After years of waiting, Led Zeppelin fans will finally be able to enjoy the band’s official documentary in theaters, Becoming Led Zeppelin. The film, directed by Bernard MacMahon and produced by Allison McGourty, is the first project to feature the full participation of the iconic band members: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jonesand the deceased John Bonham.
The feature film focuses on the band’s early years, from the individual lives of its members to their formation and the release of their iconic second album, “Led Zeppelin II.” Features rare footage of live performances from 1969, including the Fillmore West, the Atlanta Pop Festival and the Texas Pop Festival.
“We have spent years designing this film to live on the big screen with the best sound possible,” McMahon said in a statement. “We believe this is the best way to experience the music and history of Led Zeppelin.”
The project was described as a “hybrid of documentary and concert film”. “Sony Pictures Classics are the perfect partners because they believe strongly in the theatrical experience and are passionate about giving millions of fans the opportunity to see and hear them on the best screens and sound systems in the world,” added the director.
During the Venice Film Festival in September 2021, a large portion of the footage was screened, considered a “preview premiere” and not an official release to the public. And although critics praised its quality and its immersion in the history of one of the most influential bands of all time, the production remained stagnant.
“It’s a must-see movie for any Led Zeppelin fan, and an excellent introduction to the band for those who don’t know them,” he said. Variety in your review. While The Hollywood Reporter reported: “It is a powerful and moving film that captures the magic of Led Zeppelin at their peak.”
According to recent reports, the documentary incorporated footage of the band’s performance at the 1970 Bath Festival. The website LedZepNews reported that these images were integrated into a new cut that was being screened privately. The addition is significant because they were believed to have disappeared from YouTube shortly after the film crew acquired them.
The documentary is produced by Paradise Pictures in association with Big Beach. Both companies have a history of producing critically acclaimed music documentaries, such as Amy from 2015, focused on the life of Amy Winehouse and the famous The Beatles: Get Back.
Given the upcoming release of the film, it is likely that more than one person will wonder if this cinematic milestone could be the prelude to a return to the stage for Led Zeppelin. However, the chances are slim. John Bonham’s death in 1980 marked an irreversible turning point. The remaining members have since expressed their reluctance to meet, mainly out of respect for their memory.
Robert Plant, the band’s iconic vocalist, has been especially emphatic in his refusal. In numerous interviews, he expressed that he does not want to “go back to the source to receive some kind of huge applause,” as that does not satisfy his need to “be stimulated.” He prefers to focus on his solo career and new musical projects.
Still, the idea of listening to classics like “Whole Lotta Rosie” or “Black Dog” live again is tempting. Especially after in October 2023, Plant surprised attendees at a charity event organized by Andy Taylor (Duran Duran guitarist) by singing “Stairway to Heaven” after 16 years without performing the iconic piece.
“It was cathartic. People said, ‘Oh, that’s good. He never said he would do that.’ But I didn’t actually do anything! I just let it go. Because It’s a very important song for me.”he told the magazine Rolling Stone. The interviewer expressed that he felt as if it were the last time the song would be heard live. to which the singer replied: “Yes, I think you’re right. Who knows? Something might change somewhere.
The release date of Becoming Led Zeppelin will be announced soon.
