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

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.