I hear a very similar, but not identical, phrase being played on the snare drum in these three disparate songs (from three different decades). I have linked to right before the phrase is played (thanks to Bruce's
Youtube tricks).
Led Zeppelin -
The Rover, from Physical Graffiti (1974). John Bohnam on drums.
The Police -
Wrapped Around Your Finger (fadeout--ADJUST YOUR VOLUME), from Synchronicity (1983). Stewart Copeland on drums.
John Mayer -
No Such Thing, from his debut album Inside Wants Out (1999). Studio/session drummer Nir Zidkyahu.
I have a few theories, just based on a gut feeling. I think Nir Zidkyahu was pulling an obvious “Copeland” lick in the John Mayer track. You probably can't link Copeland's phrase back to Bonham's, but I thought the similarity of the idea was interesting. I think Bohnam could have been emulating some obscure Motown phrase (much like the famous intro to
Rock and Roll, i.e. the intro to
Little Richard’s Keep a Knockin’). Does anyone know of an earlier example of the Bohnam/Copeland/Zidkyahu drum phrase?
Have you ever noticed this type of thing in the music you listen to?