Becoming Led Zeppelin (2025) (1 Viewer)

The runtime is now 121 minutes. Early showings begin Feb. 5th

Becoming Led Zeppelin Movie | Official Website | Sony Pictures Classics

Becoming Led Zeppelin Movie, Now Playing In Theaters And On Digital #BecomingLedZeppelin

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Becoming Led Zeppelin, the long-awaited documentary first announced in 2019, finally has a release date. The film, which tells the story of Led Zeppelin's early days, premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2021, but was subsequently re-titled and re-edited.

It'll finally make it to the big screen in February 2025 next year, but there's a catch: the distribution will be limited exclusively to IMAX theatres. In the US and Canada, preview screenings will be held in 18 theatres on February 5 before a general release two days later. As yet, there's been no confirmation of release dates elsewhere.

"The cinematic power of IMAX paired with the film’s authentic sound creates an immersive and transportive viewing experience letting audiences feel like they are there, in the venues with the band," says director Bernard MacMahon.

"We spent five years flying back and forth across the Atlantic scouring attics and basements in pursuit of rare and unseen film footage, photographs and music recordings,” says writer/producer Allison McGourty. "Then we transferred each piece of media with custom techniques so that in IMAX, these 55-year-old clips and music would look and sound like they came out of the lab yesterday.”

"I had a mind-blowing experience seeing Led Zeppelin for the first time in August 1969 at the Texas International Pop Festival in Lewisville, Texas and it has stayed with me ever since," says Sony Pictures co-president and co-founder Tom Bernard. "This legendary group merits a spectacular North American theatrical release of this incredible film!

"I cannot think of a single movie that more brilliantly draws you into an artist’s story, shows you how their music was made, and makes you experience it as if it were brand new. I know it will be inspirational to young people and legacy-defining for generations to come.”

Watch the trailer for the long-awaited movie Becoming Led Zeppelin

That Led Zeppelin film everyone's been waiting for finally has a release date, but there's a catch

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[TravisR]

I always appreciated the way they put the blues in front of so many people, but they also got a lot of criticism for that.

I never understood the criticism that they or the Rolling Stones got for that. If those bands tried to hide their influences or pretended like it was totally their thing then they'd deserve criticism but I've only heard those guys sing the praises of the old masters of the blues.

 

[Winston T. Boogie]

I never understood the criticism that they or the Rolling Stones got for that. If those bands tried to hide their influences or pretended like it was totally their thing then they'd deserve criticism but I've only heard those guys sing the praises of the old masters of the blues.

I mean, there was some of that criticism in the 1970s but I recall it got worse in the 1980s. In the 1970s rock bands were doing well with touring and records and the blues, R&B, and soul guys were pushed into the background. However, it did trigger an interest and revival of blues in the 1980s and all the living blues legends benefitted from that. The Stones and Zeppelin and other blues rock acts did spark interest again in the music. It helped all the blues, soul, and R&B acts. Sure, the Stones and Zeppelin made a lot of money off of the blues, but I never thought it was stealing. Blues was music that was shared and passed around so all I thought of it was the rock guys were doing their versions. I know a lot of people did not like the image of some spoiled, rich white guy playing the blues but the guys playing really were doing so out of their love for the music.

 

[dpippel]

Thanks for taking the time to write the above post. I look forward to listening to each of the selections. Between what you've provided and Wikipedia, I've learned a lot.

John, I'm no Zeppelin connoisseur, but if you want to know why they became one of the most legendary bands in rock and roll, pick up a copy of How the West Was Won, or stream it. It's a live album taken from two performances during their 1972 North American tour - one at the Los Angeles Coliseum and the other at the Long Beach Arena. It's incredible. One of the best live albums ever IMO. This release was remastered by Jimmy Page in 2018:

Amazon.com

 

[BobO'Link]

Zeppelin was criticized primarily due to "borrowing" lots of material (from phrases to practically complete songs as well as borrowed lyrics), especially on their early albums, without giving proper credit. They've been sued several times over the years for that, most famously with the intro for Stairway to Heaven suit, which, IMHO, they rightfully won. The other times they've either lost or settled out of court and paid royalties as well as changing songwriting credits for the material in question.

Here's an interesting article that lays out those early albums and provides supporting examples of the material in question:

Just How Much Of Led Zeppelin's Music Was Stolen?

Led Zeppelin often comes under fire for stolen music, but how valid is that claim? We go through the band's first four albums to find out.

liveforlivemusic.com

 

[John Dirk]

Blues was music that was shared and passed around so all I thought of it was the rock guys were doing their versions.

