I didn’t see Becoming Led Zeppelin in the theaters. My friends let me have it, too. “Man, I can’t believe you didn’t see it. This has your name all over it.” Some lucky folks in bigger markets even got to experience the film on an IMAX screen. All I could do at this point was tune in when it became available on demand and streaming services. I know it wasn’t the same as the big screen and big sound, but at least my television is tied into my stereo.
The opening riff of “Good Times Bad Times” welcomes you to the documentary. Yes, you’re immediately hooked as the images depict the post-war years in outer London. Director Bernard MacMahon (American Epic) blends never-been-seen concert footage, storytelling by the three living members, and a rare audio interview in 1980 with drummer John Bonham, into a cohesive portrait. It’s an authorized independent documentary made with full cooperation of the band. The doc is loaded with delicious rock history tidbits that may surprise even knowledgeable fans. For instance, do you know who came up with the name for the band? (Answer below in the trivia.)
As teenagers, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were session musicians for a variety of artists, including backing up Shirley Bassey and a full orchestra for the James Bond theme Goldfinger. As Page says, “I played with everybody but the Beatles.” In 1966, Page joined the Yardbirds (their early version of “Dazed and Confused” is a highlight) who disintegrated shortly thereafter. Band of Joy, featuring Robert Plant and Bonham, was also falling apart. Zeppelin’s first tour was to Scandanavia in 1968, where they actually performed under the moniker The New Yardbirds (“How Many More Times” in Copenhagen is another standout). They avoided singles on their first album -“we’re an album band”- back at a time when FM stations played the entire side of an LP. The album and first U.S. tour (opening for Vanilla Fudge) were an overwhelming success with fans. Critics, not so much. “Excessive” and “indulgent” according to Rolling Stone.
Led Zeppelin II and the follow-up tour made them the biggest band in the world. The film ends with “What Is and What Should Never Be” at the Royal Albert Music Hall in January 1970. The infamous debauchery would come later. This film is focused on their formative years and emphasizes the music. Instead of the concert snippets common to rockumentaries, Becoming contains longer, almost complete versions of songs. Led Zeppelin are a visceral experience. I’m sure you felt the thunder in the theater. For others like me, check it out at home. It’s still a thrill.
(I watched Becoming Led Zeppelin on my cable TV’s (Spectrum) On Demand platform. You can rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video and Apple+ TV. It should be available to stream on Netflix this summer.)
D² Rating ◼◼◼◼☐
Trivia: Upon joining the Yardbirds in 1966, Jimmy Page created a powerhouse guitar duo with which musician?
Trivia: Who came up with the name Led Zeppelin?
Answers below
Trivia Answers: Jeff Beck/Keith Moon
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