Quote from Alex bobby on February 12, 2025, 6:01 AM

Becoming Led Zeppelin: The Authorised Documentary Revealing the Band's Untold Story

Led Zeppelin, one of rock’s most legendary and enigmatic bands, is the subject of a newly authorised documentary, Becoming Led Zeppelin. This film offers an unprecedented look at the group’s rise to fame, capturing their journey in a way that has never been done before. Despite their worldwide influence and enduring status, the band has remained difficult to define—until now.

A Band That Transcends Generations

Many classic rock anthems fade over time, but Led Zeppelin’s legacy continues to thrive. Formed in 1968, the British quartet—guitarist and producer Jimmy Page, dynamic vocalist Robert Plant, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and powerhouse drummer John Bonham—created a sound that transcended traditional rock boundaries. Their music blended blues, hard rock, folk, and global influences with an innovative and sometimes extravagant approach. Although notorious for their excesses, the band rarely engaged with the media, making this documentary an even more significant revelation.

A Long-Awaited Release

Becoming Led Zeppelin first premiered as a work-in-progress at the 2021 Venice Film Festival, and after years of anticipation, it is finally reaching a wider audience. Directed by Bernard MacMahon and produced alongside Allison McGourty, the film follows their award-winning American Epic documentary series, which explored early American music recordings. MacMahon explains, “We wanted to continue that story and realised that Led Zeppelin was the embodiment of 20th-century music’s final evolution.”

A Film Years in the Making

The documentary follows an initial preview at the 2021 Venice Film Festival and marks a natural progression for filmmakers Bernard MacMahon and Allison McGourty. There prior work, American Epic, explored the roots of early American music and earned them the trust of Zeppelin’s surviving members. Recognising the band as the bridge between post-World War II music and the rock-dominated 20th century, MacMahon and McGourty set out to create a film that captures this evolution.

Rare Footage and Exclusive Insights

Convincing Led Zeppelin’s remaining members—Page, Plant, and Jones—to participate required careful negotiation, bolstered by their appreciation for American Epic. The film overcomes the challenge of limited archival material by assembling two hours of rare footage, personal photographs, and newly conducted interviews. Despite Plant’s skepticism about the project’s feasibility, the filmmakers unearthed unseen concert recordings and a never-before-heard interview with Bonham, allowing all four members’ voices to be heard.

A Selective Narrative

Becoming Led Zeppelin concludes with the release of the band’s second album, leaving out their later years of excess and controversy. While Plant briefly references the era’s notorious lifestyle, the film prioritises a more wholesome portrayal of their achievements. This deliberate choice aligns with the filmmakers’ goal of inspiring future generations. Like American Epic, which became part of educational curricula, Becoming Led Zeppelin aims to preserve the band’s legacy while shaping how their story is told.

Gaining the Band’s Approval

Securing the involvement of Led Zeppelin’s surviving members—Page, Plant, and Jones—was no small feat. Fortunately, the musicians admired MacMahon and McGourty’s work on American Epic, which documented many of their musical inspirations. However, Plant initially expressed skepticism about the project, recalling how their manager, Peter Grant, aggressively protected the band’s privacy, often destroying unauthorised recordings.

Despite these challenges, Becoming Led Zeppelin features a wealth of rare archival footage, personal photographs, and never-before-seen performances. The documentary also includes new interviews with the surviving members, while Bonham, who tragically passed away in 1980, is represented through previously unheard audio recordings that capture his down-to-earth personality.

The Myth and Reality of Led Zeppelin

MacMahon was drawn to Led Zeppelin’s story from an early age, likening their journey to an epic adventure. This narrative is woven into the film, as Page even compares his guitar to Excalibur, the mythical sword. While the documentary relies on firsthand accounts, it ultimately lets the music speak for itself. Page recalls being mesmerised by early American R&B and soul music, describing it as “sounding like it was from another planet.”

The film meticulously traces the band’s evolution, showcasing Plant’s transformation from a young hopeful to a rock icon. It highlights their early struggles, their breakthrough moments, and their eventual homecoming performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1970. Through innovative cinematic techniques, Becoming Led Zeppelin immerses viewers in the band's journey, using song lyrics and performances to guide the story.

The Soundtrack of a Revolution

One of the film’s standout moments is the band’s 1969 appearance on the French TV show Tous En Scène, where they perform to an audience of bewildered adults and unimpressed children. Other key highlights include the origins of Whole Lotta Love and electrifying footage from the 1970 Bath Festival. Even legendary author William Burroughs once compared Led Zeppelin’s performances to Moroccan trance music, emphasising their almost supernatural ability to captivate audiences.

A Legacy That Defies Time

Phil Alexander, a music journalist and Led Zeppelin expert, believes the band’s energy remains unmatched. “Led Zeppelin aren’t best friends, but on stage, they create something magical,” he says. “Their music doesn’t feel like it belongs to a particular time—it always feels fresh.”

Unlike many rock documentaries that lean heavily on nostalgia, Becoming Led Zeppelin presents events as they happened, without foreshadowing the band’s eventual turmoil. The film ends with the release of their second album, leaving out the excesses and controversies that would later dominate their story. Instead, it focuses on their determination and passion, offering an inspiring message to young musicians.

An Inspirational Message

Ultimately, the documentary offers more than just a history lesson—it delivers a message of passion, perseverance, and artistic dedication. As MacMahon puts it, “Despite all the things you've read about the ‘70s, you don’t get to that place without being incredibly focused.” By capturing Led Zeppelin’s story with such reverence, the film serves as a testament to the enduring power of music.

Becoming Led Zeppelin is now showing in UK cinemas and on limited release in the US, with a wider US release scheduled for February 14.

Conclusion

More than just a retelling of Led Zeppelin’s rise, Becoming Led Zeppelin serves as a celebration of artistic ambition and perseverance. “Despite everything written about the ’70s, you don’t get to that level of success without immense focus,” MacMahon explains. “This film is about following your passion and working hard to achieve your dreams.”

Now playing in UK cinemas and select US theatres, Becoming Led Zeppelin is set for a wide release in the US on February 14.