WE MISS YOU, JOHN BONHAM — In a heartfelt tribute echoing through generations of rock fans, a statue of the legendary drummer John Bonham was unveiled today in…

Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire – June 18, 2025 — In a heartfelt tribute echoing through generations of rock fans, a statue of the legendary drummer John Bonham was unveiled today in the heart of the Forest of Dean, near his childhood home. This monumental gesture comes more than four decades after his untimely passing, and it immortalizes one of the greatest percussionists in music history—an artist whose drumming gave thunder to the soul of Led Zeppelin and shaped the very sound of rock ‘n’ roll.

The statue, a towering bronze figure of Bonham mid-performance behind his iconic Ludwig kit, stands at over eight feet tall on a raised granite pedestal. It was unveiled before a large crowd of fans, family members, musicians, and local dignitaries, all gathered to honor a man whose rhythm still pulses in the hearts of millions worldwide.

A Lasting Tribute in His Homeland

Bonham was born in nearby Redditch, Worcestershire, but spent much of his early life exploring the Forest of Dean’s woodlands. Sculptor Emma Wakefield, who spent over a year crafting the statue, chose to depict Bonham in a powerful yet serene pose, sticks raised, head slightly bowed, eyes closed—capturing both the intensity and artistry that defined his playing.

At the base of the statue is the inscription:

“John Bonham – 1948–1980. The Heartbeat of Led Zeppelin.”

Around the pedestal, engraved granite plates bear the names of his most iconic songs: “Good Times Bad Times,” “Kashmir,” “When the Levee Breaks,” and “Moby Dick,” the latter known for his legendary live drum solos that would often stretch beyond 15 minutes.

Jason Bonham, John’s son and acclaimed drummer in his own right, addressed the crowd in a moving speech:

“Today isn’t just about remembering my dad—it’s about celebrating his impact. This statue doesn’t just belong to our family. It belongs to every fan, every musician, every soul who ever felt the beat in their chest and knew it came from him.”

A Ceremony Filled with Sound and Memory

The unveiling was a grand event filled with emotion and music. Fans traveled from across the UK, Europe, and as far away as the United States and Japan. Some wore vintage Led Zeppelin tour shirts; others brought flowers, drumsticks, and handwritten notes left at the statue’s base. Many simply stood in silence, soaking in the atmosphere.

A local youth orchestra opened the event with a powerful instrumental version of “Stairway to Heaven,” followed by a booming tribute performance of “Rock and Roll” by Jason Bonham and a lineup of guest drummers who had been inspired by John’s legacy.

Local officials and members of the Forest of Dean District Council, who helped facilitate the statue’s creation, spoke about Bonham’s importance not only as a musician but as a cultural icon whose legacy continues to inspire new generations.

“This is a historic day for our community,” said Councillor Anne Holloway. “We now have a permanent site where people can come to remember John Bonham and connect with the music that transcended time and place.”

Global Response to a Local Memorial

News of the statue unveiling went viral in the hours following the event. #WeMissYouBonham and #BonhamStatue trended worldwide on social media. Musicians from around the globe paid tribute:

• Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters): “No one hit like Bonzo. He was, is, and always will be the gold standard.”
• Lars Ulrich (Metallica): “He wasn’t just a drummer—he was thunder incarnate. Massive respect to everyone who made this tribute happen.”
• Phil Collins: “John Bonham changed everything. Every time I sit behind a kit, I think of him.”

A Place for Pilgrimage

The statue is now part of what is being dubbed “Bonham Grove”, a peaceful clearing surrounded by forest trails. The area is being developed as a low-impact memorial park, with benches, flower beds, and educational plaques about Bonham’s life and influence on modern music.

Plans are in motion for an annual John Bonham Day festival, to be held every September in honor of his birthday, featuring tribute performances, drumming workshops, and live rock showcases. The event is expected to draw thousands in its inaugural year.

A Thunder That Still Echoes

Though John Bonham passed away in 1980 at the age of 32, his music has never faded. From concert halls to garage bands, from headphones to movie soundtracks, his drumming continues to ripple through time. Today, in the quiet woods of Gloucestershire, that rhythm has found a permanent home—a place where fans can feel the beat of a legend, forever cast in bronze and memory.

“He gave us the rhythm of the gods,” one fan said as the sun set behind the statue. “Now we finally have a place to say thank you.”