Statue of John Bonham Unveiled in His Hometown on His Birthday
By Andrew Magnotta
May 31, 2018
Legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham has been posthumously honored by his hometown of Redditch, England, with a massive statue in the center of town.
The bronze statue depicts Bonham in action at the drum kit. The base of the statue is inspired by Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy album artwork. The front reads: "The most outstanding and original drummer of his time, John Bonham's popularity and influence continue to resonate with the world of music and beyond."
Sculptor Mark Richards wrote via Twitter early Thursday morning that the piece had been installed overnight on May 31, 2018, which would have been Bonham's 70th birthday. Richards and fans shared some photos of the work of art.
Delighted that my memorial sculpture to John Bonham was installed over night in Redditch town centre. Thanks to all who helped make this happen. #johnbonham #johnbonhammemorial #johnbonhambirthday #redditch pic.twitter.com/VG3HOr2ubl
— Mark Richards (@markxrichards) May 31, 2018
Happy birthday John Bonham - here’s the new statue in Redditch #LedZeppelin pic.twitter.com/uU8h6mrbna
— Ade Spink (@AdeSpink) May 31, 2018
Funds for the memorial were raised through a private donations, in campaign that began in 2013 led by Bonham's sister Deborah Bonham.
"I just want to say how absolutely thrilled I am that this is happening in Redditch," Deborah Bonham said following the approval by the town council last fall. "We just got planning permission. We're going to have a John Bonham memorial. Brilliant."
The memorial is be about 5-feet-9-inches tall; 16-feet wide; and 4-feet deep. It reportedly weighs more than 5 tons.
When a fan Tweeted at Deborah on May 30, asking what cake she would have made for her late brother, Deborah replied by referring to the statue: "A beautiful bronze memorial cake xxx."
Photo: Getty Images
@deborahbonham What kind of cake would you have made for John tomorrow if you could? ☺️
— Jeannine Hodge (@JMHofficial) May 31, 2018
A beautiful bronze memorial cake xxx https://t.co/dYcNvyN5nQ
— Deborah Bonham (@deborahbonham) May 31, 2018