The documentary “Becoming Led Zeppelin” pulled off a rare feat – direct participation from both Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, who have been reluctant to speak about their work.
Director Bernard MacMahon says he had to pass Page’s screening process, which involved a seven-hour meeting where Page tested his knowledge about the band.
Page shared archival materials, including his diaries dating back to 1963, with MacMahon during their meeting, indicating his approval of the project.
MacMahon said his preparation, including reading a book about Led Zeppelin at a young age and his experience with the documentary “American Epic,” helped him pass Page’s test and find rare material for the film.
The highlight of Becoming Led Zeppelin is a rare recording of drummer John Bonham giving an interview for Australian radio before his death, which deeply moved Page and Plant as it was the first time they had heard Bonham speaking in 40 years.
