Becoming Led Zeppelin: Terrific Documentary About an Iconic Rock Band

If you are a Led Zeppelin fan, this documentary – approved and enthusiastically endorsed by the three surviving band members – is A MUST-SEE!  Unfortunately, I never saw them live.  (It's not my life's greatest regret, only my second.)  The first half of the movie is about what it was like for them growing up in England shortly after WW-II ended, what influences got them into rock and rhythm and blues, why they each picked their instruments, and how they met and formed one of the greatest rock bands of all time!  There are contemporary interviews with Jimmy Page (Guitarist), Robert Plant (Lead Singer), John Paul Jones (Bassist), and there are also interviews of John Bonham (Drummer) prior to his death in 1980.  Page, Jones, and Bonham were incredible musicians and Plant was a great lead singer. The second half of the film is about the recording of their first album, which was immediately followed by their first U.S. tour.  Amazingly, their classic first album was panned by Rolling Stone.  Despite this obstacle, their live concerts blew everyone away, and they became more popular as the tour progressed.  The documentary has considerable film footage of the live concerts from the tour, playing most of their hits from the first two albums.  The tour started with small venues, but finished in large concert halls.  The movie finishes with the ending of the 1969 concert tour.  "Led Zeppelin" was released in January, 1969, and "Led Zeppelin II" in October, 1969. As far as English rock bands go, I rank Led Zeppelin #4. (1. The Beatles; 2. The Stones; 3. The Who; 4. Led Zeppelin; and 5. The Kinks.)  I rate The Who higher (although very close) because Keith Moon (Drummer), and John Entwhistle (Bassist) are equally-talented musicians (although Page is a slightly better guitarist than Peter Townsend).  The Who had catchier tunes and more great songs, although the 10 best Led Zeppelin songs rank with any of these top five bands.  The Who's "Tommy" was a ground-breaking album, being the first rock opera ever.  "My Generation" is in my top singles Top 10!  (Furthermore, Keith Moon even gave Led Zep their name!)  "Stairway to Heaven," however, has my favorite lead guitar solo (by Page). Before ending this review, I must add a very noteworthy historical moment involving Led Zeppelin.  My close friend from medical school, Barry, was playing Led Zeppelin's first album, watching America's live moon landing, and getting laid, simultaneously!  How's that for a memorable evening!  I'll bet that night makes Led Zeppelin Barry's favorite band!