LOCAL residents and Led Zeppelin fans from further afield descended on the Rose Garden, Headless Cross on Saturday to commemorate the life of Redditch born, John Bonham on the 35th anniversary of his death.
The warm September sunshine brought out the crowds as a stellar line up of local musicians, assembled by Steve Barnes, paid tribute to the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer with their own compositions and a smattering of Led Zep covers.
First up were Garage Rock band Voodoo Club followed by rising Redditch star, singer songwriter, Stuart Woolfenden, who played the first of two sets followed with another solo performance by Smokin’ Ashes guitarist, Alan Sheward.
Redditch is certainly not lacking musical talent further proven by young blues guitarist Dom Hawthorne who was joined by Sam Faux, bassist with local band Captain Jeffrey, for his set.
Lekka Vibe flew the flag for the girls with their own unique indie pop rap style and the event would not have been complete without a drum solo tribute which was duly delivered by John Maycroft to rapturous applause from everyone present. John, a drum tutor, also gave kids and adults 5 minute drum lessons for a £1.
The afternoon ended with a terrific 45-minute set from swamp blues band Lenny James and the Gator Squad, featuring Bonham-family friend, Colin Andrews, on harmonica.
“It was a wonderful afternoon -a fitting way to commemorate John’s life with local music,” said event organiser and fund treasurer, Ros Sidaway, who thanked everyone involved in putting the day on and the public who contributed £650 towards a memorial for the Leed Zep drummer.
