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| BONZO CAST bow after initial Key Club Show |
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BONZO The Groove Remains the Same
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Brian Tichy is leading the charge to honor BONZO, John Bonham, Led Zeppelin’s thunderous, evocative, sensitive, bombastic, spiritual… Ok, theres is no way to describe John Bonham’s drumming. You have to experience it to understand.
Since Bonham’s passing in 1980, that experience has been relegated to recordings… that is until Tichy and Joe Sutton produced “The Groove Remains the Same”, a popular LA based John Bonham tribute. It features the top world class drummers of our generation who groove, funk, rock, syncopate and solo their way through the Zeppelin catalog.
We get the groove of Kenny Aronoff, the funk of Chad Smith and the Heavy Metal bombast of Franki Banali as they not only cover the tunes but channel the spirit of Bonham, stamping the music with their individual styles while paying tribute. Tichy started the tribute to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Bonham’s death and celebrate his contributions to drumming. Bonham’s rhythmic progeny bring him back. joining hands in a musical séance around the Ouji board. Grooves are laid with the solid precision Bonham used as a brick layer in his pre Zeppelin days, stories are told between songs by the drummers who knew Bonham like Carmine Appice and Chris Slade.
This set has an intermission and needs one because the show lasts for several glorious hours featuring some 20 drummers. At the end of the night we have an idea what it was like to see Bonham play live and learn how his legacy continues via his rhythmic sons and literal son in the case of Jason Bonham.
After 30 years the groove Bonham established has passed into most capable hands and the influence Bonham has on drumming today is clear. Styles and times may change but The Groove Remains the Same!
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MS: Brian, what inspired you to produce this Bonham tribute. BT: What inspired me was the simple fact that I always have Bonzo on the brain. Everyday I think about his snare sound…. Since 7th grade…I was listening to Bonzo’s Montreux off of Coda last May and the memories of getting that record when it came out came back. I couldn’t believe how long it had been since he passed and how I still listen to him as my favorite drummer and main source of inspiration. I realized it was the 30th anniversary of his passing that year, (2010). I always come up with ideas I think would be fun, and the idea to get a rehearsal room and call all the drummers I know, pick their fave Zep tune, have some friends learn the music and have a party in honor of Bonzo just seemed too cool! Maybe get a keg and film it as it could be a great night. I then thought of booking a club on the exact night, which ended up being a Saturday. It seemed like too much work, so it all sat there as a nice idea for a while…
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| Jimmy D'Anda of Bulletboys (photo by Mike St. John) |
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MS: What is the role of Joe Sutton in the production. BT: I have known Joe for years. He is a Zep Head too. He has his own nights he puts together at various venues in Hollywood and oftentimes I am part of the house band and we all play some covers and have some fun. At the same time I was toying with the idea of putting a BONZO jam together, I was talking to Joe about the next gig I was playing of his. I then told him my idea of a John Bonham tribute night. He thought it was great and… happened to have that exact night on hold at Key Club in Hollywood! We pitched them the idea and got the night.. I then proceeded to start the process of putting drummers and musicians together. Joe was the behind the scenes co-organizer. He knows everyone at Key Club which made it a lot easier to see the complete vision and have fun. I had played there many, many times as well over the past 15 years, and love playing there, but he had personal affiliations...It put everyone on a nice similar playing field to get a great night going!
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| BONZO Promoters Brian Tichy and Joe Sutton (photo by Rosie Acosta) |
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Joe had the awesome job of “guest list balancing.” That went on for more than a week prior to the show and the last 5 days got more and more crazy. It literally engulfed his days. There was no way I could have sat there handling that and learning Achilles last Stand and The Song Remains The Same on guitar! (laughs)
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| Stephen Perkins and The Moby Dicks (photo by Torry Pendergrass) |
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MS: What logistical challenges did you guys overcome to pull this off.
