Few bands have shaped the trajectory of rock music quite like Led Zeppelin. With their thunderous sound, mystique, and undeniable influence, the legendary quartet has long deserved a definitive documentary that does justice to their origin story. This week on the Rock Docs Podcast, hosts Andy Keatts and David Lizerbram dive headfirst into one of the most talked-about music documentaries of the year: Becoming Led Zeppelin, directed by Bernard MacMahon.
After a limited IMAX screening earlier in the year that thrilled fans with its stunning visuals and immersive audio, Becoming Led Zeppelin is now streaming on Netflix, allowing a much broader audience to experience this cinematic journey through the early days of one of rock’s most iconic bands.
The film covers a specific and formative chapter in Led Zeppelin’s story—tracing the individual musical paths of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham up through the release of their second album, Led Zeppelin II. It offers a fresh take on familiar territory by incorporating rare archival material, including a long-lost interview with drummer John Bonham—an absolute treat for devoted fans who have long mourned the scarcity of Bonham’s on-camera presence.
For many, the real highlight of the film is its access to and cooperation from the surviving members of the band. New interviews with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones lend the documentary an authenticity and depth that elevate it beyond standard rock retrospectives. These first-hand accounts, paired with previously unseen performance footage and carefully restored clips, aim to capture not just the band’s rise to stardom, but also the culture, experimentation, and artistic vision that fueled their journey.
However, as Andy and David discuss in this week’s episode, while Becoming Led Zeppelin certainly offers plenty of substance for longtime fans and music historians alike, it may not be the definitive Zeppelin documentary some were hoping for. The hosts unpack the film’s pacing, stylistic choices, and narrative scope, asking the key question: does the sum of its impressive parts actually make for a compelling film experience?
For podcast listeners looking for thoughtful, informed opinions, Rock Docs continues to deliver. Andy and David break down what worked, what fell flat, and whether Becoming Led Zeppelin can be considered a worthy entry in the growing canon of rock documentaries. They also examine how the film compares to other docs on the band, including the classic concert film The Song Remains the Same, which was the focus of an earlier Rock Docs episode.
And while you’re immersing yourself in all things Led Zeppelin, don’t miss their curated list of the 150 Best Albums of the 1960s, where Led Zeppelin II rightfully claims its place among the decade’s most impactful releases.
Whether you’re a hardcore Zeppelin devotee or just starting to explore their discography, this week’s episode of Rock Docs offers both insight and entertainment. So tune in, press play, and take a journey back to where the legend began—because Becoming Led Zeppelin isn’t just about a band; it’s about the birth of a musical revolution.