Today in 1980, after an all-day drinking bout, John Bonham was found dead in his room at Jimmy Page’s Windsor home. The band were there rehearsing in preparation for the American leg of the new 1980 tour. The timeline is as follows:

On September 24, Bonham leaves Worcestershire to meet up with the rest of the group at Bray studios for the first rehearsal for the upcoming US tour. After the rehearsal, the entourage returns to Page’s Windsor home. Bonham falls asleep after a heavy drinking bout. September 25: at about 1:45 pm, Zeppelin sound technician Benji LeFevre checks Bonham’s room to see why he hasn’t stirred. Checking his pulse, he immediately calls a doctor. Shortly thereafter, Bonham is pronounced dead, having inhaled his own vomit in his sleep. September 26: In the wake of the tragedy, Thames Valley police announce there are no suspicious circumstances involved. September 27: Tributes pour in from across the world, as the US tour is cancelled and speculation is rife that Zeppelin will now disband. October 7: Following an inquest, a verdict of accidental death is returned on John Bonham. October 10: Bonham’s funeral is held at Rushock, Worcestershire. December 4: Led Zeppelin issue the following press statement: “We wish it to be known that the loss of our dear friend, and the deep respect we have for his family, together with the sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were.”

On the same day Bonham died, over 1000 fans in Chicago were lining up for early copies of the Chicago Tribune, which was carrying mail-order ticket details of Led Zeppelin’s four planned concerts at Chicago Stadium in November (which were subsequently cancelled). This full-page ad and the already-printed tickets are now collectors items.


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