Iconic rock and roll band Led Zeppelin recently released a documentary, “Becoming Led Zeppelin” detailing their lives before they became the superstars we know today. It features interviews and details of their individual stories, how they met, and events leading up to the tragic death of core member John Bonham. Overall I really liked the documentary. It gives a view of how Led Zeppelin became popular in their own words. While there were 2 big key parts that they didn’t cover, It is still worth a watch and listen to any music and Led Zeppelin fan.
The documentary begins with an interview with the surviving members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones in what looks like a luxury mansion in England. One of the highlights is the use of interview clips from Bohnam’s 1972 interview with journalist Graeme Berry for the Sydney Radio Station 2SM. Hearing his voice again, even though he is no longer with us, felt surprisingly fresh, touching on new topics not already covered by other members. The documentary also makes clever use of B-roll footage to provide never-before-seen glimpses of the band.
The band talks about how they got into music, how they started to create their early songs and their first tours in 1968. The film also covers the 1969 and 1970 tours where they once rehearsed at a boat dock house.
Some of the best moments of the documentary cover the sources of inspiration for band members and their early work with session musicians. The stories detail the early growth of the band before they found major success. A standout from this part of the documentary is the concert footage, including one clip where the band introduced each other on stage.
While this documentary does cover most of the timeline about the band, it felt rushed. One part I wished they would have covered was the band talking about “Stairway to Heaven.” The documentary doesn’t even touch on this major hit song. Instead “Ramble On” and “Whole Lotta Love,” get all the attention in terms of the band’s catalog.
John Bohnam’s also isn’t discussed in much detail. After Bohnams death, Led Zeppelin stopped touring and making music. They have only played a few times since his passing. They performed in 1985 for Live Aid, 1988 for the Atlantic Records 40th anniversary concert, and in 1995 when they got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Their Last Reunion was on December 10th, 2007 at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert at the O2 in London with Jason Bonham on drums. And yet, this key moment, one that basically ended the band, isn’t covered.
Despite those key flaws, the storytelling that was included was wonderful. Led Zeppelin fans will not be disappointed. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
