Holding On Forever

Greetings, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious riffs of Holding On Forever by Bonham from their debut album The Disregard of Timekeeping. This track is a standout with its bluesy opening riff that transitions into a keyboard-driven, FM-friendly chorus, showcasing the band’s knack for blending hard rock with melodic hooks. According to a review on HardRock 80, the song features a dynamic duel between guitar and organ in its solo, highlighting the band’s ambition to merge Led Zeppelin’s raw energy with the polished sound of the late ‘80s. The song’s structure, alternating between gritty riffs and soaring choruses, captures the era’s MTV-friendly anthemic vibe, making it a perfect fit for our airwaves.

Digging into the trivia, Holding On Forever benefited from the production wizardry of Bob Ezrin, known for his work with Pink Floyd and Alice Cooper. Ezrin’s touch added a layer of sophistication, with guest musician Trevor Rabin, formerly of Yes, laying down bass tracks for this song. A fan on Amazon praised the track for its rhythmic and bluesy approach, noting how it stands out from the album’s more bombastic moments. While the song didn’t chart as high as the album’s lead single Wait for You, its infectious energy made it a favorite among American and Canadian audiences, contributing to the album’s gold status in the U.S. The Zoo Crew loves how this track channels the spirit of classic rock with a modern twist, perfect for all you freaks out there!

Now, let’s talk about how Bonham came to be. The band was spearheaded by drummer Jason Bonham, son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Born in 1966 in Dudley, England, Jason grew up surrounded by music royalty. After his father’s tragic passing in 1980, Jason began carving his own path, playing with bands like Airrace and Virginia Wolf. His big break came in 1987 when he collaborated with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page on the Outrider album, followed by a performance with Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones at Atlantic Records’ 40th anniversary in 1988. Inspired to lead his own project, Jason formed Bonham in 1989, recruiting Canadian vocalist Daniel MacMaster, guitarist Ian Hatton, and bassist/keyboardist John Smithson. Their debut album, The Disregard of Timekeeping, released that same year, was a bold statement, blending Jason’s thunderous drumming—reminiscent of his father’s—with a contemporary hard rock sound.

Despite inevitable comparisons to Led Zeppelin, Jason’s band found a niche in the late ‘80s hair metal scene, earning a loyal following in North America. As My Rock Mixtapes notes, the band’s chemistry and Daniel MacMaster’s Robert Plant-esque vocals gave them a unique edge, though they disbanded after two albums. Jason has since continued his career with projects like Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, cementing his legacy. You can keep up with Jason on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also connect on the Jason Bonham Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community sharing love for his music. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and stay tuned for more from the Zoo Crew!