As a Black man, I did think about this while watching the film. Ultimately, however, I believe all music is and should be "shared." As long as proper credit is given [and payment as required], it's tribute, not theft. I also remember thinking [as I heard the Wilson Pickett and James Brown references] what a wonderful fusion of music.

 

[Mikael Soderholm]

Was it performance you were mostly interested in, John? There is plenty of material out there that would be better for that. Yes, I think this is meant to tell the story of how the band came to be and then rose to massive success.

As a lover of the blues, folk, and rock (as well as many other kinds of music), I am a huge fan of Led Zeppelin. Basically, what they did was to use those three forms of music to create their own little niche that excited the masses. I always appreciated the way they put the blues in front of so many people, but they also got a lot of criticism for that.

They were a fantastic band and pretty much that was because a group of really interesting and talented people came together in this one band. Jimmy Page was sort of the mastermind, but John Paul Jones added colors and songwriting to the mix that were amazing. Plant and Bonham were just very unique talents that you just don't find very often. They brought a voice and a backbeat that were like being harnessed to the fastest race horses ever known to man. There was just nobody that could do it like they did it.

I've always understood why Plant felt it was all over for Led Zeppelin when Bonham died. Yeah, you could hire another drummer, but that drummer would not be John Bonham. The next drummer would have not brought to the table what Bonham did.

In that period of rock music, we were graced with a lot of unique and very special talents on drums. Bonham, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, guys like this had the ability to really drive and shape the music they were part of. Amazing stuff, they were like great jazz musicians capable of altering the timing, shape, and feel of a song at the drop of a hat. They were a huge part of what made the songs they played on so great, so memorable.

How would I say is the best way to try to get a grasp on what Zeppelin was? Well, probably in a group of songs they created. I will try to give you an idea. First, the brute force...



To the gentle...



To combining the two...



To their own epic spin on blues...



To the crazy anthems that combine all of their talents, Page's inventive production, songwriting prowess, the ability to shift from soft to epic rock...



They were, like The Beatles, a combination of strengths that when combined, became more than the sum of their parts. I think the legend was always when they first played together, the sound, what happened, surprised even them. It was unexpected.

I totally agree with you, and your choices, but I know Robert P doesn't.
He dislikes Stairway (probably because of the lyrics), and hails Kashmir, which is good, or maybe even great, but lacks the light and shade that is SO Zep, as it is all light and no shade (in the desert).
So Stairway, despite the hippie lyrics, wins just because of the light and shade, and the dynamics that are missing in Kashmir.
IMHO.

 

[John Dirk]

I've listened to the selections generously provided by @Winston T. Boogie . Now please keep in mind, we're not here to change each others minds regarding musical tastes. Either time will do that or it won't be done at all.

That said, I found most of the material uninteresting but did note it's historical significance, as covered in the film. I'll also admit, generally, I've thought of modern "rock" musicians as "pretty boys" with "big hair" that can command a crowd of their peers, but not much more. The movie put that to rest, as I saw these were serious and determined musicians who'd paid their dues by anyone's standard.

So I decided to revisit the Music Challenge thread. Here are my Zeppelin comments from 2021.
Led Zeppelin
"Ramble On"
This one started out sounding almost folksy, a sound I would not have attributed to Zeppelin, but switched to a more familiar hard Rock sound as it progressed. Enjoyable track.

"Gallows Pole"
I like how the tempo and intensity gradually increase as opposed to the abrupt changes I've heard in some other submissions. I find the latter portion of this one most interesting, after the 2:00 mark when the drums kick it up a notch.

"Over the Hills and Far Away"
Can't go wrong with the acoustic guitar opening segment. Starting soft and building to a musical and vocal crescendo seems to be a hallmark of theirs, at least based on these songs. I like the guitar work here but not so much the vocals.

"Nobody's Fault but Mine"
This one could have just started at the 1:40 mark as far as I'm concerned. Even after that though, the disjointed style employed here just doesn't work for me as I've mentioned in other posts. Easily my least favorite of the selections presented.

Meat Puppets - Comin Down
Interesting track. It has strong country underpinnings but also a sort of poetic feel and even what I believe can be fairly characterized as a religious element. Not at all what I would have expected from these guys.

Ween - I Don't wanna leave you on the Farm
I like the feel of this one. Nice, simple beat and melody. A little short on lyrical content for my taste.

