Archive · 8 Dec 2025
Filmmakers Pass Jimmy Page's 7-Hour Exam
There's a new documentary about the famous band Led Zeppelin called 'Becoming Led Zeppelin'.
The director, Bernard MacMahon, had to pass a tough 7-hour test with Jimmy Page, one of the band members, to get his help.
Jimmy Page asked hard questions to make sure the filmmakers knew a lot about the band.
They even found a rare recording of another band member, John Bonham, talking on the radio.
It was the first time Jimmy Page and Robert Plant had heard John Bonham's voice in 40 years.
The filmmakers worked hard to find old and rare things about the band to make the documentary special.
Filmmakers Bernard MacMahon and Alison McGurty passed Jimmy Page's 7-hour exam to gain his cooperation for the documentary 'Becoming Led Zeppelin'.
Page tested the filmmakers' knowledge with questions about the band's early days, including the name of Robert Plant's group when they first met.
Page shared his personal diaries dating back to 1963, indicating his trust in the filmmakers.
Archivist Sam Rapallo found a rare recording of John Bonham's Australian radio interview, which moved Page and Plant.
The documentary is notable for its extensive archival material and participation from key band members.
- Who
- Filmmakers Bernard MacMahon and Alison McGurty, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham
- What
- Filmmakers passed Jimmy Page's 7-hour exam to gain his cooperation for the documentary 'Becoming Led Zeppelin'
- When
- The exam took place during the initial meeting, and the documentary is a recent project
- Where
- The exam occurred during a panel at Deadline’s virtual Contenders Documentary event
- Why
- To ensure the filmmakers' knowledge and dedication to accurately portray Led Zeppelin's history
- Documentary Title
- Becoming Led Zeppelin
- Director
- Bernard MacMahon
- Key Participants
- Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
- Duration of Exam
- 7 hours
- Rare Recording Found
- John Bonham's Australian radio interview
- Time to Confirm Recording
- 6 months