Beast, C. M. Kushins
Beast, C. M. Kushins
List: $31.99 | Sale: $22.40
Club: $15.99

Beast
John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin

Author: C. M. Kushins, Dave Grohl

Narrator: Matthew Wolf, Chris Abell

Unabridged: 14 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Da Capo Press

Published: 09/07/2021

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

A compelling narrative biography of the legendary drummer John Bonham, his wild ride with iconic rock band Led Zeppelin, and the highs and lows that made up his wild (and tragically short) life.
 
John Bonham is considered by many to be one of the greatest drummers of all time. He was recruited to join the band who would eventually become known as Led Zeppelin–and before the year was out, Bonham and his bandmates would become the richest rock band in the world.
 
Throughout the 1970s, Led Zeppelin reached new heights of commercial and critical success, making them one of the most influential groups of the era, both in musical style and in their approach towards the workings of the entertainment industry. In September of 1980, Bonham–plagued by alcoholism, anxiety, and the after-effects of years of excess–was found dead by his bandmates.
 
As Adam Budofsky, managing editor of Modern Drummer, explains, "If the king of rock 'n' roll was Elvis Presley, then the king of rock drumming was certainly John Bonham."

About C. M. Kushins

C. M. Kushins is the author of Nothing’s Bad Luck: The Lives of Warren Zevon and Beast: John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin. He has been a freelance journalist for over fifteen years and his work has appeared in High Times and The Daily Beast, among others.


Reviews

Four Stars I remember after The Beatles had just broken up in 1970 my older brother bringing home a Led Zeppelin album and saying that this band was going to be the next big thing. I never was much enamoured of them, but enjoyed listening to my brother's band belt out Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song", whi......more

Goodreads review by Dave

Super solid bio on John Henry Bonham, the legendary drummer for the mighty Zep, who is arguably the best drummer in rock and roll. Kushins, a musician himself, is able to break down Bonham's drumming technique and this really aided me in appreciating Bonham even more than I did going into this boo......more

Goodreads review by Adam

Some pieces I knew, others were new to me. John Bonham died at age 32. One can only wonder what else he, and Led Zeppelin, would have accomplished with more time. Thanks for all the great beats you left us Bonzo. Highly recommend, if you want to understand the impact John had on music and future gen......more

Goodreads review by Amit

Only for the most dedicated fans that know their paradiddles. This book tries to build itself as an investigation into Bonham's personality, a personality that accounted for his vast talent, and also for his untimely, depressing death. Thing is, with all my love for one of the best drummers that ever......more


Quotes

"C.M. Kushins gives us a wild, behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest rock bands ever, and brings John ‘Bonzo’ Bonham back to life in this well-written rock classic."
 —Peter Leonard, Bestselling Author of Voices of the Dead