John Bonham's half time shuffle that he played on Fool In The Rain is along with Good Times Bad Times, When The Levee Breaks and Kashmir, one his his most famous and beloved drum beats. Its a beat that has its origin most likely in Bernard Purdie's famous "Purdie Shuffle" . This has become common knowledge , especially since the advent of YouTube , where there are many videos that discuss and analyze this beat.
I don't believe there is any direct statement from Bonham or anyone else in the band that specifically mentions Purdie's beat being the inspiration , but it seems very likely that given the fact that Steely Dan's AJA had come out in 1977, (and this groove was played on Home At Last) , that Bonzo heard it, dug it, and wanted to utilize it, in some form. I wonder if this was one of those songs that came to be because of Bonzo's beat being played first?? The musical sections definitely have a latin feel especially when Bonzo goes to the bell of the ride cymbal and Page is playing a fingerpicking style Afro/Cuban type line. Then there is the nod to Brazil with the samba section which features more percussion ( marimba, cowbell, timbales)...yet another example of the great versatility of this band!
I don't know of any earlier example of this beat being played although Purdie plays a similar beat on Mr Bojangles , from the King Curtis Live at The Fillmore album, but that song is in 6/4 time. This beat really has its roots in an African type of 12/8 rhythm, but with a back beat on beat three. Bonham definitely imparts his own sound and feel on this beat which is no small feat considering the iconic stature of 'The Hitmaker' Pretty Purdie!! IMO, this is the ultimate tribute of a musical giant to another .