BT: The main challenge was the balance of “over-asking” too many drummers. We toyed with the idea of having as many as can play, or topping it off at 10. Every time I’d call a drummer, and wait to hear back, there was another drummer or two that confirmed or had to pass because of prior commitments, mainly touring. I had my main list of guys I was friends with as well as guys that influenced me as well as guys I didn’t know but I thought were great drummers and/or obviously influenced by John Bonham. It was a total juggling act. There were about 10 drummers that wanted to play but were on tour. There were guys that said yes right from the get go. And there were others that took some time to chat with. So it was a constant “ball in a lottery machine”. The names were all there you just didn’t know at what point someone would confirm. Also, I had every drummer pick their 3 favorite Zep tunes so as not have too much overlappage, (yes, my word…). That never became a prob as there are so many killer Zep tunes.
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| Jason Bonham and the Moby Dicks (photo by Torry Pendergrass) |
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The band fell into place relatively quickly as we all are buds or had worked together before. They had plenty of time to get the songs together. And it didn’t hurt that bassist Michael Devin and keyboardist Stephen LeBlanc recently joined Jason Bonham’s band. Also, singer Keith St. John sings in Led Zepplica from time to time. Lastly, on the day of the show, 2 of the drummers flew in. James Kottak arrived from South America with Scorpions halfway through the show and ran through Nobody’s Fault But Mine in the dressing room. He didn’t sit on the kit until he played live! Jason Bonham arrived around the same time flying in from Florida. They both had to get on a foreign kit with a band they never played with and go for it. They both kicked ass!
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 Chris Slade of AC/DC
A lot of great stories were told including Chris Slade's recollection about Keith Moon's naming Led Zeppelin by saying their act went over like a 'lead balloon', basically saying they were a flop.
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MS: The drummers performing are all smiles and appear grateful simply to be involved giving some indication of the importance Bonham has as an influence and inspiration. This must make your recruiting efforts for drummers and other musicians easier. BT: Without the awesome vibe created by all the drummers collectively, not forgetting about the band either, this night would not have been as cool. All egos were left at home, and I think the power of sitting on a John Bonham kit on the 30th anniversary of his passing, with his family watching, made for a night that changed all of us. It put back into perspective WHY we all do what we do and WHERE we come from. The reality of the music biz, being an adult and all the responsibilities of that definitely get in the way of the purity of being a kid, putting on a record and getting your socks knocked off.
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 A blissful Kenny Aronoff during 'Black Dog' photo by Terry Divyak
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MS: There are several excellent musicians reprising the roles of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones as well. Can you tell us a bit about them. BT: Yes. My great bud Michael “Denim” Devin is the bassist. He has played with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Lynch Mob, Mandy Lion and Jason Bonham’s Zep Experience. He now is also in Whitesnake with me. He lives for music and is a Zep Head through and through. He hits his stride best playing this kind of stuff.
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| Brian Tichy and Brent Woods (photo by Torry Pendergrass) |
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My other great friend, Brent Woods, is the guitarist. We’ve played together in cover gigs around town for 5 years. He’s a super-well rounded player with a great natural feel and groove. He studied with Randy Rhoads in high school, which I think is killer, and has played with lots of bands including Vince Neil and is a kick ass producer in his own right. I met keyboardist Stephen LeBlanc through Michael Devin as those two were jamming in some other cover bands together. He came in and just nailed it all. He’s the real deal and a great guy! He is also in Jason Bonham’s band. Nothing but a total pleasure to hang and work with him.
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| Keith St. John, Michael Devin, Frankie Banali (photo by Torry Pendergrass) |
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I met singer Keith St. John last year as he jammed a few songs with the cover gig we were doing, the Dropout Stoner Clan… lots of metal! He kicked ass and when we needed to find the right guy for The Moby Dicks (our band name) and his name came up, it seemed like a great call. It ends up he was already doing some gigs with Zep cover band Led Zepplica. He has also worked with Neal Schon, Lynch Mob, and currently sings for Montrose. I was super impressed with his stamina and ability to sing Robert Plant all night, especially the true recorded versions of the songs! Last but not least, I have to give it up to legendary KLOS DJ Uncle Joe Benson. When they heard about the night, they got involved and supported it. Joe came down and offered his time to be a part of the show by introducing every drummer. He has an instantly recognizable voice and his presence further validated the night.
