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Becoming Led Zeppelin: A Musical Origin Story Beyond the Myths
Becoming Led Zeppelin opens with the track “Good Times Bad Times,” paired with live footage of the band and archival wartime clips, including a 1945 newspaper front page. While not directly tied to WWII, all four band members were born in the postwar 1940s and emerged from that era’s sense of both hardship and hope—elements that would influence their music. Jimmy Page notes that the post-war atmosphere was filled with optimism, hinting at how this spirit helped shape Led Zeppelin’s creative drive.
The documentary unfolds with the band members narrating their story in their own words, using a blend of music, archival images, and historical references. It begins even before Led Zeppelin’s formation, showing their early lives and musical influences. While fanatics might enjoy glimpses into their childhoods—like Robert Plant in a school parade or baby photos—the documentary’s real strength lies in showcasing the music that inspired them. Extended clips from artists like Little Richard, James Brown, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Shirley Bassey vividly illustrate those roots.
The film features newly recorded interviews with Page, Plant, and Jones, and archival audio of Bonham, heard publicly for the first time. Anecdotes pepper their stories, such as Jones’ dad calling the bass a “novelty instrument,” Plant siphoning gas with Bonham late at night, and Bonham’s wife warning him against associating with the reckless Plant.
Page focuses on the music’s evolution, including his early session work with acts like the Rolling Stones and the Who. Jones shares how he became an organist at age 14 and quickly picked up arranging under producer Mickie Most. Together, Page and Jones worked on sessions like Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger,” where they deepened their studio knowledge.
A pivotal turning point came when a palm reader told Page a major life change was imminent. Days later, the Yardbirds dissolved, and Page formed what would become Led Zeppelin. Vocalist Terry Reid declined but recommended Robert Plant, who then brought in Bonham. Jones joined after his wife saw an article about Page starting a new band. Their first jam session on “Train Kept A-Rollin’” was electric—Jones says the room “just exploded.”
The documentary then shifts to the making of Led Zeppelin I, blending music studio footage with global events of 1968 such as the Vietnam War, Black Power salute at the Olympics, and the Apollo 7 mission. Plant praises Page and Jones’ wide-ranging musical abilities, and Jones notes that Zeppelin thrived by blending their diverse influences. Page, producing the debut album himself, ensured full creative control. They refused to release singles or allow remixing, preserving the album as a cohesive work.
We learn the band name came from a joke by Keith Moon. Jones admits he thought it was terrible and forgettable. A thrilling extended version of “Communication Breakdown” with alternate lyrics illustrates the band’s evolving energy.
The documentary continues through Led Zeppelin II, particularly the creation of “Whole Lotta Love” and Plant’s lyrics for “Ramble On.” Page added an experimental middle section to block the label from chopping the song into a radio single. Fueled by road energy, they recorded on tour across the U.S.
Page reflects on the dedication needed to pursue originality: “If you have something different inside you, you have to work and stay true to it.”
Unlike the scandal-driven book Hammer of the Gods, this documentary takes a clean, respectful approach, avoiding stories of drugs, affairs, or legal drama. Plant briefly mentions the sudden influx of women and drugs on tour but nothing more. Instead, the film zeroes in on their music, camaraderie, and artistic choices. This likely reflects the band’s cooperation—they wouldn’t have contributed rare photos or interviews to a project that cast them negatively.
Curiously, while the three living members appear to be interviewed in the same setting, they’re never seen together. Whether due to scheduling or more personal reasons, their separation adds a layer of mystery. As with the moon, not all sides are visible at once.
In the end, Becoming Led Zeppelin captures the band’s genesis and musical ascent without mythologizing their darker sides. As Plant recalls, on the day Apollo 11 returned to Earth, Led Zeppelin received their first gold record. Perhaps it’s symbolic: just as NASA explored new worlds, Led Zeppelin launched one of their own—still being explored today.
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