First official Led Zeppelin documentary set for theatrical release

Becoming Led Zeppelin, the first official documentary on the revolutionary English rock band, is finally set for a theatrical release.

Directed by Bernard MacMahon, the film has been described as a “hybrid docu-concert film” and  premiered as a work in progress at the Venice Film Festival in 2021.

Now completed, it has since been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for release on an unspecified date.

Song Pictures Classics have acquired the rights for North America, Latin America, Southeast Asia (except for Japan), the Middle East and Benelux. Negotiations for the deal took place between Sony Classics, director Bernard MacMahon and Altitude Film Sales.

It is unclear who will distribute the film in Ireland and Europe.

The documentary tells the story of the band in the members’ own words, with new interviews with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, plus unreleased interviews with the late John Bonham. It includes newly unearthed material from all four Led Zeppelin members’ archives, such as home movies and family photos.

Unseen footage of concerts at the Fillmore West, the Atlanta Pop Festival, and the Texas Pop Festival, all recorded in 1969, has also been dredged for the film.

Page said in a press release, “When I saw the early cut of the film premiered, at the Venice Film Festival, it was amazing. The energy of the story, and the power of the music, is phenomenal.”

MacMahon added, “We have spent years designing this film to be experienced on the big screen with the best possible sound.”