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| Simon Wright, Torry Pendergrass, Kenny Aronoff, Abe Laboriel, Jason Bonham, Chris Slade (photo by Rosie Acosta) |
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Brian Tichy: A night like this has many meanings, and you can ask every drummer and musician on stage that night, and I guarantee you , they’ll agree! It is worthy of a DVD, and also a book, which are things we are talking about now… and these are all reasons why we chose to do 2 more back to back shows 3 months later. John Bonham has deserved this kind of tribute since 1980, and anytime is a good time to give him a night filled with amazing drummers and musicians having a great time honoring the huge amount of inspiration he left us all!! We did it on the 30th, but lots of people wanted to see it that didn’t and nearly every drummer came back for the next two shows. I think that says it all right there….
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CAST BONZO: The Groove
Remains the Same
Produced by Brian Tichy and Joe Sutton
Drummers The Moby
Dicks
Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Billy Idol, Ozzy) Brent Woods - Guitar
Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction) Brian
Tichy – Guitar
Chris Slade (AC/DC, The Firm) Michael Devin – Bass (Whitesnake)
Fred Coury (Cinderella) Stephen LeBlanc – Keys (Zep Exp)
Jimmy D’Anda (Bulletboys) Keith St. John – Vocals
(Montrose)
Joe Travers (Zappa Plays Zappa, Duran Duran) Sass Jordan – Guest Vocals
Bobby Blotzer (RATT) Chas West - Guest Vocals
James Kottack (Scorpions) Crew
Abe Laboriel (Paul McCartney, Sting, Clapton) Ryan Seelbach - Guitar Tech
Khurt Maier (Salty Dog) Craig Bradford - Stage Coordinator
John Tempesta (The Cult, White Zombie) Ed Steele - Production Assistant
Jason Sutter (Foreigner, Chris Cornell) Torry Pendergrass -
Photographer
Vinny Appice (Black
Sabbath, DIO) Todd Burr - Lead Drum Tech
Kenny Aronoff (John Fogerty, Melissa Etheridge) Wayne Wilburn – Drum Tech
Frankie Banali (Quiet
Riot) Michael Miller – Drum Tech
Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO) Jeff Chonis - Drum Tech
Samantha Maloney (Hole, Motley Crue) Robbie Cope – Drum Tech
Dave Lombardo (Slayer, Philm)
Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot) Announcer - 'Uncle' Joe Benson, KLOS
Seven Antonopoulos (Opoiate For The Masses)
Steven Adler (Guns ‘n Roses)
Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Zep Experience) Special Guests - Zoe Bonham and Street Drum Corps
Xavier Muriel (Buckcherry) Deborah Bonham
Jojo Mayer (Nerve)
Charlie Benante (Anthrax)
Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart) Danny Carey (Tool)
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| Street Drum Corps with Zoe Bonham (photo by Torry Pendergrass) |
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| Deborah Bonham (photo by Torry Pendergrass) |
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 Brian Tichy signals the Crew
CREW
MS: You have drum techs who quickly adjust the drums between players with military precision, keeping the show moving along. What makes them and the rest of your crew so good. BT: The crew was so crucial to the pacing of the show. They kicked serious ass in the Drum Pit Stop! It was a show unto itself as they busted out their measuring tape and notebooks with all the heights, angles and diagrams for every drummer. But first, I have got to thank Ryan Seelbach for teching guitars for us. I too played guitar on a bunch of songs throughout the show. I love guitar and had the most fun in my little guitar world at the side of the stage. It’s so nice to have a guy right there that has got his world together and takes cares of biz. We also used Ratt Tour Manager Craig Bradford as Stage Coordinator. He made sure drummers were led to the stage and were ready to go. With 20 drummers, you need a guy whose sole job is to make sure the drummers are aware of where the show is at and when they are playing… Also… I gotta tip the hat to Joe Sutton's right hand man, Ed Steele. Ed bounces around all of us and helps with all things from drummer organization at rehearsals, video footage, to the artwork on the T-shirts, flyers and posters. He also put together the artwork that announced the “Bonzo Burger, Four Sticks and Heineken For $10.00” that we offered at Key Club! Ed kicked buttocks and became a familiar face to all the drummers throughout the whole event. I also have to give up to Torry Pendergrass, the creator of Red Monkey Leather Designs. He was our in house photographer. He was at rehearsals and all the shows and has some insane photos! He is a great guy, a hard worker and became another great person to have around