I am frankly surprised that no one else has diaried this today. I think that after today, I need a little diversion, sad as it may be.
On September 25, 1980, John Henry Bonham, drummer for the rock group Led Zeppelin, passed away at the age of 32.
Enjoy a performance of his signature solo tune, "Moby Dick."
From wikipedia:
I wouldn't say I'm the biggest Bonham fan in the world, but his drumming influenced me. John was known for his love of the big band drummers, especially Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. He was fond of the big drums, tuned up tight, so he could compete with the large amps that Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones had, even if the sound system was not up to snuff for the night.
While most rock drummers of the time were using 20" and 22" diameter bass drums, he had a 26".
I have three of those big 26s myself: a 1943 Leedy Dreadnaught, a 1950 Leedy & Ludwig, and a 1974 Rogers. The Rogers is covered in ersatz green sparkle, just like JB's favorite kit. There's something about a big bass drum, it has . . . BONHAM.
Oddly, I do not have any Ludwig basses or toms right now. I DO have a 402 Supraphonic (what else is there?). I resurrected it from a shell I got on eBay, stripped off the pitted chrome, put on tube lugs, a P-83, and a pair of Yamaha cast aluminum Power Hoops. It's my favorite snare.
For you kids out there: don't drink and drum.
So, rest in peace Bonzo, we miss you.