Becoming Led Zeppelin
Known for their psychedelic virtuosity and versatility, the driving force of John Bonham’s groves, and for composing the riff that’s never to be played in guitar stores, English rock band Led Zeppelin are hailed as one of the all-time greats. The group are also famous for being protective over their image, so it’s not entirely surprising that it’s taken this long for an authorised documentary to be made about them. That film is Becoming Led Zeppelin, which chronicles the group’s early years from their formation to the release of their second studio album in 1969.
Told through interviews with surviving members, archive footage of recording sessions and live performances, and recordings of late drummer John Bonham, this film adheres to the familiar tried-and-tested format of other music documentaries. It’s a safe and sanitised approach to the band’s story, which sidesteps Bonham’s death and the drug addiction that would come in the 70s. Hearing the opening notes of Good Times Bad Times at the start of this feature, however, instantly lets viewers know exactly why they’re one of the best.
The first section of this feature centres around each member’s childhood and burgeoning music career. Before Led Zeppelin were born, vocalist Robert Plant performed in various bands with Bonham, while guitarist Jimmy Page played as a session musician alongside bassist John Paul Jones for the likes of Shirley Bassey, The Who and The Kinks before forming The Yardbirds. There are a lot of interesting snippets of trivia here as the musicians fondly reminisce about getting caught syphoning petrol while touring or bringing a guitar to school every day to practice.
The primary focus, though, is Page’s guitar playing. Whether it was bowing the strings to create experimental sounds or strumming out technically complex melodies to mimic a sitar, there are several sequences that immerse audiences within the soundscapes he creates. The musicianship of the others, particularly the collaborative genius between Bonham and Jones, are also given attention, but it’s only during live performances where the full force of the band’s energy and magic is felt.
Concluding with the titular rock legends breaking America, Becoming Led Zeppelin is a comprehensive account of the first chapter of the band’s history. Although the limited timeframe covered results in a cleaner image of the group, the documentary’s ending leaves the door open for a second part to continue their story.
Andrew Murray
Becoming Led Zeppelin is released nationwide on 7th February 2025.
Watch the trailer for Becoming Led Zeppelin here:
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