Alex Skolnick recently took to X and shared how Led Zeppelin would have looked like if John Bonham were still alive.
Vintage Rock N’ Roll asked their followers:
“Would Led Zeppelin rule the 1980s if John Bonham had lived?
The Testament guitarist responded by saying:
“I think they’d have parted amicably. Then reunited in the ’90s and just completely ruled, headlining over Pearl Jam.”
What Did Other Users Say?
Another commenter didn’t think Led Zeppelin would still rule:
“Nope. Music in the ’80s was different. And not in a good way. But I bet a reunion type of deal in the ’90s would have been great.”
One other user thought otherwise:
“Yes. I believe they had a ton left in the tank. There wasn’t a ton of commotion in the ’80s. Not arena bands anyways.”
Another person had some concerns:
“I think they had started to drift a bit as a band. They never talk about each other but for them to continue as they were, Bonham and Page needed to get healthy. Also Bonham hated touring. They may have become an album only band like Steely Dan or the Beatles. Bonham was clearly still getting better as a drummer evidenced by ‘Fool in the Rain.’ Imagine…..”
Led Zeppelin’s Engineer Also Commented In An Interview
Led Zeppelin’s audio engineer Stuart Epps also replied to that question in a chat with Daniel Sarkissian. When asked if Led Zeppelin would have kept going longer if Bonham hadn’t died, or if they would have ended soon anyway, he said:
“I would say yes, personally I would say they’d have just gone on because had Bonham not died there would have been another album and then they would have wanted to tour that I’m sure. I mean as it turns out, you know, he did die so it’s hypothetical and the fact is that they then had to find their own way in the music business.”
The engineer added:
“Not that they had to I mean they’re all billionaires. But obviously they would want to and so Robert had to find a different career away from Zeppelin and I’m sure he’s very happy that that’s what happened because he was, I think he was, getting fed up with screaming his socks off I’ll say that in case there’s any children listening.”
The late drummer passed away on September 25, 1980. The cause of death was accidental due to choking on his vomit. No other drugs were found in his system. He had around 40 shots of vodka and continued drinking at the rehearsals.
You can see all the tweets below.
I think they’d have parted amicably. Then reunited in the 90s and just completely ruled, headlining over Pearl Jam.
— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) August 1, 2024
Nope. Music in the 80s was different. And not in a good way.
But I bet a reunion type of deal in the 90s would have been great.
— How Far (@HowFar1215) July 31, 2024
Yes.
I believe they had a ton left in the tank.
There wasn’t a ton of commotion in the 80’s.
Not arena bands anyways.
— JaxRec (@RecMastermind) July 31, 2024
I think they had started to drift a bit as a band. They never talk about each other but for them to continue as they were, Bonham and Page needed to get healthy. Also Bonham hated touring. They may have become an album only band like Steely Dan or the Beatles. Bonham was clearly…
— Arthur172 (@JeffreyLS172) July 31, 2024
