John Bonham, the legendary drummer for Led Zeppelin, died on September 25th, 1980 at the young age of 32. For decades, fans have been curious about what caused his untimely death. Now, new information has come to light revealing the cause of Bonham's tragic passing.
According to a statement released by coroner Dr. Donald Wayte, "John Henry Bonham died in bed as a result of asphyxiation from vomit." The statement went on to explain that alcohol was a contributing factor in his death.
Bonham had been drinking heavily during the day and evening before he passed away. He reportedly consumed approximately forty measures of vodka in just twelve hours. In addition to being intoxicated, he also took sleeping pills which made him unconscious and unable to wake up when he began vomiting.
The loss of such an influential musician was devastating for Led Zeppelin and their fans around the world. Following Bonham's death, the band disbanded out of respect for their fallen friend and drummer.
Today, John Bonham is remembered not only for his incredible talent but also as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. His legacy lives on through his music with Led Zeppelin continuing to inspire generations of rock musicians worldwide.
As Robert Plant once said about his dear friend and bandmate: "John Bonham wasn't just my drummer; he was my brother."