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The death of John Bonham, Led Zeppelin’s legendary drummer, on September 25, 1980, marked the tragic end of one of rock’s greatest musicians. Here’s the inside story of what happened:
The Day of the Tragedy
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September 24, 1980: After an all-day rehearsal for Led Zeppelin’s upcoming North American tour, Bonham, assistant Rex King, and keyboardist John Paul Jones went to Jimmy Page’s house (The Old Mill in Windsor, UK).
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Heavy Drinking Begins: Bonham, known for his hard-partying lifestyle, started drinking vodka (reportedly 16 shots in a short span) and continued into the night.
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Passing Out: Around midnight, he was put to bed by a roadie, who later checked on him and found him asleep on his side.
The Morning After
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September 25, 1980: When Benji LeFevre (Zeppelin’s tour manager) went to wake Bonham for rehearsal, he found him unresponsive.
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Cause of Death: The official coroner’s report ruled death by misadventure—Bonham had choked on his own vomit after excessive alcohol consumption. No other drugs were found in his system.
The Aftermath
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Led Zeppelin Disbands: On December 4, 1980, the band announced they would not continue without Bonham, stating: “We wish it to be known that the loss of our dear friend… has led us to decide that we could not continue as we were.”
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Legacy: Bonham remains one of the greatest drummers in rock history, influencing generations with his powerhouse style on tracks like “Moby Dick” and “When the Levee Breaks.”
Why Did It Happen?
Bonham had struggled with alcohol dependency for years, often drinking to calm pre-show nerves. Friends later said his tolerance had dangerously increased, making it harder to judge limits.
Final Resting Place: He was buried in Rushock, Worcestershire, with a simple epitaph: “Cherished memories of a loving husband and father.”
The Tragic Lesson
Bonham’s death became a cautionary tale about alcohol abuse in the rock world. Unlike many ’70s rock stars who overdosed on drugs, his case highlighted the dangers of binge drinking.
Would you like details on his drumming technique or Led Zeppelin’s final days? 🥁🎸
