Beast: John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin

The first full biography of John Bonham from Led Zeppelin—whom many consider to be one of the greatest (if not the greatest!) drummers in rock history. His groundbreaking, ferocious style, encyclopedic knowledge, and unmistakably powerful sound earned the drummer fame among fans and everyone connected to the industry. When Led Zeppelin’s popularity suddenly surged, Bonham tried to combine his passion for music with the harsh conditions of life on the road. This book consists of memoirs from the musician’s closest friends, family members, and contemporaries—allowing you to see the full range of his outstanding, complex personality.

John Bonham learned to play drums at the age of five. Although he never took lessons, right after finishing secondary school he began drumming with local bands. Within a few months, he was recruited into a group that would eventually become known as Led Zeppelin. Not long after, Bonham and his three bandmates would become the richest rock band in the world.

In the first year, Led Zeppelin released two albums and completed four tours in the United States and the United Kingdom. Throughout the 1970s, they reached not only new commercial heights but also earned praise from critics—becoming one of the most influential bands of the era, and showing how business in the music industry should be conducted. In 1977, Led Zeppelin played their final concert in America, after which the band was hit by a streak of misfortune and criticism from devoted fans. And in September 1980, Bonham—suffering from alcoholism, mental distress, and the consequences of brutal touring—was found dead.