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In 1969, one song “changed the world” of drumming forever, according to Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl has credited Led Zeppelin’s 1969 song ‘Good Times Bad Times’ with changing the world of drumming, calling its kick drum break essential listening for aspiring players. The track’s impact, in his view, came from John Bonham making the drums a forceful, expressive part of the music rather than simply keeping time.
Bonham combined a powerful bass drum with a flexible feel, shifting between a relaxed groove and explosive fills while giving Zeppelin’s riffs their distinctive swing. The article also highlights his use of triplets and open-handed hi-hat playing, and describes how the interplay between Bonham, guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones helped make the band’s sound unpredictable.
In short
- Dave Grohl says ‘Good Times Bad Times’ changed drumming.
- John Bonham’s kick drum break made a lasting impression.
- His power and flexible timing shaped Led Zeppelin’s sound.
Explained simply
Led Zeppelin were a British rock band formed in the late 1960s. Their drummer, John Bonham, played alongside guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones, with singer Robert Plant completing the line-up.
In rock music, drums can keep a steady beat and help shape the song’s rhythm and energy. Bonham was known for a powerful bass drum and a flexible style, moving between a relaxed pulse and sudden bursts of notes. His playing helped define the sound of Led Zeppelin and influenced how later musicians approached the drums.