“BONZO: 30 Rock Drummers Remember the Legendary John Bonham” by Greg Prato [Book Review]

Suffice it to say, there are two types of people in this world — those who recognize John Bonham as rock’s all-time most powerful and influential drummer, and those who are less astute. And 40 years following the tragic and untimely death of the iconic Led Zeppelin drummer, prolific author Greg Prato has returned to “New Release” bins to celebrate Bonham’s life and legacy with his latest, BONZO: 30 Rock Drummers Remember the Legendary John Bonham.

Despite his own minimal writing contribution, Prato’s overall effort is still exhaustive, as he succeeds in assembling and driving an engaging virtual round table discussion of Bonham’s enormous talent and unique technique with some of rock’s top drummers.

“John was a monster. The way he played was
with complete abandon. His speed, his timing —
just the way he attacked the drums. Scary good.”
–Roger Earl (Foghat)

“Everything about what John Bonham did is
instrumental in my development as a drummer.”
–Eric Kretz (Stone Temple Pilots)

From such esteemed go-to guns as Kenny Aronoff, Gregg Bissonette, Rod Morgenstein, and Mike Portnoy to members of chart-busting bands, including Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel), John Dolmayan (System of a Down), Steve Gorman (Black Crowes), Marky Ramone (Ramones), Neal Smith (Alice Cooper) and Simon Wright (AC/DC), the impressive roster of renown players reads like a “Who’s Who” list at an all-day NAMM drum clinic. And they all come together to voice their shared respect and admiration for Bonham, as well as sharing personal stories and professional insights. Even drum tech, Jeff Ocheltree, steps up to the ol’ “water cooler” to offer 18 pages worth of lively, first-hand accounts of working for Bonham circa ‘77.

For die-hard Led Zeppelin aficionados, BONZO is a fabulous treat. But for passionate drum enthusiasts, particularly fervent John Bonham fans, it’s an absolute must-read.

By: Greg Prato
Publisher: Greg Prato Writer, Corp
Release Date: August 27, 2020
Format / Length: Paperback, Kindle / 251
ISBN-13: 979-8645370008
ASIN: B08GRSMM17