What are the greatest rockumentaries of all time?
Thursday, April 2, 2009 | 12:47 PM ET
Steve "Lips" Kudlow of the Toronto metal band Anvil performs in Europe in the rock documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil. (Brent J. Craig/VH1 Original Movies)
Turning it up to 11
Anvil! and 10 other great rockumentaries
By Greig Dymond, CBC News
They’ve never won a Juno Award or a Polaris Prize. They’ve never hung out with Joni Mitchell. And they certainly weren’t invited to appear with Neil Young and Bryan Adams on the 1985 all-star Canadian charity single Tears Are Not Enough.
Still, Toronto metal band Anvil is one of the most influential acts this country has ever produced. Their 1982 album, Metal on Metal, had a profound impact on soon-to-be megastars like Lars Ulrich (Metallica) and Slash (Guns N’ Roses), who loved its “heavy” quality. Despite a brush with the big time in the mid-1980s, Anvil has toiled in obscurity ever since. Now, British director Sacha Gervasi has rescued them from history’s dustbin with his stellar new rockumentary, Anvil! The Story of Anvil.
On one level, the film plays as a comedy, a hoser version of This is Spinal Tap. Lifelong buds Steve (Lips) Kudlow (lead singer, and yes, this guy can wail) and Robb Reiner (the drummer) take the group on an ill-fated European tour, battle with a bandmate's girlfriend who briefly becomes their manager and ultimately seek career redemption from their diehard Japanese fans. Another similarity to Spinal Tap: songs with titles like Thumb Hang, a tune that delivers a heavy metal take on the Spanish Inquisition (“Thumbs will twist / Can you resist? / Beware the names on the Inquisitor’s list!”)
But Anvil! is much more than a goofy riff on the metal scene, and Gervasi – who worked as a roadie for the band in 1983 – never condescends. He has crafted a poignant exploration of a middle-aged male friendship that survived against all odds.
With his unique access and his eye for detail, Gervasi has given us one of the all-time great rockumentaries. Here are 10 other sublime rock docs.
The Beatles First U.S. Visit, dir. Albert and David Maysles (1964)
Cinema vérité pioneers Albert and David Maysles were in New York in February 1964 as Beatlemania descended upon America, a nation still mourning the death of JFK. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Riding in limos with the band, hanging out at press conferences, even catching teenage girls trying to sneak into the Plaza Hotel, the Maysles capture the innocence and excitement of this transitional moment in rock history. Here was a country desperate for an infusion of joy, and this fly-on-the-wall film – basically a non-fiction version of A Hard Day’s Night – shows why the Beatles were so well suited to deliver it.
Don’t Look Back, dir. D.A. Pennebaker (1967)
This seminal doc follows Bob Dylan on his 1965 tour of England and, man, is he ever cranky. The folk legend snaps at a drunk partier who’s hanging out in his hotel room and delivers an extended tirade on the superficiality of print journalism to a Time magazine correspondent. In every media encounter, Dylan tries to undercut the mythology that’s built up around him. It’s compelling viewing: Dylan as charismatic chatterbox, not the reticent guy we often see today. The performances are also stellar, including snippets from a Royal Albert Hall concert and an impromptu run-through of some Hank Williams tunes with Joan Baez. Don’t Look Back also contains the iconic “video” for Subterranean Homesick Blues, featuring Allen Ginsberg in the background and the now much-imitated conceit of lyrics scrawled on bristol board.
Gimme Shelter, dir. Albert and David Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin (1970)
Again, the Maysles brothers are witnesses to history. Tonally, however, Gimme Shelter is the complete opposite of their 1964 film about the British invasion. Here, they document the implosion of the hippie dream: the notorious Rolling Stones concert at California’s Altamont Speedway in December of 1969, where the Hells Angels – who were enlisted to do security – wreaked havoc on audience and performers alike. By the end of the day, an 18-year-old named Meredith Hunter had been stabbed to death by a Hells Angel after pulling out a gun. This terrifying scene is captured (just barely) by the filmmakers. Later, we see Mick Jagger in an edit suite, apparently dazed by the footage.
