John Bonham John Henry "Bonzo" Bonham (May 31, 1948 - September 25, 1980), was a British drummer and member of the highly successful rock band Led Zeppelin. Bonham is still widely respected in the music world as one of the best rock drummers of all time. He is regarded as one of the most influential and emulated trap drum kit players ever, and is renowned for his hard hitting style, technical abilities, and "feel" for the groove. Bonham died prematurely, but his approach to hard rock and heavy metal drumming continues to be a standard by which all others are judged.