John Henry "Bonzo" Bonham (May 31 1948 ? September 25, 1980) was an iconic English drummer and member of the hard rock band Led Zeppelin. He was renowned for his power, speed and "feel" for the groove. Bonham is described by the Encyclopædia Britannica as the perfect model for all hard rock drummers that have followed him."Led Zeppelin"(2008)-Encyclopædia Britannica. Ultimate Reference Suite. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica Life and career Early years Bonham was born in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. He first learned how to play drums at the age of five, making a drum kit out of containers and coffee tins, and copying the moves of his idols Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. His mother Joan gave him a snare drum at the age of ten, and he received his first proper drum kit at the age of fifteen, a Premier Percussion kit. The drummer - nicknamed 'Bonzo' after the dog in a British comic strip