On Dec. 4, 1980, Led Zeppelin made the difficult decision to break up, two months after drummer John Bonham died. After spending most of one day drinking, Bonham passed away via asphyxiation from his own vomit. His death would be later ruled accidental.

At the time of his death, the group was planning to tour. That tour was immediately cancelled, but in the ensuing two months, there were rumors abound as to what the band would do, and who might replace John Bonham.

Thankfully(in my opinion), the surviving members realized that indeed, Mr Bonham was irreplaceable, and they called it a day.

The band told the world of their decision in this statement;

"We wish it to be known, that the loss of our dear friend and the deep respect we have for his family, together with the deep sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were."

I watched as The Who tried to go on after Keith Moon's death with Kenney Jones, a fine drummer, but it just wasn't the same. It's very difficult for iconic bands to go on after the loss of a key member, and I have always applauded Led Zeppelin for realizing it would never be the same without the storm and thunder that John Bonham brought to their sound.

 

 

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