Tony Thompson

Out of all the numerous rumors that have surfaced over the years of Led Zeppelin possibly re-forming, it appears that the one time it came closest to actually becoming a reality (the mid-'80s), the drummer who was projected to take the spot of John Bonham was ex-Chic pounder Tony Thompson. Hailing from New York City, Thompson made a name for himself in the late '70s as one of the dance movement's leading drummers -- due to his hard-hitting style (which hinted that his playing was equally influenced by hard rock). Getting his start playing briefly with Labelle, Thompson found himself part of a local Queens, NY, disco outfit by the middle of the decade (called Ecstasy, Passion & Pain), and in the process, befriended musicians Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. Rodgers and Edwards were fresh out of a punk/new wave outfit (Allah & the Knife Wielding Punks), and were looking to form a group more aligned with the fast-rising disco movement.

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