Greg Thompson

I was born in Long Beach...grew up in Southern California. I have been playing since the age of five years old. Started out with anything I could get my hands on.

I am self-taught. My drumming influences were artists such as Tommy Aldridge, Cozy Powell, John Bonham, and Neil Peart. I was born in Long Beach...grew up in Southern California. Here I am at sixteen...looking like a rockstar...haha

I have played many bars and clubs..in the 80's earning a solid reputation as a hard-hitting improvised drummer...played the LA circuit....played in many bands...

I currently play the role of John Bonham in the Led Zeppelin tribute band Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zepplelin Tribute. Zoso started in Los Angeles California in 1995...been together for 19 yrs....and counting. Playing the part of an iconic figure like John Henry Bonham is quite the rush...feeling his spirit..as I lunge in a animalistic hunch ready to pounce like a lion after its prey...feeling the energy from the audience night after night...never letting them down...show after show...from opening of rock n roll" to Moby Dick"drum solo stretching to almost 20 minutes to the climatic end of Stairway to heaven. We tour constantly...play sold out shows all across the United States and in the last few years out of the country. Japan, Argentina and Brazil.

My Equipment: I use two drum kits currently in Zoso....the green sparkle ludwig 10x14 tom. 16x16 18x16 floor 14x26 bass drum 6x5.5 chrome snare with paiste 2002 cymbals ..paiste gong ludwig tympany kettle drum...same for Amber vistalite kit.

When I am not on the road I have presented at John Bonham clinics ...answering questions from fans and eager upcoming drummers. I enjoy hanging out with friends at local jam nights playing my favorites.

Fans say it best..... ...'The late John Bonham, notably referred to as "Bonzo"... would probably do a double take if he

met Zoso's drummer, Greg Thompson.'

...'Thompson's style and sound is idyllically similar to Bonzo. As Thompson's arms gravitate

through mid-air directly for his Ludwig Amber kit, cymbals, gong or kettle drum, one finds

themselves evoked in the identifiable memory of Bonzo's splintering drum chops.'

...'Greg Thompson plays the drums. He closely resembles John Bonham and played the drums

viciously hard. He did so while maintaining a cool demeanor. “The Immigrant Song” was loud

and upbeat thanks to the percussion contribution. The ringing drum beat supported the

wrenching collective noises and shreiking moans. Thompson’s full skillset was best displayed

during the “Moby Dick” extended solo which allowed hisband mates to take a breather off stage.'

...'Greg Thompson steals the show with his unbelievably wild 18-minute drum solo. Playing kick-

ass jams with two sticks, one stick , no stick and just his hands, this drummer elite puts on a show

within a show. Had itbeen necessary, I may have paid for the drum solo alone!'

....'Drummer Thompson’s solo in “Moby Dick” was a pounding, mesmerizing, all-out assault on his

drum kit — a true homage to the late Bonham.'

...'Greg is an Awe- inspiring talent on the drums!'

...'Favorite moment: Moby Dick- Still one of the only drum solos that doesn't get boring after a

few minutes and Greg Thompson nailed it!'

...'It never struck me how popular "Moby Dick" was until seeing it preformed l never realized how

popular it was, as drum solos have never really been my thing, however Zeppelin came from the

era where such decadence was showcased, and Greg Thompson, who capture both the primal

nature of Bonham's vulgar displays of prowess in this regard as well as his innovative touch. You

can tell he understood Bonham was influenced by jazz drummers the likes of Gene Krupa, which

the first part of the legendary solo gave a nod to.'

...'Just wanted to point out how massive the drummer Greg Thompson is, you have to see this

guy, BONZO himself would be blown away by this.Greg is a monster drummer. I had the pleasure

of touring with him while he was a member of ZOSO.He without a doubt is the best out there.He

has blown my mind on more than one occasion with his selfless rendition of the great BONZO

BONHAM.You have to see these guys.'

...It was "Bonzo" who we were the most impressed with. I had sooo much fun though!!! I was high

the rest of the night!'

Donnie Van Zant, of 38 Special

Robin Zander, of Cheap Trick

Darryl McDaniels, of Run DMC

Don Barnes, of 38 Special

Brad Gillis, of Night Ranger

Links:

http://zosoontour.com

www.facebook.com/zosoontour

Jack Black

Mick Brown, of Dokken

Stars I have met along the way opening up for biggies….

WATCH Greg Thompson perform with Zoso:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRyrDETts_8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JSuJfS2-UI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxBEIs2Ih84

Z-LOT-Z My first project….Houston, Texas (circa 1991-1992)

Drummer for Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience