zeppphead Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 An encounter between Led Zeppelin's John Bonham and Sting once nearly resulted in a fistfight, says Jason Bonham. Speaking to Spinner.com, the son of the late Zeppelin drummer said the incident occurred when his father took him to a Police show, not long after the trio had completed their second album. "[Dad] managed to get me backstage and he threatened to punch Sting," Bonham said. "It was hilarious. Dad stepped on his foot and he [sting] was very cocky back then. He was the new young frontman and had that punk kind of attitude. Dad was probably a dinosaur to him, even at 32. I remember [sting] saying, 'Hey man, don't step on my blue suede shoes.' My dad said, 'I'll step on your [expletive] head in a minute.'" And just what were the Bonhams doing at a Police show in the first place? "I thought Sting was the coolest thing in the world," Bonham explained. The younger Bonham would have been 12 or 13 years old at the time. From Gibson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAJones Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 ...the incident occurred when his father took him to a Police show, not long after the trio had completed their second album. The Police second album, Message in a Bottle, was released in September 1979 so the incident must have occured at one of the UK gigs listed below. The Birmingham date is just three days after Bonham & Plant had gone together to see Wings perform at the same venue and is the closest to Bonham's home. December 1979 UK Tour 10- Leeds Queenshall 11- Deeside Leisure Centre 12- Glasgow Apollo 13 -Bridlington Royal Spa 15- Birmingham Odeon 16 - Southampton Gaumont 17 - Brighton Centre 18 - London Hammersmith Odeon 18 -London Hammersmith Palais 19 - London Rainbow Theatre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeppphead Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Thanks for the information, Steve! Dinosaurs Vs. Punks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAJones Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 This from "Peavey": Just to add a little bit more to this story. I recall Deborah Bonham telling me that John had taken them to see the Police and they had went backstage. John was very impressed with Stewart Copeland's style of drumming. Deb also mentioned that John proclaimed to her that the Police were going to be the next big band and maybe even the one to take Led Zeppelin down. I believe a reference to this story can also be found in the book John Bonham, The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin. This from "bharrington": I think there may be a slightly longer version of the story in Jason's bio on his dad. Something of JB mentioning Sir Paul McCartney and Sting replying "Paul who?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquamarine Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Wasn't all this in Mick Bonham's book? It had a different title when I got it, so may be the one referred to above (The Powerhouse Behind . . .) I don't have it here right now, so can't check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leddy Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 POLICE OFFICER............"What has happened here Mr Bonham, is Stings head ok ??" BONHAM..........."de do do do de da da da " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeppphead Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Yeah. Bonzo liked The Police. In fact I've read somewhere in the Hammer of the Gods that he wanted The Police to win some kind of NME's or Melody Maker's "Best Band Award". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeppphead Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 POLICE OFFICER............"What has happened here Mr Bonham, is Stings head ok ??" BONHAM..........."de do do do de da da da " LOL, considering how hard Bonzo could hit the drums.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabe Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 This from "Peavey": Just to add a little bit more to this story. I recall Deborah Bonham telling me that John had taken them to see the Police and they had went backstage. John was very impressed with Stewart Copeland's style of drumming. Deb also mentioned that John proclaimed to her that the Police were going to be the next big band and maybe even the one to take Led Zeppelin down. I believe a reference to this story can also be found in the book John Bonham, The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin. This from "bharrington": I think there may be a slightly longer version of the story in Jason's bio on his dad. Something of JB mentioning Sir Paul McCartney and Sting replying "Paul who?" I could be wrong and this veers off topic, but does anybody remember Sting dissing McCartney for playing Let It Be at one those huge outdoor festvals. I remember being pissed off at Sting running his mouth about something and I'm thinking this was why. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeppphead Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Yup. Maybe he got pissed off and took out his anger on McCartney.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGDAN Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 POLICE OFFICER............"What has happened here Mr Bonham, is Stings head ok ??" BONHAM..........."de do do do de da da da " Hi Leddy, If this is going to turn in to a Sting Hating Thread you can Count me in. Ah One and ah Two and ah............ Kind Regards, Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leddy Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Hi Leddy, If this is going to turn in to a Sting Hating Thread you can Count me in. Ah One and ah Two and ah............ Kind Regards, Danny What are you like , well I have to say Sting has always had one of em faces you kinda want to slap with a wet fish but I do like "The Police" I like Andy Summers sparse but effecive guitar playing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGDAN Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 What are you like , well I have to say Sting has always had one of em faces you kinda want to slap with a wet fish but I do like "The Police" I like Andy Summers sparse but effecive guitar playing Just "Don't Stand So Close to Me" or you'll be getting the "Message In A Bottle" over your bonce matey, OK "Roxanne" you "King Of Pain" you Trannie? you'll be "Walking On The Moon" if ya "De do do do, De da da da" anywhere near Me, but to be honest "I Can't Stand Losing You" because I'm "Wrapped Around Your Little Finger" and would feel ever "So Lonely" if we "Fall Out" because "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" especially that "Secret Journey" to the "Invisible Sun" yes we are "Spirits In The Material World" aren't we? but if you ever hit me in the "Six Pack" I'll make sure that "Every Breath You Take" will be "Synchronicity" for you, OK? Kind Regards, Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leddy Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Just "Don't Stand So Close to Me" or you'll be getting the "Message In A Bottle" over your bonce matey, OK "Roxanne" you "King Of Pain" you Trannie? you'll be "Walking On The Moon" if ya "De do do do, De da da da" anywhere near Me, but to be honest "I Can't Stand Losing You" because I'm "Wrapped Around Your Little Finger" and would feel ever "So Lonely" if we "Fall Out" because "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" especially that "Secret Journey" to the "Invisible Sun" yes we are "Spirits In The Material World" aren't we? but if you ever hit me in the "Six Pack" I'll make sure that "Every Breath You Take" will be "Synchronicity" for you, OK? Kind Regards, Danny I prefer the "Massage in a Brothel" version I once saw a comedian do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGDAN Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 I prefer the "Massage in a Brothel" version I once saw a comedian do I spend an hour making that masterpiece and that's all you have to say Leddy? The only thing they "Massage in A Brothel" is your "Wallet" mate, so keeps well away me ole mucker and goes play with thy self. You knows it makes sense. Kind Regards, Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leddy Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 I spend an hour making that masterpiece and that's all you have to say Leddy? The only thing they "Massage in A Brothel" is you "Wallet" mate, so keeps well away me ole mucker and goes play with thy self. You knows it makes sense. Kind Regards, Danny Yes it was a masterpiece..........and what you wrote was ok too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireOpal Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 I wonder if Stewart Copeland related the Bonham incident in his autobiography. It came out last year or so, I've been meaning to check it out. I know on previous occasions, Stewart has spoken about Bonham being so nice to them, praising "Message in a Bottle." Stewart said he was a really sweet man. As for Sting slagging off McCartney, I put it down to bad manners, professional jealousy or not being able to hold one's liquor, take your pick. Sting idolized the Beatles when he was young, and McCartney recently (in the last several years) said that the current pop star who is most like himself is... Sting. So it's not like they hate each other is what I'm driving at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeppphead Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Just "Don't Stand So Close to Me" or you'll be getting the "Message In A Bottle" over your bonce matey, OK "Roxanne" you "King Of Pain" you Trannie? you'll be "Walking On The Moon" if ya "De do do do, De da da da" anywhere near Me, but to be honest "I Can't Stand Losing You" because I'm "Wrapped Around Your Little Finger" and would feel ever "So Lonely" if we "Fall Out" because "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" especially that "Secret Journey" to the "Invisible Sun" yes we are "Spirits In The Material World" aren't we? but if you ever hit me in the "Six Pack" I'll make sure that "Every Breath You Take" will be "Synchronicity" for you, OK? Kind Regards, Danny Typical "BIGDAN"-styled art... Well done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGDAN Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Typical "BIGDAN"-styled art... Well done! Thanks Zepphead, I does tries me best. Regards, Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leddy Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Thanks Zepphead, I does tries me best. Regards, Danny Well I feel like a rt git for not praising you now Dan ....................... ......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeppphead Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 I wonder if Stewart Copeland related the Bonham incident in his autobiography. It came out last year or so, I've been meaning to check it out. I know on previous occasions, Stewart has spoken about Bonham being so nice to them, praising "Message in a Bottle." Stewart said he was a really sweet man. TMK, his book Strange Things Happen hardly mentioned Bonham, however he's remarked: "The Police has been so removed from my present life that it almost feels like Led Zeppelin called up and invited me to play drums with them". In addition to that, Stewart kinda favored Bonham in I'm in a Rock 'n' Roll Band. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloriZep Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Dinosaurs Vs. Punks Hey what about your "styled art" funny!! : p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGDAN Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Well I feel like a rt git for not praising you now Dan ....................... ......... You are Leddy mate, you are. Kind Regards, Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeppphead Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 Hey what about your "styled art" funny!! : p Thank you FloriZep. Viva Argentina! Maradona For President... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGDAN Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Thank you FloriZep. Viva Argentina! Maradona For President... Nooooooooooooooo Way, Maradona is a Madman, then again why not?, the World is run by Madmen, and at least Maradona is a Laugh. Regards, Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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