Led Zeppelin is undoubtedly one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock music, and drummer John Bonham is one of the reasons why. With his powerful and dynamic drumming, Bonham helped to shape the band’s sound and created some of the most memorable and influential drum parts in rock history.
John Bonham’s untimely death in 1980 was a tragic loss for the music world, but his legacy lives on in his incredible body of work with Led Zeppelin. From his thunderous fills to his intricate cymbal work, Bonham’s drumming was a vital part of the Led Zeppelin sound, and his influence on generations of drummers cannot be overstated. Led Zeppelin’s commercial success is a testament to the band’s incredible talent and the enduring popularity of their music. With over 200 million albums sold worldwide, Led Zeppelin is one of the best-selling bands of all time, and their influence on rock music can still be heard today.
Here are our pick for the best 5 Led Zeppelin songs for the drums. If you are interested in diving into these iconic pieces of music, the drum sheet music for all the songs is available at our online store.
Black Dog
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“Black Dog” is a classic Led Zeppelin song that features a driving, bluesy riff that is instantly recognizable. Bonham’s drumming on this track perfectly complements the riff, with his powerful, syncopated beat driving the song forward. Bonham’s use of the hi-hat and snare drum creates a sense of urgency and tension, while his fills and accents add texture and excitement to the song. Overall, Bonham’s drumming on “Black Dog” is a masterclass in how to create a powerful and dynamic groove that perfectly complements the song.
Good Times Bad Times
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“Good Times Bad Times” is the opening track on Led Zeppelin’s debut album, and it is a perfect showcase for Bonham’s technical skills and his ability to make complex rhythms sound effortless. The song features a rapid-fire drum intro that immediately grabs the listener’s attention, and Bonham’s use of triplets and syncopation throughout the song creates a sense of energy and excitement. The song is a testament to Bonham’s incredible technical proficiency, and his drumming on this track remains a benchmark for drummers to this day.
Immigrant Song
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“Immigrant Song” is one of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic songs, with its driving, tribal rhythms and Viking-inspired lyrics. Bonham’s drumming on this track perfectly captures the energy and intensity of the song, with his thunderous fills and pounding rhythms driving the song forward. The song’s opening riff is one of the most recognizable in rock music, and Bonham’s use of the kick drum and cymbals throughout the song adds texture and excitement to the overall sound.
Since I’ve Been Loving You
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“Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a slow, soulful blues ballad that features some of Bonham’s most sensitive and nuanced drumming. With its slow tempo and intricate cymbal work, the song provides a perfect showcase for Bonham’s ability to create a powerful and evocative drum part that perfectly complements the song’s emotional intensity. Bonham’s use of dynamics and accents on this track is especially impressive, with his fills and flourishes perfectly punctuating the song’s soaring vocals and searing guitar solos.
Stairway to Heaven
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“Stairway to Heaven” is perhaps Led Zeppelin’s most iconic song, and Bonham’s drumming on this track is just as legendary. With its slow, building intro and explosive climax, Bonham’s drums provide the perfect foundation for Jimmy Page’s epic guitar solo. Bonham’s use of cymbals and toms throughout the song adds depth and texture to the overall sound, while his steady, driving beat keeps the song moving forward. The song’s climax features Bonham’s most explosive drumming, with thunderous fills and pounding rhythms adding to the song’s overall sense of drama and excitement. Overall, Bonham’s drumming on “Stairway to Heaven” is a masterclass in how to create a powerful sense of dynamic throughout the song.
Conclusion
Led Zeppelin and John Bonham remain a powerful force in the world of rock music, and their influence can still be heard today in the work of countless bands and musicians. This list of the best 5 Led Zeppelin songs for the drums is just a small sample of the incredible body of work created by this legendary band, and they serve as a testament to the enduring power and influence of Led Zeppelin’s music. And remember, the sheet music is available for all these songs at our online store