# In 1971, Jimmy Page heard one of the best drum parts ever. Now, it’s been used in over 300 songs

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1971-jimmy-page-heard-one-of-the-best-drum-parts-ever-now-its-been-used-in-over-300-songs/
- Published: 2026-11-15T20:45:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T21:24:13+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/in-1971-jimmy-page-heard-one-of-the-best-drum-parts-ever-now-its-been-used-in-over-300-songs/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Bonham’s “When the Levee Breaks” groove has appeared in over 300 songs.
- Page said two microphones captured the drums at Headley Grange.
- Artists including Björk, Beyoncé and the Beastie Boys reused it.

## Summary

Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks” is celebrated for John Bonham’s thunderous opening drum groove, which Jimmy Page said was captured with just two stereo microphones in a hallway at Headley Grange. The sound helped give the track its ominous atmosphere and became one of the most influential drum parts in popular music.

The article says the groove has been used in more than 300 songs, across genres and by artists including Björk, Beyoncé and the Beastie Boys. Page recalled that Bonham’s kick drum was so powerful it needed no separate microphone, and praised his wrist-driven playing.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.