A much-deserved spotlight on an amazing musician. Truly one of Rock & Roll's great drummers. If the Raspberries had been as big as they should have been, Jim Bonfanti would be as celebrated a name as his heroes. He's certainly their peer.
So totally cool to finally get a camera angle that shows us Jim in action. Usually your view is from the crowd, seeing Eric, Wally, and Dave and Jim is hidden in the background. This is really awesome!!
I remember seeing Jim Bonfanti drum with several Cleveland bands before the Raspberries. I never realized how much he sounds like Keith Moon. Wow - the musical aptitude and skill without the wackiness of Keith whose death was a terrific loss to his family, friends and band mates. I had the privilege of seeing Keith Moon play with the Who four times, the most memorable time at WEWS radio auditorium on Euclid Avenue and later when the Who performed Tommy . Next to the Beatles, the Greatest British Band in my estimation. Pete Townsend is one of my greatest influences as a guitarist.
I love this interview! My dad was also an accordion player focusing on jazz. He studied with the same teacher - Andy Rizzo - in Chicago as did Art Van Damme! You’re an incredible drummer, Jim! We have deep family roots in Cleveland as well - my father-in-law Joe is in the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame!
As a young drummer in the early 70's...this explains why I had a little bit of trouble with the Raspberries stuff. He is a left handed player on a right handed kit...like Ringo.
I loved hearing your story!! When I was doing your brother’s hair, Primo! He had great stories! He is such a great guy! Love learning about the history! ❤️❤️❤️
Just saw an article on the best 15 drummers. Evidently whoever wrote article dosnt know Jim. Magazines on drumming acknowledge Jim. Every member Eric, Wally, Dave, & latter day members Scott McCarl & Michael McBride among the GREATS. Glad Eric and Guys got back together years before Eric's passing.
Ignoramous comment of the year. Since when is power pop bubble gum? Is Journey a bubble gum group? Foreigner? Maybe Badfinger, I'll give you that one. The Raspberries could and did play everything.
I was about to say the same thing as Mooncut except my words were and are "stupid f'in ignorant typical comment". Sorry to be so bold but really. Terms like underated and bubblegum which neither this nor other similar bands were. Well maybe underated does fit this time. The world wasn't ready for their glam style and perhaps the press abused that first impression thing. Incredible musicianship in the band.
Destry Lind It may be truthfully said The Raspberries had&still have a loyal following that's remained unshakable for 48years...so much for your "bubblegum" blarney.
@Bandana Dee Isaac good on ya. Exactly which Badfinger song is “bubblegum ?” It’s not like the were the Archies for crying out loud. When Pete Ham was the center, I’d put his best against the Raspberries best. Any day. A better power pop song than “No Matter What?” I haven’t heard it yet.
