In a recent radio interview, Jason Bonham claimed that when he was 16 years old, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page introduced him to cocaine, but now the drummer — whose late father John Bonham was one of Zeppelin’s founding members — is backpedaling, saying that story is a whole lotta bull.
On his official website, Jason writes, in a statement obviously prompted by threats of legal action, “On or about 9 April 2019 I, Jason Bonham, gave an interview on radio…[during which] I made certain untrue and derogatory statements concerning Mr. James Page (aka Jimmy Page) of the legendary band Led Zeppelin. I unconditionally retract all derogatory and defamatory comments relating to Mr. J Page that I made in that interview.”
He adds, “In particular it is wholly untrue that Mr. J Page offered me any illegal substances either when I was a minor or at all. I apologize to Mr. Page, unreservedly, for making these unfounded and untrue comments about him.”
He continues, “Out of my long held respect for Mr. Page I will make no further comments on the Interview and I agree to make no further comments which Mr. Page might view as disparaging, either now or in the future.”
Over the years Jason has played drums with Zeppelin at three events, including the famous 2007 reunion show at the O2 Arena in London. Bonham currently is playing with Sammy Hagar‘s band The Circle, which launches a tour tonight in Reno, Nevada.
His own group, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, will be the support act for Peter Frampton‘s farewell trek starting in late June.
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