Which famous drummer was nicknamed "The Beast" while intoxicated?

John Bonham was the famous drummer nicknamed "The Beast," a label associated with his ferocious drumming and his wild behavior when intoxicated. Bonham was the powerhouse drummer of Led Zeppelin and became one of rock’s most influential percussionists.

Born in Worcestershire, England, in 1948, Bonham joined Led Zeppelin in 1968 with guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant and bassist John Paul Jones. His heavy, spacious playing shaped songs such as "Good Times Bad Times," "When the Levee Breaks" and the drum showcase "Moby Dick." His combination of speed, volume and groove earned him the familiar nickname "Bonzo," while stories of his drinking and confrontational drunken behavior helped inspire "The Beast."

Bonham’s reputation should not obscure his musical control. He used simple-looking patterns with subtle timing, enormous impact and carefully chosen accents. His sound became a model for hard-rock and heavy-metal drummers.

Bonham died in September 1980 at age 32 after consuming a lethal amount of alcohol and choking on vomit while asleep. Led Zeppelin disbanded later that year rather than replace him, underscoring how central his drumming was to the group’s identity.