Cameron Crowe, the acclaimed filmmaker and writer, recently opened up about a significant misstep in his early career while writing a story about the legendary band Led Zeppelin. In his newly released memoir, The Uncool, Crowe reflects on his experiences touring with the iconic rock group during the 1970s, a time when he was still a teenage reporter for Rolling Stone.
Crowe’s relationship with Led Zeppelin was fraught with challenges, as the band was known to harbor a disdain for the publication he worked for. Despite this, he seized the opportunity to profile them after writing a piece for the Los Angeles Times, embarking on a mission to secure a cover story for Rolling Stone during their 1975 tour.
In his memoir, released on October 28, Crowe recounts the chaotic atmosphere of the tour, which often involved him scribbling notes in bathrooms amidst the noise of partygoers. His persistence paid off as he managed to conduct interviews with band members, including the enigmatic guitarist Jimmy Page. However, disaster struck during a cover shoot in New York when the photographer, Neal Preston, experienced a flash malfunction, resulting in unusable photos. Crowe describes this moment as a “once-in-a-career f–kup,” with the images emerging mostly pitch-black, save for one disappointing slide.
As a result of the photography mishap, Rolling Stone had to fill the feature with live concert images instead. Yet, despite the setbacks, Crowe accomplished his goal of getting his article onto the magazine’s cover. After the publication, Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner took Crowe aside, expressing regret that he had “missed the story” and emphasizing that true writers must sometimes endure hardship to capture the essence of their subjects.
Wenner’s words became a turning point for Crowe, prompting him to reflect on the nature of writing. He gifted Crowe a copy of Joan Didion’s iconic book Slouching Toward Bethlehem, which Crowe cited as a reminder of that pivotal moment when part of him died, but another part “sprouted wings.” This mix of acknowledgment and inspiration has undoubtedly influenced Crowe’s illustrious career in storytelling.
Through the lens of this experience, Crowe not only shares his struggles but also highlights the importance of perseverance and growth in the creative field. His narrative serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there are valuable lessons to be learned that can ultimately lead to greater achievements.