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I've always been obsessed with drums. They fascinate me. Any other instrument - nothing. I play acoustic guitar a bit. But it's always been drums first and foremost. I don't reckon on this Jack-of-all-trades thing. I thing that felling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts.
John Bonham
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of passion and originality in music over mere technical skill.

In this quote, John Bonham expresses his deep obsession and fascination with drums, stating that no other instrument compares to his love for them. He believes that while technical proficiency is valuable, it is the emotional connection and originality in music that truly matters; being able to express oneself uniquely is more significant than simply mastering complex techniques that may lead to sounding like everyone else.

Themes

DrumsOriginalityPassionMusicTechnique

In practice

Example use cases

At a music workshop, inspiring young musicians to pursue their passion without worrying about technical perfection.

More from John Bonham

Most of it was nuts, but I was determined to be a drummer as soon as I left school.
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Quote by John Bonham | QuoteProject