SATURDAY, May 31 would have been the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham's 60th birthday.

John, who was born and lived in Hunt End, was in a number of local bands before finding fame and fortune with Led Zeppelin - one of the most successful rock bands of all time.

Bill Ford, who was in The Senators with John as well as other bands and who remained a close friend, has paid tribute to the man renowned for his power, speed and feel for the groove.

"I first became friends with John back in late 1963 when he became the drummer for The Senators, a Redditch-based band for which I played bass guitar," said Bill.

"John had originally played in another local band called Terry Webb and The Spiders, the Terry Webb being Terry Beal, a Studley lad who was the vocalist/composer with The Senators.

"In 1964, we unknowingly made rock history when we recorded a song at Hollick and Taylor studios in Birmingham - this was the first ever recording to be released featuring a young John Bonham."

Unfortunately the song, called She's a Mod, which was composed by Terry Beal, didn't get anywhere in the UK and after a number of unsuccessful attempts at securing a record deal The Senators broke up.

After the band went their seperate ways, John and Bill began playing with a Birmingham band which was called The Nicky James Movement.

Bill said: "A short while after that I left to continue my job in graphic arts while John went on to play in other bands before eventually joining Robert Plant in Band Of Joy and then Jimmy Page in The Yardbirds for their USA farewell tour.

"It was after this that Jimmy was asked to form a super group' and it was along with Robert and John Paul Jones that John became part of Led Zeppelin."

John went on to make eight studio albums, selling more than 300 million copies and be held in high regard for the band's artistic achievements, commercial success and broad influence.

On September 25, 1980 John Henry Bonham was found dead and later a verdict of accidental death was recorded, the cause being asphyxiation from vomit.

Bill added: "I saw John occasionally up until shortly before he passed away and was in conversation with his late brother Mick about adding details and photographs of The Senators to the biography of John he was writing, but sadly he passed away before we had the chance to include any further details.

"John was a great man and a great drummer and my fondest memories go to all of his and Mick's remaining family."