We are taking a look at a popular section that John Bonham would play during Moby Dick using 32nd-note single-stroke rolls while maintaining 16th notes between the kick and hi-hat. From the research I've done, it looks like Bonham developed this part and integrated it into his drum solos around February and March of 1970, and would play some variation of it in almost of his drum solos until he stopped performing them at the end of 1977.
You can find an early sample of him playing it in this version of Moby Dick from the 7th of March, 1970 (https://youtu.be/aTJWLJolhqc?t=4095).
The part itself seems to be loosely influenced by Joe Morello. While the sticking is different, you can hear a similar pattern here: https://youtu.be/7Kx1GVYPOos?t=245. You can also see where Bonham was inspired to play with his hands earlier in Joe Morello's solo.
If you're feeling disheartened trying to play this part, here is a great example of Bonham not quite making it through it as effortlessly as he usually does: https://youtu.be/a9j3AynF5CI?t=6057
Here is video of this section from the 24th of May, 1975: https://youtu.be/LjiwMnzNwBo?t=847
And here is video of the same section, performed with much more vigor, the following night on the 25th of May, 1975: https://youtu.be/vlaCo92Emjg?t=507
Here is this section from How The West Was Won: https://youtu.be/eoYXa7BIie4?t=402
And lastly, outside of seeing an actual Led Zeppelin concert in person or acquiring a bootleg, I believe this was the first time you would have heard this section performed during Moby Dick - The Original Soundtrack (not movie) Version of The Song Remains The Same: https://youtu.be/Q__4pIwo1CA?t=274
If you are looking for more John Bonham and drum-related content, you can find more on my Facebook and Instagram pages. Just search, "Kick It Like Bonham."
If you like this video and want to support me on Patreon, please visit: https://www.patreon.com/kickitlikebonham