Episode #352September 25, 2025
Four Drummers Who COULD HAVE Replaced John Bonham
Today marks the anniversary of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham's passing, and we're examining a rare newspaper article from 1980 discussing potential *replacement* drummers for *Led Zeppelin*. This is a must-see for *classic rock* fans and anyone interested in the history of *rock music* and legendary *drummers*, including insights into songs like *Black Dog* and the world of *drums*.
September 25, 2025 marks 45 years since the death of John Bonham at just 32 years old.
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield uncovers a rare 1980 article from the Black Country Evening Mail speculating on who might replace Bonham in Led Zeppelin—a fascinating “what if” moment in rock history.
***** SIGN UP TO MEET WITH ROBERT JOHN HADFIELD - https://scheduler.zoom.us/robert-hadfield
⏱️ Timestamps
0:02 – Setting the stage: 45 years since Bonham’s passing
0:30 – Shout-out to @digitech for supporting the channel
0:46 – Introducing the article: “Only the Best for Led Zep” (Oct 25, 1980)
1:27 – The media frenzy: could Zeppelin even continue?
2:22 – The rumored replacements: Carl Palmer, Cozy Powell, Ginger Baker, Bill Ward
3:34 – How realistic were these choices? Palmer to Asia, Powell with MSG, Baker with Hawkwind, Ward post-Ozzy split
5:08 – Phil Collins connection: Plant’s solo albums & tour
6:19 – Cozy Powell’s driving style, Blackmore years, and Zeppelin rumors
7:00 – Ginger Baker and Cream ties
7:40 – Bill Ward’s turbulent Black Sabbath years
8:45 – Special invite: schedule a 15-min Zoom with Robert to share your favorite episodes
9:27 – Carmine Appice cameo & Vanilla Fudge/King Kobra/Cactus side story
11:00 – BJ Wilson & Kenny Jones as other rumored names
11:55 – Was Zeppelin already running out of ideas? Criticism of In Through the Out Door
12:10 – Plant’s personal tragedies & reluctance to continue
12:33 – The occult rumors around Jimmy Page
13:00 – A journalist’s closing plea: remember Zeppelin in their prime
13:17 – What happened after: Plant’s solo career, Page’s side projects, Jones’ production work
15:40 – Final reflections: could anyone have replaced Bonham?
September 25, 2025 marks 45 years since the death of John Bonham at just 32 years old.
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield uncovers a rare 1980 article from the Black Country Evening Mail speculating on who might replace Bonham in Led Zeppelin—a fascinating “what if” moment in rock history.
***** SIGN UP TO MEET WITH ROBERT JOHN HADFIELD - https://scheduler.zoom.us/robert-hadfield
⏱️ Timestamps
0:02 – Setting the stage: 45 years since Bonham’s passing
0:30 – Shout-out to @digitech for supporting the channel
0:46 – Introducing the article: “Only the Best for Led Zep” (Oct 25, 1980)
1:27 – The media frenzy: could Zeppelin even continue?
2:22 – The rumored replacements: Carl Palmer, Cozy Powell, Ginger Baker, Bill Ward
3:34 – How realistic were these choices? Palmer to Asia, Powell with MSG, Baker with Hawkwind, Ward post-Ozzy split
5:08 – Phil Collins connection: Plant’s solo albums & tour
6:19 – Cozy Powell’s driving style, Blackmore years, and Zeppelin rumors
7:00 – Ginger Baker and Cream ties
7:40 – Bill Ward’s turbulent Black Sabbath years
8:45 – Special invite: schedule a 15-min Zoom with Robert to share your favorite episodes
9:27 – Carmine Appice cameo & Vanilla Fudge/King Kobra/Cactus side story
11:00 – BJ Wilson & Kenny Jones as other rumored names
11:55 – Was Zeppelin already running out of ideas? Criticism of In Through the Out Door
12:10 – Plant’s personal tragedies & reluctance to continue
12:33 – The occult rumors around Jimmy Page
13:00 – A journalist’s closing plea: remember Zeppelin in their prime
13:17 – What happened after: Plant’s solo career, Page’s side projects, Jones’ production work
15:40 – Final reflections: could anyone have replaced Bonham?
Chapters
00:00
00:02
Setting the stage: 45 years since Bonham’s passing
00:30
Shout-out to @digitech for supporting the channel
00:46
Introducing the article: “Only the Best for Led Zep” (Oct 25, 1980)
01:27
The media frenzy: could Zeppelin even continue?
02:22
The rumored replacements: Carl Palmer, Cozy Powell, Ginger Baker, Bill Ward
03:34
How realistic were these choices? Palmer to Asia, Powell with MSG, Baker with Hawkwind, Ward post-Ozzy split
05:08
Phil Collins connection: Plant’s solo albums & tour
06:19
Cozy Powell’s driving style, Blackmore years, and Zeppelin rumors
07:00
Ginger Baker and Cream ties
07:40
Bill Ward’s turbulent Black Sabbath years
08:45
Special invite: schedule a 15-min Zoom with Robert to share your favorite episodes
09:27
Carmine Appice cameo & Vanilla Fudge/King Kobra/Cactus side story
11:00
BJ Wilson & Kenny Jones as other rumored names
11:55
Was Zeppelin already running out of ideas? Criticism of In Through the Out Door
12:10
Plant’s personal tragedies & reluctance to continue
12:33
The occult rumors around Jimmy Page
13:00
A journalist’s closing plea: remember Zeppelin in their prime
13:17
What happened after: Plant’s solo career, Page’s side projects, Jones’ production work
15:40
Final reflections: could anyone have replaced Bonham?