I'm glad I watched the film and knew it would be a good time investment because I'm curious about things I don't understand. As far as the music... I can say I LOVED the song Stairway To Heaven and found some joy in others but, overall, will never be quite overwhelmed with this group.

 

[WillG]

Zeppelin was criticized primarily due to "borrowing" lots of material (from phrases to practically complete songs as well as borrowed lyrics), especially on their early albums, without giving proper credit. They've been sued several times over the years for that, most famously with the intro for Stairway to Heaven suit, which, IMHO, they rightfully won. The other times they've either lost or settled out of court and paid royalties as well as changing songwriting credits for the material in question.

Here's an interesting article that lays out those early albums and provides supporting examples of the material in question:

Just How Much Of Led Zeppelin's Music Was Stolen?

Led Zeppelin often comes under fire for stolen music, but how valid is that claim? We go through the band's first four albums to find out.

liveforlivemusic.com

I completely disagree with that outcome of the Stairway case. It may not have been note for note but you play that Spirit song for anyone and their mind is going to immediately go to “Stairway” it’s too similar, but no jury is going to rule against Zeppelin

As for the documentary I’m in the camp that wasn’t blown away by it. It was ok but there was not too much where I was like “oh that’s interesting” or “I didn’t know that” or “that’s revealing” I think for me the most interesting part was showing what recordings JPJ was involved in before Zeppelin. Maybe eventually we’ll get “Being Led Zeppelin”

I think for me still the best authorized rock documentary is “History of the Eagles” and I’m not even a huge Eagles guy, but that doc had everything. Glenn Frey had zero fucks to give and that’s rare.

 

[WillG]

I never understood the criticism that they or the Rolling Stones got for that. If those bands tried to hide their influences or pretended like it was totally their thing then they'd deserve criticism but I've only heard those guys sing the praises of the old masters of the blues.

I guess maybe it’s that the Blues isn’t for everyone (I admit to not being a huge Blues fan myself). I guess try to imagine if the Beatles started doing a lot of Elvis sounding stuff instead of their own thing

 

[John Dirk]

Maybe eventually we’ll get “Being Led Zeppelin”

Simply and well stated. This film stayed true to it's title but there's more to be told.

 

[BobO'Link]

I totally agree with you, and your choices, but I know Robert P doesn't.
He dislikes Stairway (probably because of the lyrics), and hails Kashmir, which is good, or maybe even great, but lacks the light and shade that is SO Zep, as it is all light and no shade (in the desert).
So Stairway, despite the hippie lyrics, wins just because of the light and shade, and the dynamics that are missing in Kashmir.
IMHO.

Over the years I've grown to somewhat dislike Stairway... It's a good song but got sooooo much airplay and was the main Zeppelin song many non-Zep fans played seemingly continuously that it became one of "those songs" you heard too much. Wore out its welcome so to speak. And I'm 100% sure Plant heard it far more than I did (after all, he sang it live for many years). It's the only Zep song I'll often skip when playing the albums.

 

[Bryan^H]

My favorite song from Led Zepplin

 

[BobO'Link]

I completely disagree with that outcome of the Stairway case. It may not have been note for note but you play that Spirit song for anyone and their mind is going to immediately go to “Stairway” it’s too similar, but no jury is going to rule against Zeppelin

The similarities are limited and superficial. There are just three measures (12 beats, 3 measures, or about 9 seconds) of chords from a descending chromatic bass line that is found in both songs. A chromatic line that goes back centuries and has been used in hundreds of compositions. The *picked* guitar sections are vaguely similar though the one in Spirit's "Taurus" uses a *ascending* note sequence to build the chord structure while Stairway to Heaven, after a half measure walk up (and still not identical to that in Taurus), is a *descending* note sequence to build the chord, both against a identical descending bass line. It's that descending "bass" line that really provides the basis for them sounding similar and *that* is a very, very, common musical structure. Outside of that very brief similarity the two songs have nothing else in common.

Perhaps both stole from Arthur Hamilton's "Cry Me A River" (1953), made famous by Julie London in 1955:


You can hear the line best in this solo guitar rendition from Davy Graham in 1959:


Or maybe the heirs of Giovanni Battista Granata (1620/1621 – 1687) should sue them all (cued to the relevant section):

 

[dpippel]

 

[BobO'Link]

With no IMAX anywhere close (maybe ~80 miles away though I'd not see it in the theater even if there was one playing it locally) I looked up when this is coming to streaming/physical media. Supposedly in mid-late June this year. I'll be purchasing a copy for my library.

