The theatre was packed, no one could sit still, and everyone clapped at the end.
Becoming Led Zeppelin was a long time coming: finally, a documentary about the origins of one of the greatest rock ’n’ roll bands in world history.
The three surviving members of Led Zeppelin provide extensive detail of their trials and toils in the music industry, starting in 1958. The stories dance back and forth between Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones in chronological order, reliving the various small bands, studio sessions, and life choices.
After seeing Little Richard perform, “the syringe was in the arm forever” according to Robert Plant. Thus began the drive to find a band that would forego the need for hit singles and instead own their own music, so as to be in charge of their destiny.
Plant, Page, Jones and John Bonham found themselves, after the Yardbirds folded, forming a group that initially received negative acclaim and little recognition in their own country.
If you loved growing up with this music, you’ll do yourself a favor to see this film.”
Becoming Led Zeppelin pays tribute to every early influence that provided inspiration for each member to coalesce their creative journeys into a four-piece band that would showcase their talents in unison. It is such a joy to watch Page and Plant viewing footage of their early concerts for the first time.
This documentary keeps rare sessions intact in their entirety. Sound quality is superb, especially the “Whole Lotta Love” speaker separation.
If you thought you knew Led Zeppelin because of “Stairway to Heaven” and “In Through the Out Door,” this film proves that the drive that led to those hits began long before then. The members make it clear that the road to success takes hard work and fatiguing efforts, sacrificing family and personal time. Pieces of history are interspersed during musical jams, reminding viewers of the turbulent times of that era.
If you loved growing up with this music, you’ll do yourself a favor to see this film. You’ll enjoy deep cuts, historical footage, and an exclusive John Bonham interview. Also revealed: a plethora of information about the people behind the scenes who helped set the band in motion, and about how its musicians gained their talent.
A word of advice: don’t leave until the credits finish rolling—you’ll miss some rare cuts that aren’t on the studio albums.
Editor’s Note: Becoming Led Zeppelin is now playing at The SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre.