The surviving members of Led Zeppelin have opened up for the first time in a new documentary, “Becoming Led Zeppelin.” Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones agreed to participate in interviews detailing their iconic journey alongside late drummer John Bonham from 1968 to 1980. Filmmakers Bernard MacMahon and Allison McGourty spent seven months researching archival footage before pitching their vision to the band. “Everyone we knew said, ‘You’re completely insane.
They’ll never agree to do it,'” MacMahon recalled. However, Page and Plant were familiar with the filmmakers’ previous work, particularly their 2017 documentary series, “American Epic.”
Convincing John Paul Jones was the real challenge. MacMahon and McGourty sent Jones’ manager a DVD of their work, asking him to watch the first 20 minutes.
“He called back two days later and said Jones would like to meet us,” MacMahon revealed. The band members had vivid memories of their early years. “He [Page] has an amazing memory — believe me, I’ve talked to everybody.
Intimate reflection on Led Zeppelin’s journey
I’d come in with timelines of all the dates and I don’t recall him ever being wrong about where he was, not even the wrong month or anything like that. Robert and John Paul Jones were the same, really good memories,” MacMahon shared.
The documentary focuses on the band’s formative years, culminating with their triumphant show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1970. It avoids delving into the more scandalous aspects of their history, instead focusing on their youthful self-discovery and musical passion. MacMahon and McGourty interviewed more than 100 Zep associates but ultimately let the band members tell their own story.
“People waited this long to hear the group tell their story,” McGourty says. “They’ve never done it before. So let them tell it.”
The filmmakers say they had editorial control over the contents of the film.
Page attended a screening at the Venice Film Festival in 2021, and Plant later attended another screening in London, turning to McGourty and saying, “That was my life.”
“Becoming Led Zeppelin” offers an intimate look at the band’s early years and enduring legacy. While it may not venture into their later years, it succeeds in presenting an affectionate and comprehensive tribute to the band’s origins and rise to fame.