Becoming Led Zeppelin Movie Review: What Was and How It Came to Be

Singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, and bassist John Paul Jones sit separately and talk about Becoming Led Zeppelin. They tell their versions of their origins, from how they found their way to music, how they found their way to the band, and how they created their first two albums. Contributing to the story is a fourth version of events from their late drummer, John Bonham, who died September 25, 1980. He speaks through a never-before-released audio interview, which at times is played for the other members. From their reactions, it appears to be the first time they have heard it.

Plant and Bonham worked their way up in local bands. They eventually played together and became good friends, even though Bonham’s wife, Pat, was leery of their association. Page and Jones made names for themselves as talented session musicians with Jones also becoming an arranger. Learned a great piece of trivia as I didn’t know they played on the Goldfinger theme sung by Shirley Bassey. Page left the consistent studio work and joined the Yardbirds alongside Jeff Beck, who left shortly thereafter. The band broke up so Page formed a new band.

The first time they rehearsed they found it quite magical. Page took charge, sharing musical ideas and producing and financing their debut album, which proved to be quite a savvy business decision to retain their autonomy. Somewhat similar to the sound of supergroup Cream, they were strongly influenced by American blues and their loud, raucous music would forever influence hard rock and heavy metal bands that followed. Led Zeppelin II further refined their sound and proved to be an even bigger hit with the public.

Amongst the interviews are great music sequences, including live performances that show the band’s raw power on full display. In the early days, they are shown confounding one audience, but enrapturing many others along the way, particularly in the final sequence about their a triumphant homecoming at the Royal Albert Hall, London, Britain, 1-9-1970.

Currently playing in IMAX, Becoming Led Zeppelin needs to be viewed in a theater that plays the movie loud to best appreciate the music and what past audiences experienced. It’s more autobiography than concert film, but the musical performances are well worth taking in.