JASON BONHAM Is 'Very Honored' To Be Compared To His Late Father

In an interview with Jason Bonham of BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION conducted by Nightwatcher's House Of Rock, the drummer discusses the band's self-titled debut album, his upcoming multimedia tribute to his late father John Bonham of LED ZEPPELIN, his most "Spinal Tap" moment and more. A short excerpt from the interview follows below.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock: I'd like to first talk about the new album, "Black Country Communion", which just came out, with you, Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes and Derek Sherinian. Now that the album is finished, how are you feeling about the results? Are you pleased with how the album turned out?

Jason Bonham: I'm very pleased. I was listening to the songs on the way in, and it wasn't even finished yet and it sounded great. All the studio work was finished in the matter of about six days, from start to finish, then about two or three days to mix. It's definitely the fastest thing I've ever done. But listening back to it now, I'm very pleased with the performance. There's some really cool songs on it. One of my favorites would definitely be "A Song For Yesterday", but all of it I'm really pleased with.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock: Your father is quite rightly considered one of the best, if not the best drummer in rock history. How difficult has it been for you to establish your own identity as a drummer? You've been living with that legacy over you since you've been born. Has that ever been a weight on you?

Jason Bonham: I think it did. At a certain point of my life, it increased my drinking. I think you can get very bitter and twisted. In my sobriety, though, I've accepted it. You can't avoid it, you know? It's something that will always be there. Yes, it can be a hindrance, but it's also a blessing. In my sobriety, though, the idea is that I just embrace it. You just become happy that you're associated with that kind of legacy.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock: So you've come to terms with it, and made peace within yourself....

Jason Bonham: Yes, I have. Very much so. I'm very honored to play, and to be compared with him at any level. It's fantastic, thank you very much. (Laughs)

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock: You've worked with some very illustrious guitarists in your career, from Jimmy Page, to Vinnie Moore, Neal Schon... Slash, and now, in this band — Joe Bonamassa. I'm going to put you on the spot here, Jason, and ask you how would you rate Joe among all the guitarists you've worked with?

Jason Bonham: He's phenomenal. Definitely, he's a phenomenon, a new entity who has to be reckoned with. He's such a sweet guy, and he's just going to keep getting better and better. There are parts on this album where he's just earth-shatteringly brilliant. He's a fantastic guitarist.

Nightwatcher's House Of Rock: Every band or artist has them. What has been your most "Spinal Tap" moment?

Jason Bonham: My biggest "Spinal Tap" moment was a stupid one as well. When we were rehearsing for the ZEPPELIN 02 gig, I was having an argument with my drum pedals. I actually took them outside, and drove over them several times with the car. Shouting at them and telling them they'll never work again. That would have to be the stupidest one that I could think of. (Laughs) I don't know if anyone noticed at the 02 when I requested only the brown M&M's. (Laughs)

Read the entire interview from Nightwatcher's House Of Rock.