The one Led Zeppelin song John Bonham didn’t want to release: “Really boring”

John Bonham, the legendary drummer of Led Zeppelin, was known for his unparalleled drumming skills, passionate performances, and honest opinions. Throughout his career, Bonham had a significant influence on the band’s music, often pushing boundaries and adding a thunderous energy to their sound. However, there was one Led Zeppelin song that Bonham reportedly didn’t want to release because he found it “really boring.”

### **The Song in Question**
The song in question is *”The Crunge”*, a funk-inspired track from Led Zeppelin’s 1973 album *Houses of the Holy*. Known for its experimental nature, *”The Crunge”* diverged from the band’s typical hard rock and blues-infused sound, venturing into a funky groove that was influenced by artists like James Brown. Despite the band’s enthusiasm for exploring different genres, Bonham allegedly disliked the song and was vocal about his opinion.

### **Why Bonham Found It “Boring”**
Bonham reportedly felt that *”The Crunge”* lacked the energy and complexity he enjoyed as a drummer. The song’s repetitive rhythm and straightforward funk style didn’t align with his preference for dynamic and intricate drumming patterns. While Bonham was a versatile drummer who could adapt to various styles, he thrived on challenging compositions that allowed him to showcase his skills. To him, *”The Crunge”* may have felt uninspired compared to Led Zeppelin’s more ambitious tracks.

In interviews, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones have discussed how the song was created as a playful homage to funk music. However, Bonham’s perspective was that it strayed too far from what made Led Zeppelin’s sound distinctive, and he found the process of recording it unexciting.

### **The Legacy of “The Crunge”**
Despite Bonham’s reservations, *”The Crunge”* made its way onto *Houses of the Holy* and has since become a point of interest among fans and critics. Some view it as a quirky and daring experiment, while others see it as a misstep in the band’s otherwise stellar catalog. The song features a distinctive groove, with Plant delivering playful lyrics and Jones driving the rhythm with his funky bass line. Bonham’s drumming, while less dynamic than usual, still provides a solid backbone to the track.

The song’s bridge humorously references James Brown’s iconic calls for a bridge in his live performances, adding a layer of irony to the track. While *”The Crunge”* was never a major hit, it demonstrated Led Zeppelin’s willingness to take creative risks and explore new musical territories.

### **Bonham’s Honest Approach to Music**
Bonham’s dislike of *”The Crunge”* reflects his commitment to the band’s artistic integrity. As a musician who poured his soul into every performance, he wasn’t afraid to speak up when he felt a track didn’t meet the high standards Led Zeppelin had set. This honesty was part of what made Bonham such a vital member of the band—he pushed them to be their best and wasn’t afraid to critique their work.

### **Conclusion**
While *”The Crunge”* may not have been John Bonham’s favorite Led Zeppelin song, its inclusion in *Houses of the Holy* highlights the band’s adventurous spirit. Bonham’s reservations about the track offer a glimpse into his personality as a musician—one who valued creativity, energy, and authenticity above all else. For fans, this story serves as a reminder of the diverse influences and dynamics that shaped Led Zeppelin’s iconic catalog.