 

[WillG]

The similarities are limited and superficial. There are just three measures (12 beats, 3 measures, or about 9 seconds) of chords from a descending chromatic bass line that is found in both songs. A chromatic line that goes back centuries and has been used in hundreds of compositions. The *picked* guitar sections are vaguely similar though the one in Spirit's "Taurus" uses a *ascending* note sequence to build the chord structure while Stairway to Heaven, after a half measure walk up (and still not identical to that in Taurus), is a *descending* note sequence to build the chord, both against a identical descending bass line. It's that descending "bass" line that really provides the basis for them sounding similar and *that* is a very, very, common musical structure. Outside of that very brief similarity the two songs have nothing else in common.

Perhaps both stole from Arthur Hamilton's "Cry Me A River" (1953), made famous by Julie London in 1955:


You can hear the line best in this solo guitar rendition from Davy Graham in 1959:


Or maybe the heirs of Giovanni Battista Granata (1620/1621 – 1687) should sue them all (cued to the relevant section):

I don’t know, you’re going into technical detail and maybe that’s why Zep won the case. And I’m sure you know this but George Harrison was successfully sued due to “My Sweet Lord” sounding too similar to The Chiffons “He’s So Fine” and while the songs have a similar structure I don’t think it was on the nose enough for it to have been considered “unconscious plagiarism” I don’t listen to “My Sweet Lord” and think “oh yeah, this totally rips off He’s So Fine” I think “Taurus” and “Stairway” are more on this nose. Like I said, people who hear the Spirit version will clearly recall “Stairway” and since Zep was known to “borrow” from others without proper credit, it can be hard to ignore

 

[dpippel]

With no IMAX anywhere close (maybe ~80 miles away though I'd not see it in the theater even if there was one playing it locally) I looked up when this is coming to streaming/physical media. Supposedly in mid-late June this year. I'll be purchasing a copy for my library.

It's available on iTunes now. $9.99 to purchase, $5.99 to rent.

 

[TravisR]

Over the years I've grown to somewhat dislike Stairway... It's a good song but got sooooo much airplay and was the main Zeppelin song many non-Zep fans played seemingly continuously that it became one of "those songs" you heard too much. Wore out its welcome so to speak. And I'm 100% sure Plant heard it far more than I did (after all, he sang it live for many years). It's the only Zep song I'll often skip when playing the albums.

It's the kind of song where I hear it too many times, burn out on it, stop listening to it and then after a few months, I listen to and enjoy it again when it comes on the radio.

 

[BobO'Link]

I don’t know, you’re going into technical detail and maybe that’s why Zep won the case. And I’m sure you know this but George Harrison was successfully sued due to “My Sweet Lord” sounding too similar to The Chiffons “He’s So Fine” and while the songs have a similar structure I don’t think it was on the nose enough for it to have been considered “unconscious plagiarism” I don’t listen to “My Sweet Lord” and think “oh yeah, this totally rips off He’s So Fine” I think “Taurus” and “Stairway” are more on this nose. Like I said, people who hear the Spirit version will clearly recall “Stairway” and since Zep was known to “borrow” from others without proper credit, it can be hard to ignore

Listen to "My Sweet Lord" back to back with "He's So Fine" and then sing the lyrics/melody for either with the other. The primary difference between those is the bridge on "He's So Fine." The chord progression and melodies are almost note for note identical - practically a direct copy, much much closer than the very short "Taurus" vs. "Stairway..." segment.

Here's a mashup that demonstrates just how alike they are:


The positive side to that story is Harrison, in spite of losing in court, eventually owned the rights to both songs.

The technical details are exactly why Zeppelin won. While that very short segment in "Taurus" does very much remind you of "Stairway" it's all due to the key, tempo, and bass line. Otherwise they're quite distinct - something I heard the first time I listened to the Spirit song. Close but no cigar. Look at the sheet music for each, which is what the jury used, coupled with the exact playing of each, for determining the case. Very different.

 

[BobO'Link]

It's the kind of song where I hear it too many times, burn out on it, stop listening to it and then after a few months, I listen to and enjoy it again when it comes on the radio.

When in college I worked for the college radio station, which had a news/MOR format. A co-worker and I edited out the middle of "Stairway to Heaven" leaving only the mellow open and close segments to make it passable for play during the late night program. We'd introduce it as "The James Page Orchestra with Stairway to Heaven." AFAIK no one ever caught on to what we'd done.

This is my favorite cover of the song: