bigstickbonzo Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 It is a touchy subject. I loosely recall reading somewhere that Pat was furious with him upon his returning from tour (77?) because he had developed a serious drug problem. Other than that, with respect to his family, I don't really care to be honest. The man partied hard, enjoying himself more times than not, but his vices obviously affected his playing, his state of mind and ultimately cost him his life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black-Dog Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 I think that Bonzo collapsed in Earls Court 1975 Communication Breakdown at the end. Is it right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAJones Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 the story that was circulated in the german Musik Express magazine at the time quoted Robert telling a tale of Bonzo having had a "german belly" because of drinking too much "german water" (code for beer or other alcohol?) and becoming sick from this at the nuernberg gig. In his style of heavy drumming it still took him like 12 minutes to pass out. Robert said that afterwards Bonzo ate a lot of bananas to get well and then the tour continued This makes sense. If his blood alcohol content had become exceedingly high hospitalization would have been necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAJones Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 I find the supposition in this or any other thread that John Bonham was a heroin addict to be ill-informed and farfetched I agree wholeheartedly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepps_apprentice Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 Earls Court Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom kid Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 While tales of rock 'n roll excess are staple fodder for many music fans, I find the supposition in this or any other thread that John Bonham was a heroin addict to be ill-informed and farfetched, if not highly objectionable. That Jimmy Page was a junkie for several years appears to be fact, but Bonzo never looked nor seemed to act like one. Judging from the visual evidence post-1975, how many junkies do you know that actually put on weight? Did you see Eric Clapton, Mark Lanegan or Nick Cave blimp out during their opium days? It's not like Pete Doherty's turning into Jabba The Hutt either. Basically, Bonzo was a Black Country booze hound who - like his bandmates - undoubtedly dabbled in many chemicals during the Zep years. So, Bonzo a junkie? That's truly insulting to the man's memory, not to mention his family. After all, heroin can be a nasty, soul-destroying drug. I'm just asking for an iota of decorum, please. Maybe this is true. But take a look at the Seattle '77 footage. He is wearing a gown during Kashmir, I mean playing the drums as heavy as he did would make you sweat like a pig. Possibly he was in withdrawl and was cold? I also recall reading that at the time of his death he was taking drugs to get him off the smack and that these drugs had mind altering affects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfman Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 how many junkies do you know that actually put on weight? John Belushi and Chris Farley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigstickbonzo Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 But take a look at the Seattle '77 footage. He is wearing a gown during Kashmir, I mean playing the drums as heavy as he did would make you sweat like a pig. Possibly he was in withdrawl and was cold? I realize everyone is different but from my own personal experience, I tend to sweat alot more when I play if I'm drinking beer than if I'm having a cocktail. And I think we all know what Bonzo enjoyed during a show, especially in 77. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walter Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 John Belushi and Chris Farley. and more recently Artie Lange.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazedjeffy Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Wasn't there a night in 1969 (Kansas City, perhaps) that Bonzo was a little more worse for the wear?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigstickbonzo Posted March 23, 2010 Share Posted March 23, 2010 Wasn't there a night in 1969 (Kansas City, perhaps) that Bonzo was a little more worse for the wear?? I don't remember the source and do not know the actual show, but Bonzo was apparently so drunk and out of it during a show in 1969, Peter Grant yanked him up and told him to get it together or he'd be out of the band. This may or may not have been the orange juice incident with Ten Years After's Alvin Lee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveAJones Posted March 23, 2010 Share Posted March 23, 2010 Wasn't there a night in 1969 (Kansas City, perhaps) that Bonzo was a little more worse for the wear?? November 5, 1969 Memorial Hall in Kansas City Used unfamiliar gear; support...Morning Star, Bartok's Mountain, Spokesmen, Blues Garden and Bill Zickos…Bonham got so drunk he nearly missed the second show Afterward, Page, Plant, Bonham, Jones & Cole drank at the bar in the Muehlbach hotel…Bonham was arrested in the lobby in the early morning hours for public drunkeness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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