<P> John Henry Bonham ( 31 May 1948 -- 25 September 1980 ) was an English musician and songwriter , best known as the drummer for the British rock band Led Zeppelin . Bonham was esteemed for his speed , power , fast bass - drumming , distinctive sound , and `` feel '' for the groove . He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rock drummers of all time . Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 1 in their list of the `` 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time . '' </P>
<P> John Henry Bonham ( 31 May 1948 -- 25 September 1980 ) was an English musician and songwriter , best known as the drummer for the British rock band Led Zeppelin . Bonham was esteemed for his speed , power , fast bass - drumming , distinctive sound , and `` feel '' for the groove . He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rock drummers of all time . Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 1 in their list of the `` 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time . '' </P>
when did the drummer from led zeppelin die
when did the drummer from led zeppelin die
25 September 1980
25 September 1980