and be a part of the show! For real, all these guys are guys you want on your side! Now, the drum techs. The main guy is Todd Burr. He just OWNED IT! I let him create his own world within the show. I told him to take control and let everyone know his word behind the kit is the word. He was absolutely amazing. My initial idea was to have one “front kit” tech, and one “back kit” tech, to make all necessary adjustments in between drummers, with Todd being the “Big Cheese in Control”. So my bud, Wayne Wilburn, Paiste’s Artist Relations guy, and Terry Bozzio’s old tech, offered his assistance. I had recently signed up with Paiste, so it was an added bonus to have Wayne involved. He followed Todd’s lead and the two became a team. Then we also got Myron Grombacher’s tech, Michael Miller, to come in and lend an extra hand which, uh, came in, un handy!....haha…… And last but not least, Kenny Aronoff’s tech, Jeff Chonis, offered to help out all night as he just wanted to be a part of the whole show. I am not sure, but maybe this was the first time in history there has been 4 techs working together on one kit ??? If so, let’s call Guiness! They were all great. For the “Double Encore” shows, Todd came back in full force and got worked even harder with the shows being back to back and more drummers participating. We also used Mike Miller again. Todd’s bud Robbie Cope also wanted to get involved so those three tok it over for two in a row. They rose up and threw down !! I am still so impressed with how in control Todd kept it, considering that there is a constant “party” going on behind the kit that totally gets in his world…. But … it is all part of the spirit of the night.. I wish we had a “ behind the curtain” video camera recording that footage. It was its own hang that no one in the audience was aware of. 8-12 drummers cheering along with some other various friends as one of “us” plays our chosen song… It was unlike anything I’ve been a part of…. On this note, I gotta say … part of this is due to the fact that I love controlled chaos. I love everyone to be able to do what they want and have as much fun as they want yet keep the show looking all professional from the front. We had a great time onstage, chit chatting in between tunes, high fiving and cheering every drummer that got onstage, goofing off a bit, telling stories, etc… Stuff like that can get sloppy and there were probably some moments that stretched too long. But for the most part.. it is a rock show, not The Oscars… let loose and if someone falls, pick them up!!!! Haha… !!! Everyone involved is a pro, so we took advantage of the givens, and wanted to have our cake and eat it too!
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| Danny Carey (photo by Torry Pendergrass) |
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MS: The show has been performed three times in five months. You mentioned possibly making this an annual tribute. What are your future plans for the tribute? BT: There are no definite plans. We have talked about everything from taking it on the road with not as many drummers; to putting it in Vegas so the list of drummers can be ever-changing and so on. It all would take a lot of work and involve a lot of people. Those options are possibilities but they are also done with budgets that require more commitment from this group of people than just a one off. Right now, I am psyched that we did the 2 in a row in January. I will not be in town next September to do the annual follow up. Whitesnake will be on the road most of the year. That was the primary reason we went for these January shows. I have a couple months before Whitesnake starts touring but it would be a bit tight to try to do more shows right now. So, we’ll have to see about next year.
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 Brian Tichy on the Bonham Vistalite Kit (photo by Terry Divyak)
MS: What has performing in The Groove Remains the Same meant to you. BT: It meant more to me than most things on this planet outside of my kids. It’s where I come from. It’s why I do what I do. It paved the road I travel on daily. It will never be anything except positivity to me. To be a part of such honesty and purity makes you look at other things with a bigger sense of clarity. Yes, it was all that stuff to most of us. I got to start the night off with a barn burner, “Immigrant Song” and let it all go from there. I got to play guitar on a bunch of the tunes as well. I got to hang with a bunch of great drummers, some of whom I grew up on and that affected the way I play drums and think about music. How is that not heavy duty? All the while we are all on the same map as drummers that love how John Bonham plays.
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MS: What of Bonham’s talents are apparent in your playing during or outside of this show. BT: Everything…. I am Bonzo rip off / hat tipper and that’s fine with me (laughs) Of course we all do what we do in our own little way.. and I love tons of drummers, but I get the most fun out of drumming from the style of John Bonham. Being that this is what I do with my life, I don’t want to whittle it down to calling my drumming merely an imitation. I love playing drums period. I’ve put tons of time, more than anything in my life, into playing drums well, not just playing Zep tunes! (laughs) I love many styles but I wouldn’t be able to play with as many people as I have if I was only drawing from a Bonham bag of tricks. MS: Do you feel you channeled Bonham’s or Zeppelin’s spirit during your performance in the tribute. BT: I don’t know, I just hope I grooved the song hard and that people felt the honesty, energy and power I was shooting for… MS: What do you make of the camaraderie of the performers in the show. BT: It is unlike anything else I’ve ever been a part of, for real. You don’t just get involved in things like that too often. The concept is strong. The people involved made it stronger. It took all of us to make it what it was.
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| Bassist Michael Devin looks like he's having a euphoric experience at the BONZO tribute because he is! |
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Moby Dick Bassist Michael Devin's Perspective on the Bonzo Tribute
MS: Michael, you got to play with all those great drummers at the BONZO tribute. How difficult was it to asap;t to all of their different styles? I mean, they were all playing Zep tunes but there were so many distinct styles and personalities.
MD: Everyone who walked through the door to jam was in the best of spirits. The challenge was in knowing a given drummer's feel well enough to adapt to his approach. I had a good grasp on the styles of the drummers involved because I'm a fan. Some had a huge impact on my life as a musician. It really was a question of, 'Okay, then, let's see what this cat's gonna do with this one. Danny Carey comes to mind...When he played 'No Quarter', his groove wasn't like the album. He swung it differently, but it was equally effective and it was an intense performance Lots of power and conviction.
MS: Has John Paul Jones, BONZO or Led Zeppelin influenced you in your education and career?
MD: Absolutely! They've influenced me big time. I'm a bona fide Zep Head. Since the beginning, they've been the impetus. Page is such a great writer. I always learn something new studying Jonesy's parts and I don't believe There's a better rock drummer than John Bonham. Sure there are others...but he's the best. He played with grace and implemented different feels and styles. That rhythm section is where it's at for me. Listen to an album or a bootleg. Check out Tokyo from '70. The proof is in the pudding. Jonesy's lines, phrasing...he is a genius. One of the most inspired rhythm sections in rock...I'll be influenced by that band until I am no more.
MS: Frankie Banali told me how great a musician you are ad complimented not only your playing but communication skills and incredible attitude. What does that mean to you as a player.
MD: That's very thoughtful of Frankie to say. My attitude only reflects my love for the music. Best mood enhancer on the market is playing a live concert. Frankie's words means a hell of a lot to me. Banali plays wit grit. He's a real force. We hit it off right away which is a huge plus. You're not going to find that chemistry with everybody no matter what. Frankie rocked 'Whole Lotta Love'. We played it live together three times and each time was different with him. That's the mark of a ballsy player...he mixed it up. He also makes a mean linguini and red sauce. He brought tow trays to rehearsal and we were all very grateful...we were starvin!'
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Editor's Note: The picture below is a Groove Oreo, I'm just the filling and these guys are the real deal, the solid foundation.
Without that solid foundation, the cooke doesn't just crumble...it dnever exists. Frankie Banali was one of my favorite performers at the BONZO tribute and one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Frankie did some incredible hand drumming reminiscent of the Bonham 'Moby Dick' solo often played on the radio. Then he did an incredible job with his Zep cover. I didn't look for it...didn't want to find a video of it. I want the memory of that live performance, that's a little selfish but that's why you gotta see these guys play live at every opportunity...then you will understand. Anyway, Frankie introduced me to Michael Devin. Well, actually Frankie went on and on about Michael's feel, groove, technique, attitude...forever it seemed and with such enthusiasm. I really wish I had that direct quote from Frankie, but like his performance I don't remember all the details...I know how it made me feel and that I was honored to meet both Frankie and Michael. On our home page, their picture playing together introduces the initial story in DRUMline history. That was no random decision on my part. They definitiely inspired me to write the BONZO story and a few minutes later I met Brian Tichy and had the confidence to tell him I wanted to write about the tribute. Frankie and Michael will forever remind me that if you want to build anything well you need a solid foundation.
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| Frankie Banali, me, Michael Devin - NAMM 2011 |
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