# The only drummer on John Bonham’s level, according to John Bonham

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-only-drummer-on-john-bonhams-level-according-to-john-bonham/
- Published: 2026-10-25T16:26:47+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T17:24:28+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-only-drummer-on-john-bonhams-level-according-to-john-bonham/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Bonham reportedly put himself and Ginger Baker at the top.
- Baker recalled the remark with mock indignation.
- Their styles helped expand rock drumming.

## Summary

John Bonham reportedly believed that only Ginger Baker matched him among British rock drummers, placing the Cream drummer alongside himself at the top. The claim highlights Baker’s influence on Bonham and the standing of both men in a generation that helped reshape rock drumming.

Baker recalled the remark in his autobiography, saying Bonham had named only the two of them as British rock ’n’ roll drummers. Baker responded with mock indignation, calling Bonham a “cheeky little bastard”. The article describes Baker’s jazz roots, use of double bass drums and African rhythms, and his often competitive relationship with Bonham; it also notes that Stewart Copeland and Nick Mason had praised Mitch Mitchell and Ginger Baker.

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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.