This is Spinal Tap, dir. Rob Reiner (1984)
True, Spinal Tap isn’t a real band. At least, it wasn’t at the time this film was made. But Rob Reiner’s mockumentary has a larger fan base than most legit rock docs, and deservedly so. Limb by limb, the idiocy, misogyny and pretension of much rock music gets ripped apart, yet somehow you still feel affection for these deluded metalheads. Classic scenes abound: the ill-conceived Stonehenge set; the Marshall amps that go to 11; the pilgrimage to Graceland with the wretched version of Heartbreak Hotel in front of Elvis’s grave. A quarter-century after it was made, this is still the perfect antidote to rock-doc excess. (See also: All You Need Is Cash (1978), a Beatles doc parody by Gary Weis and Eric Idle starring faux Fabs “the Rutles” that’s almost as funny as Spinal Tap.)
Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll, dir. Taylor Hackford (1987)
Back in 1986, Keith Richards decided to throw a 60th birthday shindig for his rock 'n' roll idol, Chuck Berry. The subsequent all-star concert featured Berry performing his classic tunes with the likes of Etta James, Linda Ronstadt, Eric Clapton and even Julian Lennon. The concert segments are great, but it’s the tension between Richards (the acolyte) and Berry (the master) that still fascinates. The elder virtuoso doesn’t like to be told what to do, and he snaps whenever the Rolling Stone offers unwanted musical advice in rehearsals. What starts out as a fairly standard tribute concert turns into a searing portrait of a rock 'n' roll pioneer who’s justifiably suspicious of an industry that has often done him wrong.
The Filth and the Fury, dir. Julien Temple (2000)
Early on in this doc, Sex Pistols singer John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten) describes the 26-month lifespan of the band: “We managed to offend all the people we were f---in’ fed up with. I don’t think you can explain how things happen, other than sometimes they just should. The Sex Pistols should have happened, and did.” Director Julien Temple supports this theory, painting such a grimy vision of mid-’70s Britain that the birth of punk seemed inevitable. The film relies heavily on archival footage: some amazing Pistols performance clips, as well as liberal doses of Laurence Olivier playing baddie Richard III. (Turns out Lydon borrowed that character’s nasty demeanour for his own stage persona.) Temple also coaxes some amazing revelations from the band members, who are shot – quite stunningly – in silhouette so we can focus on their words and not the ravages of time. A brilliant piece of social history.
Live Forever: The Rise and Fall of Brit Pop, dir. John Dower (2003)
This stylish and perceptive doc takes us back to the mid-1990s, when England was rediscovering its pop culture mojo and Labour leader Tony Blair was doing everything he could to align himself with the new rock royalty. Acts like Stone Roses, Massive Attack, Pulp, Elastica and Portishead are covered, but the film is dominated by the infamous Blur-Oasis rivalry, which is treated with just the right mix of nostalgia, humour, skepticism and regret.
DiG!, dir. Ondi Timoner (2004)
Ondi Timoner’s doc is an extended meditation on the difficulty of balancing commercial success with artistic credibility. It’s also the least glamorous depiction of the rock lifestyle ever captured on film. Over seven years, we follow the diverging career paths of frenemies Courtney Taylor (lead singer of the Dandy Warhols) and Anton Newcombe (megalomaniac/heroin user/driving force behind The Brian Jonestown Massacre). While the Dandys sign with a major label, have hit albums and play in front of thousands of fans at European festivals, Newcombe’s career becomes a train wreck – you won’t believe this guy’s capacity for self-sabotage. This is a superb film about pop rivalries and a stark example of what can happen when an artist refuses to compromise.
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, dir. Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky (2004)
Who knew that testosterone-charged metal gods could be this vulnerable? During the 2003 recording of Metallica’s album St. Anger, lead singer James Hetfield checks into rehab and the band comes precariously close to falling apart. A “performance-enhancing coach” is called in to try to help the musicians communicate with each other, a decision that results in some excruciating group therapy sessions. Yes, it’s all a bit new age-y, and seeing the snit-fits of gazillionaire rockers gives it a bit of a Spinal Tap feel. Still, Some Kind of Monster is a brave film, a raw, unfiltered look at a corporate rock behemoth trying to cope with a mid-life crisis. Plus, drummer Lars Ulrich is probably the most articulate, analytical rock star since Pete Townshend.
The Night James Brown Saved Boston, dir. David Leaf (2008)
It’s April 5, 1968, the day after Martin Luther King was murdered in Memphis. Riots are breaking out in cities across America and municipal politicians in Boston – a city with especially fraught race relations – are worried that a James Brown concert later that night could become a powder keg for violence. David Leaf’s doc deftly explains how the “hardest working man in show business” helped that city avoid bloodshed by allowing the gig to be televised locally. The tension in the crowd at Boston Garden positively crackles, as does Brown’s performance.
