The Great British R&B Festival, Colne, Lancashire
Deborah Bonham

The Bonham family tree is firmly rooted in musical tradition. First was John Bonham, the esteemed drummer for Led Zeppelin, who was followed by his son Jason. Add to that list Deborah Bonham - sister of John, aunt of Jason. Born in Worcestershire, Deborah was only five when John joined Led Zeppelin, and this powerful introduction sparked in her the overwhelming desire to write and perform. 

Her new album, ‘Duchess’ is Bonham's third overall and stands as her finest work, featuring both  Jason Bonham and Paul Rodgers.  She rips through 13 original compositions backed by her forceful working band – including former Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley, Each song showcases her soulful singing and her effortless, sensitive approach to a gamut of styles, from blues and soul to hard rock and English folk. 

It wasn't until after John's untimely death in 1980 that Deborah decided to take the plunge. Initially hesitant to take the stage, she says the Bonham name was a double-edged sword: "I knew some people would think I was just jumping on the bandwagon." 

Deborah has opened shows in Los Angeles 'House of Blues' with guests Slash and Terry Reid, as well as two tours of her own.

Back in the UK and Europe, she has toured and performed with Van Halen, Paul Weller, Humble Pie, Donovan, Lonnie Donnegan, Foreigner and Paul Rodgers. She’s also played festivals from Glastonbury to Donnington, and twice at Fairport Convention's Cropredy Festival.