When Led Zeppelin released their eighth studio album, In Through the Out Door, in August 1979, it seemed unimaginable that the iconic rock band of the 1970s would disband just over a year later. John Bonham, the band’s formidable drummer and a true powerhouse, was in peak form, having recently overcome a heroin addiction.
During that period, John Bonham was exceptionally active, contributing his drumming skills to friend Roy Wood’s Wizzard album, On the Road Again. In late September 1980, Bonham and his Led Zeppelin bandmates traveled to the quiet village of Bray in southeast England to rehearse for their upcoming North American tour, their first in three years. This makes the events that followed all the more heartbreaking.
Although Led Zeppelin’s recent music might have seemed less groundbreaking compared to their early 1970s peak, the comparison is hardly fair. They could still outperform most of their peers and deliver an exceptional musical experience, even if they were no longer at their peak. Their live shows remained a transformative experience, representing the zenith of electric blues and rock and roll for fans around the world.
That was, until the tragic night of September 25th, when the band returned to guitarist Jimmy Page’s nearby mansion. In the early hours, Bonham fell asleep and was taken to a bedroom, where he would tragically never awaken.
John Bonham’s death was a result of his ongoing struggle with alcohol addiction, despite overcoming a heroin habit. By 1980, his alcohol consumption was severe—he was drinking screwdrivers for breakfast and consumed over a liter of vodka on his final day.
On September 26th, when his body was found, a post-mortem examination revealed that Bonham’s body had begun to reject the alcohol. He had vomited while asleep, and the vomit was inhaled into his lungs, leading to asphyxiation. The official cause of death was pulmonary aspiration, where vomit entered his respiratory tract, preventing him from breathing. His death was ruled an accident.
In the wake of Bonham’s death, Led Zeppelin decided they could not continue without him. The band disbanded shortly thereafter, with Robert Plant citing the loss of his “best mate” as the reason for leaving, and Jimmy Page stating that no other drummer could replicate Bonham’s unique style and contribution to their music.
Thus, Led Zeppelin met their end just as they were on the brink of a new chapter, much like their legendary drummer. A passionate sports car enthusiast, Bonham lived his life with the same intensity he brought to his drumming—full throttle and turned up to 11. His legacy endures through the countless drummers he has inspired and the songs that would never be the same without his powerful contribution.
