The world has always been captivated by stories of rapid rise to fame—tales of artists who go from obscurity to superstardom in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Madonna, Prince, or Nirvana, there’s something undeniably compelling about witnessing the early days of a legend. These stories remind us of the magic that happens before the fame, the breakdowns, and the clichés set in. The rise of Led Zeppelin is no exception to this narrative. Formed in August 1968, the band achieved unprecedented success, topping the Billboard charts with their second album just 18 months later and becoming the most dominant rock band of the 1970s. Their story is one of explosive talent, groundbreaking music, and tragic excess, ultimately cut short by the death of drummer John Bonham in 1980. But the focus here is on the first 18 months—a whirlwind period that set the stage for their legend.
The documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin, released in IMAX theaters, dives into this pivotal era with remarkable detail. Directed by Bernard MacMahon and produced by Allison McGourty, the film uses rare footage, new and old interviews, and creative storytelling to bring the band’s origin story to life. Given Led Zeppelin’s reputation for being film-phobic—thanks to their imposing manager, Peter Grant, who famously restricted their media presence—it’s a miracle the filmmakers gathered enough material to craft such a comprehensive narrative. The documentary features grainy fan-shot footage, early TV appearances, and the iconic January 1970 concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, which serves as the film’s triumphant conclusion. Perhaps the most surprising discovery is a previously unaired audio interview with Bonham, who rarely spoke to the press. The result is a stunning and nearly definitive portrait of one of rock’s greatest bands.
The documentary moves quickly through the bandmembers’ early lives, painting a vivid picture of their pre-Zeppelin days. We see a 13-year-old Jimmy Page performing on television, Robert Plant in his flower-power youth, and John Bonham’s teenage wedding. These glimpses humanize the legends, reminding us that these iconic figures were once ordinary people with extraordinary talents. The film also explores how the band came together. Page and bassist John Paul Jones met during their session work in the 1960s, while Plant and Bonham had already forged a lifelong friendship. Plant openly discusses his early struggles, including a period of homelessness and professional failure, before everything changed in August 1968. That’s when Page, fresh from the breakup of the Yardbirds, sought out Plant and Bonham, and Jones joined the fold. The first rehearsal in a tiny London studio was nothing short of explosive—a moment that set the tone for everything to come.
From there, Led Zeppelin skyrocketed to fame. After a brief tour of Scandinavia and a few low-key shows in England, the band arrived in the U.S. on Christmas Eve 1968 to open for Vanilla Fudge. Their performances at legendary venues like the Fillmore East and West, the Boston Tea Party, and Hollywood’s Whisky-a-Go-Go ignited a buzz that quickly turned into a wildfire. In 1969 alone, the band played an astonishing 139 shows, crisscrossing the country by any means necessary—flights, cars, buses, and trains. They also managed to record their second album, Led Zeppelin II, in studios across five cities, including a humble “hut” in Vancouver. By the summer of 1969, their debut album had gone gold, and their popularity had finally reached their hometown in England, culminating in the triumphant Royal Albert Hall show. Plant and Bonham were just 21 years old at the time.
The documentary is as much a technical marvel as it is a historical one. The filmmakers spent five years scouring the globe for rare footage, photos, and recordings, restoring them with custom techniques to make them shine in IMAX. The surviving bandmembers—Page, Plant, and Jones—sat for hours of interviews, offering insights that feel both reflective and definitive. One of the most poignant moments comes when they hear Bonham’s long-lost interview, their reactions a reminder of the deep bond they shared. Yet, as an authorized documentary, Becoming Led Zeppelin glosses over some of the darker aspects of the band’s history, such as their treatment of women and internal conflicts over money. While these omissions might frustrate some viewers, they don’t overshadow the film’s celebration of the band’s early magic.
One notable absence from the film is the band’s version of “Train Kept A-Rollin’,” a rock ‘n’ roll classic that was their opening number during their first tour and final concerts. While the song is mentioned several times, the rights to their live performances couldn’t be cleared, leaving a slight void in the narrative. Still, Becoming Led Zeppelin captures the essence of the band’s meteoric rise with clarity and energy. It’s a must-see for fans, offering a vivid portrait of a band that revolutionized rock music. For two exhilarating hours, the documentary reminds us why Led Zeppelin’s rise remains one of the most compelling stories in rock history—a testament to the power of raw talent, relentless drive, and the magic of creating something entirely new.
