’s death in 1980 at the age of just 32 brought the rock group to a screeching halt. [Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham is considered one of the greatest and most influential drummers in history ] As is the case with many artists, fame only fueled the band’s personal problems. Drug use, drinking, and risky sex were rampant. Often, the most dangerous effects of this lifestyle only becomes apparent after it’s too late — and that was precisely the case with Bonham. The drummer had been a heavy drinker throughout the band’s career — most of its members had — but it was clear that alcohol was a major problem for Bonham. The difference between sober Bonham and drunk Bonham was likened to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Some attributed his drinking problems to boredom, noting that he preferred to stay home and had to be convinced to join the band in the first place. But whatever excuses Bonham and others made for his drinking couldn’t justify his frequent drunken rages. Once he’d started drinking, he couldn’t stop. Eventually, this lifestyle led to John Bonham’s death. After downing roughly 40 shots over the course of a day on September 24, 1980 — nearly 1.5 liters of 40 percent ABV vodka — Bonham passed out. He vomited that night while unconcious, too drunk to wake up or turn over, and choked to death. And in the wake of his passing, the other members opted not to replace the late drummer — meaning that John Bonham’s death also marked the death of Led Zeppelin
The Inside Story Of How Led Zeppelin Drummer John Bonham Died Tragically At Just 32 On September 25, 1980, the rock world lost one of […]
