Led Zeppelin’s genesis story began in 1968, a fusion of southern charm and Midlands grit. Guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, both representing the London suburbs, teamed up with vocalist Robert Plant and drummer John "Bonzo" Bonham, hailing from Birmingham’s outskirts. This unlikely quartet defied initial skepticism, rapidly ascending to become one of rock’s most influential and commercially successful bands. Their music transcended simple genre classifications, blending blues, R&B, and folk into a powerful, dynamic sound often described as the "hammer of the gods." This unique "Zeppelin style," as Plant himself called it, was a product of their individual musical backgrounds and the undeniable chemistry they shared.
The band’s origin story is meticulously documented in the authorized film, Becoming Led Zeppelin. Directed by Bernard MacMahon and Alison McGourty, the filmmakers behind the acclaimed American Epic, the documentary traces each member’s musical journey from post-war Britain. The film provides a rich tapestry of archival footage, photographs, and interviews, showcasing the band’s influences, from American blues legends like Sonny Boy Williamson and Howlin’ Wolf to British pioneers like Lonnie Donegan. It details Page and Jones’s early success as session musicians, even backing Shirley Bassey on the iconic Goldfinger theme, alongside Plant and Bonham’s struggles navigating the Midlands music scene. Becoming Led Zeppelin captures the moment these four distinct personalities converged, the sparks ignited, and their rapid ascent to global stardom began.
The documentary utilizes live performance footage and insightful interviews with Page, Plant, and Jones, along with archival audio of Bonham, to paint a vivid picture of the band’s early years. This rich narrative inspired a revisiting of past interviews conducted for expanded editions of Led Zeppelin’s extensive catalog. These encounters revealed the contrasting personalities within the band, particularly between Page, the primary songwriter and self-proclaimed "Pontiff of Power Riffing," and Plant, the charismatic frontman with a spectacular voice and a freewheeling spirit. While their personalities differed greatly, their musical connection was undeniable, a "fantastic and fortuitous accident" that fuelled their creative output.
Page and Plant’s individual perspectives offer further insight into the band’s dynamic. Page emphasizes the collaborative nature of Led Zeppelin’s music, highlighting each member’s substantial contribution and the "incredible alchemy" they created. He proudly speaks of the band’s roots, influenced by a diverse range of musical genres, from jazz to rock and roll. Plant, on the other hand, recalls his pre-Zeppelin struggles, emphasizing the feeling of a dream realized when he joined forces with Page, Jones, and Bonham. He recounts returning to his hometown with the band’s debut album, the pride and excitement shared with family and friends, a stark contrast to previous discouragement about his musical aspirations.
The release of Led Zeppelin’s debut album in 1969 marked a turning point. The album’s iconic cover, depicting the Hindenburg disaster, captured the raw energy and explosive nature of their music. Tracks like "Dazed and Confused," "You Shook Me," and "Babe I’m Gonna Leave You" showcased the band’s dynamic range, blending acoustic fragility with heavy, electrifying sections. Page recalls the album’s creation, recorded in mere days after a Scandinavian tour, emphasizing the band’s improvisational skills and the diverse musical canvas they created. Plant remembers returning to his Midlands roots, sharing the album with his family, a moment of triumph after years of uncertainty.
The band’s second album, Led Zeppelin II, catapulted them to even greater heights, largely due to the iconic riff of "Whole Lotta Love." This track, along with the fantastical "Ramble On," solidified Led Zeppelin’s place in rock history. Plant acknowledges the significance of "Whole Lotta Love" as a vehicle for the band’s expanding sound, while "Ramble On" marked the beginning of their exploration of more complex, lyrical themes, paving the way for future epics like "Stairway to Heaven" and "The Rain Song." Both Page and Plant, in separate interviews, poignantly reflected on the loss of John Bonham, whose untimely death in 1980 marked the end of Led Zeppelin’s original journey. Despite their contrasting personalities, they both expressed immense admiration for Bonham’s drumming prowess and his irreplaceable contribution to the band’s sound. Plant even shared a humorous anecdote, highlighting Bonham’s boisterous personality and their playful onstage banter. Becoming Led Zeppelin encapsulates the band’s meteoric rise, providing a captivating look at the individual talents and unique chemistry that forged their legendary status.
