Few musicians had gone to the lengths as John Bonham had, and even fewer achieved such a legacy as his. Being such an influential drummer brings the wonder of Bonham’s own inspiration to our minds. Coincidentally, Ted Nugent shared the name of the musician that inspired John Bonham on his show Spirit Campfire.
Best known as the drummer of Led Zeppelin, Bonham picked up the drums at the age of 5 and never stopped playing until his untimely departure, which would cause the band to break up. With his single-footed kick drumming, explicit feel for groove, and a drumkit that breathes as well as it pounds, Bonham was the prime inspiration for numerous drummers, including Neil Peart and Dave Grohl. Even today, musicians aspire to sound like him, such as Cherisse Osei.
Known for his many controversial political stances and outbursts, Ted Nugent made a name for himself in matters that most musicians would normally refrain from. Despite that, he has been a crucial figure in the rock scene for many years with his distinctive playing style. And if there is one thing, he appreciates and promotes good music. In a recent episode of his show Spirit Campfire, Nugent revealed Carmine Appice to be the sole inspiration for John Bonham and all drummers. He also expressed his admiration for many names in the rock scene, including Appice’s band Cactus.
Here’s what Nugent had to say about Bonham’s inspiration, Carmine Appice:
“So, Carmine Appice, the inspiration of John Bonham and all drummers. No, really. All drummers who have the powerhouse groove: Chad Smith, Denny Carmassi, Michael Cartellone, Jason Hartless, and Johnny Badanjek. These are all forces. I mean, unbelievable. Joe Vitale… I never mentioned Joe Vitale played drums with me for a couple of years!
Joe Vitale, I mean, I’ve had the greatest musicians on the planet, and Carmine Appice has a new Cactus tribute and Jimmy McCarty on guitar? Holy god in heaven! I don’t know if you guys at post-production can find that photo of me and Jimmy McCarty from last summer at Freedom Hill in Detroit, my guitar hero from 1960. Why do I play a Gibson Byrdland even though he went to a Gretsch country gentleman, then to a Les Paul, and he hasn’t gone back since…
But I love Jimmy McCarthy; so soulful, so gifted, so smart, outrageous, and groove and sensual. Jimmy McCarthy, Tim Bogert on bass, Carmine Appice on drums, and Rusty Day on vocals and harmonica. Find the Cactus record.”
It is no small feat for someone’s name to be included among the ones that Nugent listed, even more so when that someone, Carmine Appice, turns out to be John Bonham’s mentor and an inspiration for many drummers across the industry.
