Is 'Becoming Led Zeppelin' the documentary we need?

I went to see the new film in IMAX to experience the power and fury of the greatest rock band ever. Was it worth it?

Call me old, but I remember a time when going to the movies was only 15 bucks for two tickets. In 2025, just the other day, after shelling out nearly $100 for two tickets, parking, and a water bottle at The Grove, one has to question — is there a reason the movie-going experience feels like it died pre-COVID?

This was a documentary I had been anticipating for ages, and in some ways, it didn’t disappoint me as a true music aficionado. There were actually a few things I didn’t know a ton about when it came to the almighty Zep. The movie features interviews with the three surviving members of the group and never-before-heard audio from a rare John Bonham interview, as he hardly ever did them.

First and foremost, if you’re a drummer like me, few will likely argue how he changed the landscape with his powerful, groove-oriented drumming, and this movie further solidifies it.

There were things I didn’t know before, like that John Bonham played a double bass drum set early on in the band’s life. Also, the original name of the band was the Yardbirds (which was the name of the band that Page played in before Zeppelin, and Zeppelin used it for their first few billings on the marquee). I knew Page was a studio musician, but I did not quite realize how many records he played on, including The Rolling Stones and The Who.

June 1973: British rock band Led Zeppelin. From left to right, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham (1947 - 1980), John Paul Jones. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

A few friends of mine have said they wished the documentary got into the band’s later records and didn’t focus on the beginning as much, but to be fair, the documentary is called Becoming Led Zeppelin. It’s pretty clear that it’s about their start. Also, knowing how Page has always been shrouded in mystery, maybe this is all he, Plant, and Jones authorized, for whatever reasons.

If anything, this confirms what I already knew from seeing the band’s early live footage. They were the best rock ‘n’ roll band to ever live. I’m not sure we will ever see the likes of another mighty Zep again. As much as I want to believe in the future of rock ‘n’ roll, when you watch the early swagger and vigor of this band, the thought remains: Do you ever see bands now with Zeppelin’s mystique, dynamic, songwriting — and not to mention the sheer talent? I can’t confidently say I have not …

Let us know what you think.

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