Bill Bonham

William Bonham (born 27 September 1950) was born in Birmingham, England. A member of various bands, he was known for his multi-instrumental skills in groups such as Obs-Tweedle, and solo projects by Terry Reid, and Ace Kefford. He is a cousin of John Bonham, and Deborah Bonham.

Bonham grew up in the West Midlands, where he developed his musical skills at the age of 6. During the first years of his career he was known as Billy Bonham. By 14 he was already starting to gig with local bands such as The Answer. His father was owner of 3 Men in a Boat pub in Walsall, where Robert Plant stayed before joining Led Zeppelin. The Answer used the pub as a rehearsal space before changing their name to Obs-Tweedle, with the addition of Plant, and Noddy Holder briefly became the band's roadie. Bonham's multi-instrumental talents (keyboards, bass guitar, flute, and saxophone) meant he was in demand as both a session musician and for backing touring artists, and he was soon part of Terry Reid's outfit after Obs-Tweedle folded, helping record his début album (Bang Bang You're Terry Reid) until illness prevented him from touring the United States with Reid. Bonham was also a member of Manfred Mann's band, Spread Eagle, Hari Kari, Matthew, Sight & Sound, Faifield Ski, and Kefford-Bonham. He also studied at the Royal Academy of Music graduating at degree level. Bonham moved to the United States in the late 1970s, and now works as a producer and recording engineer with his own studio in Brea, California.