New releases, music videos and album news — indie, rap, rock and pop. Always covering Ren, Chris Webby, Sam Tompkins, bbno$, CHINCHILLA, Muse, Yungblud and more.
In 1968, Led Zeppelin released their debut single. Now in 2026, Jimmy Page still believes the drumming is the greatest in rock history
Led Zeppelin’s 1969 debut single, ‘Good Times Bad Times’, introduced listeners to John Bonham’s forceful drumming, which Jimmy Page later singled out as the track’s most remarkable feature. Page praised Bonham’s powerful kick drum and stressed that he achieved its rapid patterns using a single pedal, helping establish the drummer’s reputation and the band’s distinctive sound.
The article argues that Bonham’s style set an exceptionally high bar for anyone playing Zeppelin’s music after the band’s original run. It contrasts later performances by Phil Collins with Jason Bonham’s close understanding of his father’s drumming, and points to ‘Moby Dick’ as further evidence of Bonham’s ability. The headline frames Page’s admiration as enduring, though the article focuses on his praise of the debut single.
In short
- Page praised Bonham’s single-kick drumming on ‘Good Times Bad Times’.
- The track introduced the power that became central to Zeppelin’s sound.
- Jason Bonham is presented as especially able to recreate his father’s style.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Bonham’s drumming on ‘Good Times Bad Times’ combines power with intricate, rapid kick-drum patterns played on a single pedal, making it a strong candidate for one of rock’s most influential performances. Page’s praise reflects how Bonham helped define Led Zeppelin’s sound, and his work on tracks such as ‘Moby Dick’ adds to the case for his exceptional standing.
The case against
Calling any one performance the greatest in rock history is necessarily subjective: listeners may value technique, feel, innovation or influence differently, and other drummers have compelling claims by those measures. Bonham’s distinctive style also sets a demanding standard for Zeppelin performances without proving that later players, or the track itself, are objectively unmatched.
Explained simply
Led Zeppelin were a British rock band formed in 1968, with guitarist Jimmy Page and drummer John Bonham among their members. Their debut single, “Good Times Bad Times”, came out in 1969 and helped introduce the band’s forceful sound.
Bonham became known for powerful, fast drumming, including rapid bass-drum patterns played with one pedal. His style is often discussed alongside “Moby Dick”, a Led Zeppelin song featuring an extended drum solo.
Phil Collins and Jason Bonham, John’s son, have both played Led Zeppelin music after the original band’s run. Comparisons between them reflect the challenge of recreating Bonham’s distinctive approach and the role his drumming played in the band’s sound.