It’s Alive
John Henry Bonham died on September 25, 1980. In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the date, L.A. drummer and raging Bonzo-fanatic Brian Tichy has created a monster tribute in his honor. Tichy’s creation has quickly mutated from an inspired rumination into a casual gathering into an organized event into a capital “s” Show and continues to morph.

He has named his monster, The Groove Remains The Same, and it comes to life on September 25 (naturally), 2010 at Key Club in Hollywood.

Turning It Up A Notch…Or Eleven
Speaking with Tichy about the upcoming night, two things become instantly clear: He is passionate about Bonham and he approaches his passion with frenetic energy. Hell, you don’t really even need to talk to the guy—just watch him play. Since his initial inspiration gained momentum just a few weeks ago, he has committed himself with a fervor, hammering out details (of the gods) non-stop in the last few days.

There is the replica The Song Remains The Same kit to reverently piece together—yes, with timps and gong; the roster of some of L.A.’s heaviest-hitters to organize; the band to assemble and rehearse; the video and audio segments to produce; a JB-themed menu(?!) to craft; banners and t-shirts to print; confetti to procure; promotion to conduct; and, of course and perhaps most time-intensive of all, the precious guest-list to delicately manage. It’s a hot ticket. And a hot seat for the guy who innocently-enough thought it would be cool to get some friends together to play some Zep tunes in celebration of his drumming hero.

The Program
So, presently, here’s how it’ll all go down: A singular museum-grade Bonzo replica kit in all its quintessential rock glory front-and-center-stage. Each of seventeen profile rock-drummers will assume the throne (a strict No Double-Pedal Clause is said to be in place) for a crack at their Zep tune of choice with the all-ringer house band, The Moby Dicks. Add a couple video performances and wholehearted tributes to round-out the proceedings. This is a communal gathering. A rare and meaningful event. A Show. A true celebration and tribute to rock drumming’s beloved and undisputed heavyweight champion.

A shortlist of the drummers involved include Abe Laboriel Jr, Kenny Aronoff, Carmine Appice, Stephen Perkins, Chris Slade, Chad Smith, Mike Portnoy, Steven Adler, and Jason Bonham. Visit Key Club’s event page for more info and tickets.

Hollywood Drum went to the source to get the drummers’ personal thoughts on Bonham and this event.

To Bonzo!
Beyond the impassioned purpose of the evening, with The Groove Remains The Same Brian Tichy is essentially throwing a big party for the L.A. drumming family. Bonzo would surely approve.

Check back soon for full coverage of this event.

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Down In Dixieland
My medium-rare flesh slow-roasted on a shadeless stretch of sand beneath an intense South Texas sun. I was already an unnatural shade of saturated pink well on the way to an alarming red that would find me enduring the remainder of my first college spring break in an aloe-and-sweat-soaked motel bed. I didn’t care. Little Feat had taken the beachfront stage.

While the musical experience wasn’t the only thing I shared with that peaceable mass of slow-swaying collegians, it was the swampy music of the band with the inimitable Richie Hayward on drums that truly set my cares free and colluded with the sun in my baking.

For Richie Or Poorer
I was reminded of that show and the impact of Richie Hayward’s joyous drumming on me that day when Phil Hood, publisher of DRUM! magazine, contacted me with news of an upcoming drumming event organized to benefit Richie. The profits from their Rhythm Night on August 13 will be donated to help Richie in his now year-long bout with acute liver disease.

In Phil’s words: “He is highly regarded by generations of drummers and music fans, and sadly stands as a stark reminder of how challenging it is to make a living as a professional musician, even when you are at the top of your game. That’s why we are donating our time and resources to help spread the word about his pressing need for help, and raise some cash for his medical treatment.”

The event, to be held at the San Jose Repertory Theatre from 6:00 to 8:30pm, will feature performances and clinics by David Garibaldi, Marco Minnemann, and Thomas Pridgen. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and include admission to the following George Clinton concert that night.

The Way To San Jose
For the record, San Jose is about 350 miles and over 5 hours from L.A. HollywoodDrum.com doesn’t generally stray so far from home when covering events; after all, there are more than we’re able to dutifully keep up with right here. We are making an exception.

Our L.A. friends—the majority of our readers—just might consider the same. Road-trip. Ride motorcycles. Book a romantic drum-filled weekend getaway. Thumb it. Or…simply buy tickets for the cause, and cozy up at home with a warm copy of Waiting For Columbus and whatever else you got. You can also make a donation on Richie’s behalf through Sweet Relief musicians fund.