This month, viewers can delve into the groundbreaking rock journey of Led Zeppelin through a fresh documentary, as the living members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-honored band contribute to it.
Fans of Led Zeppelin who didn’t catch the documentary “Becoming Led Zeppelin” when it was initially released can now watch it as it premieres on Netflix this coming Saturday, June 7th. Director Bernard MacMahon’s film received high praise on the festival circuit and garnered a favorable response from critics when it debuted in February on Rotten Tomatoes.
Becoming Led Zeppelin Premieres on Netflix This Weekend
The documentary is the first authorized portrayal of Led Zeppelin, as depicted by the current band members – vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, and bassist John Paul Jones. The band split up in 1980 due to the demise of their drummer, John Bonham. In MacMahon’s film, all three surviving Zeppelin members participated in interviews.
Previously, MacMahon gained significant recognition through his “American Epic” movie series, which highlighted the impact of roots music on the evolution of American popular culture. This film series received a Grammy Award and was further nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.
Exploring the Origins of Led Zeppelin uncovers the series of events that culminated in Page forming the groundbreaking hard rock band in 1968, while also dissecting how the blues played a significant role in shaping each member’s musical style. This film serves as both a documentary and a concert experience, brimming with historical footage showcasing Led Zeppelin’s global performances throughout their peak years during the 1970s.
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| Led Zeppelin’s Accolades | |
|---|---|
| Accolade | Year |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | 1995 |
| U.K. Music Hall of Fame | 1996 |
| Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winners | 2005 |
| Kennedy Center Honor Recipients | 2012 |
In an earlier conversation this year, MacMahon discussed the meticulous preparations he carried out prior to the commencement of filming for the documentary titled “Becoming Led Zeppelin“.
As a dedicated cinephile, I can tell you that for nearly seven to eight months, I was engrossed in the arduous process of developing this unique story. This included tireless work on research, scriptwriting, and seeking fresh perspectives that had yet to be explored in cinema. Then, when we were ready to share our vision with the world, some individuals expressed doubt, claiming it was a futile effort as they’d never agreed to a film before. But, instead of giving in to their skepticism, we pressed on, determined to bring our project to life. We simply chose to focus on making it happen, undeterred by their discouragement.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I embarked on a journey where I had this gut feeling that the project I was working on held significance beyond its monetary worth. Here’s the intriguing part: I never really pondered over the potential success of the film. It came to me as an astonishing revelation because I hadn’t given commercial viability or financial gains a second thought. All I could think about was the tale itself and whether it could resonate with people, if we could bring it to life on the big screen. The film’s triumph – becoming Imax’s largest music film of all time – took me aback when it finally hit the screens. I still find myself in awe, asking, “What?
Initially, the filmmaker approached Page with his idea for a documentary, hoping that he would persuade the remaining Led Zeppelin band members to give their approval.
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- Page, Plant and Jones reunited for the first time since Bonham’s death at in 1985, with Tony Thompson and Phil Collins sitting in on drums.
- Page and Plant released two albums as a duo in the 1990s, including 1994’s MTV Unplugged-inspired live album No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded.
- The three surviving members, along with Bonham’s son Jason, headlined a tribute concert for late record executive Ahmet Ertegun in 2007. Footage was released in a 2012 DVD.
Upon showing the film to the band, it was Jimmy Page we initially encountered, he explained. Therefore, as I entered this hotel with an enormous storyboard in tow, we took our seats and… There’s a saying that fortune favors the prepared, and it turned out that Jimmy was quite fond of American Epic – he even had the book and the soundtrack album. Our meeting lasted approximately seven hours, during which I walked him through this storyboard, complete with trick questions that he would ask. For example, he’d query, “What was the name of Robert’s first band?” To which I’d respond correctly, and he’d reply, “Very good. Continue.
MacMahon added: “I shared our vision for the movie, and surprisingly, this tight-knit, secretive group, who typically turn down everything, welcomed us warmly once we clearly laid out our plans. They essentially said, ‘Feel free to create as you wish.’ In other words, they offered zero restrictions on our creative process.
As a film enthusiast, I was thrilled when my tireless efforts bore fruit as the early cut of “Becoming Led Zeppelin” made its debut at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival. The standing ovation that lasted an impressive 10 minutes was a testament to the film’s impact, leaving me breathless with anticipation. Later, during its IMAX run, this documentary proved financially successful, raking in over $13 million against a relatively modest budget. It was a momentous victory for all involved, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
“[Led Zeppelin] gave us complete artistic freedom to make the film — no control at all.”
Becoming Led Zeppelin debuts on Saturday (June 7) on Netflix
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2025-06-02 21:24