Led Zeppelin drummer accused of stealing drum part
Carmine Appice recently discussed his accusation against John Bonham, claiming that Bonham stole the ending drum part on Led Zeppelin’s 1971 classic “Rock and Roll” from Vanilla Fudge’s 1969 song “Shotgun.”
“I did notice it then, but for a long time I couldn’t say that, you know? I couldn’t because everybody would have thought I was an egomaniac! But then, there’s been some books released that talk about how John was raving about me to Cozy Powell. So there was definitely some influence there,” Appice told Music Radar.
“There were other influences with him [Bonham]. He had the same influences that I had, like Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Max Roach. But it wasn’t until I came along that he put it into the rock thing, from what I could see.”
“John Bonham went on to become one of the most famous rock drummers because of Led Zeppelin. But I know my place in rock history. I know what I started. I know who listened to me. I could tell.”
“No, I never talked to him [about it], but he knew. I’m sure he knew because if you listen to the end of ‘Shotgun’ and the end of ‘Rock And Roll,’ it’s almost the same thing. He’s playing my riffs, you know? But it’s cool – because it’s not the only time that it’s happened to me.”
“Oh, there have been so many stupid things on the Internet. I saw one thing about the supposed five drummers that I hate the most – it’s ridiculous! I’ve seen people say that I hate John Bonham because he stole my stuff. Yeah, right! I don’t hate anyone!”
“Knock on wood, I’m still here to enjoy it all. I could use more credit. But he gets a lot of credit because he was in the biggest band, you know? I mean, look at Ringo and all the credit that he gets! But really, I get enough credit.”
“I have a drum book that sold half a million units and I was the very first one to do a rock clinic out of anyone in the music business. But what can I say? Maybe I’m not credited the way John Bonham is, but I know what I did, and so do a lot of other people. I am where I am.”
Robert Plant is facing his own controversy
While John Bonham is posthumously being accused of a ripoff, Robert Plant is being told to change his name! The animal rights organization PETA is asking Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant to temporarily change his name to “Robert Plant Wool.”
November marks Plant Wool Month, and the nonprofit is hoping that the legendary singer will change his name to help raise awareness for plant based alternatives to sheep’s wool.
“Plant Wool Month celebrates animal-free and plastic-free yarns that promote sustainable fashion while lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting the animals with whom we share this precious planet,” PETA UK Vice President of Programs Elisa Allen said in a press release. “PETA is asking Robert Plant to sing the praises of plant wool with a temporary name change that reminds everyone that nothing compares to soft, natural, and eco-friendly plant wool.”
In a letter sent to Plant, the organization explained their position.
“While your song ‘Kashmir’ is rightly celebrated as a masterpiece, cashmere is a different story. It comes from sensitive goats who scream in pain,” PETA wrote.
“This temporary tweak to your famous moniker would help highlight the impressive array of cruelty-free, sustainable plant wools and the innovative designers using them,” they continued. “It would also let those stocking their winter wardrobes know that there are dozens of 100% animal- and plastic-free fibres to keep them cosy, without harming a hair on a sheep’s head.”
Quoting Plant’s own words, PETA concluded:
“As you’ve wisely said, ‘the past is a stepping stone, not a millstone.’ The future of wool is plants, and we hope you’ll join us to celebrate this kind, green evolution of functional fashion. Thank you for your consideration.”
