THE campaign to have a statue of Led Zeppelin legend John Bonham in Redditch has won new support – from a top tribute band of the legendary rock icons.

Hats Off To Led Zeppelin, one of the official tribute acts of the iconic band, will be organising a collection at their show at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre next month.

The cash raised will go toward the Jon Bonham Memorial Fund, set up by a group of devoted fans in Redditch.

The group say that a statue would not only be a fitting tribute to the town’s most famous son but also a major tourist attraction, which could be visited by thousands of rock fans from all around the world.

Kevin Oliver Jones, from the tribute band, said: “As massive Led Zeppelin fans we are honoured to be supporting the John Bonham Memorial Fund.

“John Bonham is widely considered to be one of the best drummers in history so Hats Off To Led Zeppelin are proud to be supporting this cause to immortalise his legend and raise funds for a statue in his home town.”

Born in 1948 in Redditch, Bonham began playing drums at the age of five, making a kit out of containers and coffee tins and getting his first proper drum kit from his father at the age of 15.

After playing with a number of local bands he went on to worldwide stardom with Led Zeppelin - one of the world’s most famous rock bands.

He died at the age of 32 on September 25, 1980, leaving a wife and two children, but he also left a legacy of hallmark recordings for the band.

Campaigners from the John Bonham Memorial Fund hope to give Bonham’s statue pride of place in the town’s Church Green, where the bandstand currently sits.

Hats Off To Led Zeppelin, who have appeared in West End productions including We Will Rock You, Rent and Thriller LIVE, will be playing Thursday, November 14.

For more information, visit hatsofftoledzeppelin.co.uk.

For information about the campaign, visit johnbonhamfund.weebly.com.