John Henry Bonham

Led Zeppelin were already global stars when John Bonham began playing his amber Vistalites in 1973. John Bonham, resplendent in his boiler suit and bowler hat has become one of the iconic images of rock.

Any suggestions that acrylic drums were weak, poor sounding, or otherwise substandard were demolished when the ex-bricklayer began pounding his Vistalites in concert venues throughout the world.

Ludwig gave Bonham other kits, including this black/white spiral Vistalite. In an act of typical generosity Bonham gave it to the music journalist Chris Welch. This kit can now be hired from Harris Hire of London.

The classic Bonham kit is probably the most sought after of all Vistalite set ups. Bonham Vistalites were amber - a 26 inch bass drum with rail tom mount and bass-drum mounted cymbal stand; 14 inch rack tom; 16 & 18 inch floor toms and a 6.5 inch 402 snare drum.