Rock Out with Led Zeppelin's Journey on Netflix
Rock Documentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" Delivers Impressive Insight, Yet Leaves Room for Criticism
Get ready to groove to the beats of Led Zeppelin as their docuseries, Becoming Led Zeppelin, is now streaming on Netflix. Whether you're a die-hard fan or newcomer to the legendary band, this docuseries is a must-watch, especially if you're a rock enthusiast.
Now, before we dive in, it's important to acknowledge that Becoming Led Zeppelin is not a flawless masterpiece (perfect documents rarely exist). The series successfully narrates the breathtaking origin story of one of the most influential rock bands in history. But here's a catch: the series skims over the blues legends who significantly influenced the band, particularly during the creation of their early records. Let's lay it all out.
The Incredible Interviews and Footage in Becoming Led Zeppelin
There have been numerous documentaries about Led Zeppelin over the years. What sets Becoming Led Zeppelin apart is the interviews. The living band members - John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, and Jimmy Page - are extensively featured in new interviews. What truly stands out is the generous amount of rare old interviews with the legendary drummer, John Bonham. Bonham, known for his evasiveness with the press, is notoriously hard to find in interviews.
Beyond the interviews, the series includes mesmerizing live footage from the earliest days of their greatest hits. "Communication Breakdown" is a standout, showcasing the crowd's reaction to the raw power and volume that was virtually unheard of in those days. It showcases the impact the band made on the music scene. However, this isn't a concert film; it's a deep dive into the first two albums and the initial phase of the band.
Led Zeppelin's Blues Inspirations
To say that Zeppelin "borrowed" from earlier blues songs for their early works, especially on their first two albums, is an understatement. They were often accused of lifting entire parts or even whole songs without giving proper credits to the original artists, sometimes not crediting them at all. In some instances, songs that were essentially covers were credited solely to the band members.
This practice has been well-documented in court cases, as the band has faced numerous lawsuits over the years. They have had to add artists to the songwriting credits on various re-issues of their albums throughout the last five decades. Tracks like "Dazed and Confused," from their debut album, and "Whole Lotta Love," from Led Zeppelin II - both heavily featured in the documentary - have faced such alterations to the songwriting credits. The series does not, however, delve into the legal implications of these changes.
Many Led Zeppelin fans are aware of this history, and for many, it would be a rehash of familiar ground. The band members and most fans have come to terms with these early omissions. Yet, the lack of acknowledgement persists as part of Led Zeppelin's saga. While it doesn't detract from the brilliance of this exciting rock documentary that everyone should watch, a more comprehensive account of the band's controversies would have been appreciated.
In the daily blend of entertainment, the interviews and rare footage in "Becoming Led Zeppelin" offer a captivating look into the band's early years, with extensively featured interviews from John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and the previously elusive John Bonham. Meanwhile, conversations about the band's iconic songs, such as "Dazed and Confused" and "Whole Lotta Love," often touch upon the controversy surrounding their use of blues influences, a topic that remains a significant part of the band's history, although it is not extensively explored in the series.
