Here's Charlie Watts' opinion. (Rolling Stones drummer, for those who don't know)
"Yeah. I would say learn to read music and listen to other people other than John Bonham. Now youve got totally the wrong impression about what I just said I can see it in your face. [Leans forward and speaks carefully.] John Bonham is the best at being John Bonham and doing what he does. Or did unfortunately, hes dead. He was the best. There wasnt anyone better than John like that, and thank goodness weve got some records so that you can hear it. But there are a lot of other people.
Ginger Baker was a much better drummer than John Bonham, if you really want to know about drumming. Ginger Baker is the best drummer to emigrate out of England. Really, Ginger is. And the guy who Ginger idolized whatever the word was we all did was a guy called Phil Seaman. And Ginger learned everything off Phil. But Ginger can read, you know. Gingers not a foal. He can read music, he has wonderful chops, he has rudiments down. Having said all that, I dont. So I would say to anyone not only my offspring, but anyone thats what you should do, really. Otherwise, youre locked into doing what I do. Which is fine. It worked for me."
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