Led Zeppelin, ‘Good Times, Bad Times’ – Butch’s Way Back Wednesday

As a music fan there is always something new and great, but there really is something special about the songs you grew up listening to. For me, that was 70′s and 80′s classic rock. If I am in a shi**y mood, I throw in a little Zeppelin or Rush and take a trip back to rolling in my mom’s T-Bird. Now every Wednesday you get to take that trip with me. It’s Way Back Wednesday with Butch, and today’s feature is a song that is special since today is marks 33 years since we lost John Bonham… Led Zeppelin's, "Good Times, Bad Times."

The date was Sept. 25, 1980, at 32 years of age, Led Zeppelin's drummer John Bonham passed away, inadvertently bringing an end to one of rock’s greatest bands.

"Good Times, Bad Times" is often regarded as Bonham's best. It serves as more evidence of Bonham’s superhuman status. The first track on Zeppelin’s first album is famous for Bonham’s use of two 16th-note triplets in the beat, which was inspired by Carmine Appice’s drumming in Vanilla Fudge. What Bonham didn’t know was that Appice was using a double kick drum, so he found a way to train his right foot to do it on its own. But ‘Good Times Bad Times’ is more than a technical marvel; it’s a fiery overture for Bonham’s hyperactive pounding, as he plays on and around the beat. His drumming is powerful – practically a lead instrument – and yet it never overpowers the song. Quite an introduction.

Take a trip back with us a celebrate John Bonham's life here...