This is a list of 10 great rock docs, but there are dozens more. What are your favourite rockumentaries? Leave your suggestions below.
Anvil! The Story of Anvil opens in Toronto on April 3, in Montreal on April 17 and across Canada in May and June.
Greig Dymond writes about the arts for CBCNews.ca.
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Comments
bjc
Toronto
Anvil Photograph by Brent J. Craig
(and they are actually playing in Transylvania, Romania in that shot).
Thanks for your support.
This is an awesome movie even if you have never heard of heavy metal. It is about holding on to your dreams and not giving up.
Please see it!
Posted April 2, 2009 11:32 PM
Pat
Canada
Great list! I would add the Beatles rooftop concert in "Let it be".
Posted April 3, 2009 03:34 AM
DJ Hans Lucas
Toronto
C***sucker Blues (banned by the Rolling Stones)
Better Off In Bed (banned by Neko Case)
Often the fate when film meets rock.
Posted April 3, 2009 04:10 AM
Steven Roth
Ottawa
If there's a more entertaining rockumentary than The Kids are Alright, I haven't seen it yet. Apart from anything else, it's blessed by the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously. And, if you consider the Last Waltz to be more than a concert movie, you could include it as well.
Posted April 3, 2009 02:10 PM
PJ Bosox
east
"drummer Lars Ulrich is probably the most articulate, analytical rock star since Pete Townshend."
You're joking right? You meant to say, "drummer Lars Ulrich is probably the most spoiled, ungrateful rock star since...uhm...ever" Right?
Posted April 3, 2009 04:06 PM
J-ROC
Victoria
Check out "Meeting People is Easy: A Film About Radiohead." By far my favourite rock documentary.
Posted April 3, 2009 06:40 PM
Dean
ottawa
I remember seeing a mockumentary called (I think)"Bad News" about a British heavy metal band of the same name. I think it may even pre-date Spinal Tap.
Another good one is U2's Rattle and Hum.
Posted April 3, 2009 09:21 PM
james
Toronto
You forgot U23D. One of the best reviewed rock films in history. And one of the best reviewed film of last year. Period.
Posted April 3, 2009 09:50 PM
Stephanie Carriere
Ottawa
The Kids Are Alright (The Who)
Posted April 3, 2009 11:08 PM
don moore
How about "the rutles: all you need is cash" ? A 1978 mockumentary starring Eric Idol (from Monty Python). It is a hilarious parody of the Beatles.
Posted April 3, 2009 11:42 PM
artsworker
Toronto
C***sucker Blues: Directed by legendary photographer Robert Frank. Controversial doc of the 1972 Rolling Stones Tour is banned but it is easily found on DVD.
You didn't ask for Best Rock Performance Movies however, I wish the following were on a tv channel devoted to rockumentaries and concert performances:
T.A.M.I. Show (1964) Teenage Awards Music International was filmed by great director Steve Binder. The Rolling Stones vs. James Brown is legendary, many great performances.
The BIG TNT Show (1966) Best live documentation of Bo Diddley, closely followed by unbelievable Ronettes footage.
The Last Waltz (1978) The Band w/guests. Betcha Van Morrison still regrets wearing a jumpsuit for a film that turned out to be a classic.
Jazz On A Summmer's Day
The performances by Dinah Washington, Theolonious Monk and Anita O'Day most especially. Huge influence on the film Woodstock and Pauline Kael called it the best concert performance movie ever.
Posted April 4, 2009 01:29 AM
dwood
BC
A Hard Days Night; the great line where Ringo's being interviewed by reporters and one asks "are you a mod or a rocker" his reply "neither, I'm a mocker".
Posted April 4, 2009 01:39 AM
Buzz
Charlottetown
I'm your man. A documentary on Leonard Cohen
The Last waltz - The Band
Westway to the World - The Clash
Man in the Sand - Woody Guthrie
The Future is Unwritten - Joe Strummer
End of the Century - The Ramones
Posted April 4, 2009 04:19 AM
Michael Parkes
How about Depeche Mode's 1989 rockumentary "101" about 10 youth in late '80's winning a tour of various Depeche Mode concerts, culminating in the 100,000 person attendance at the L.A. Rose Bowl. This was a breakthrough music event for both the band and techno music. And, it was directed by D.A. Pennebaker.
Posted April 4, 2009 07:08 AM
Matt
Metal: A Headbanger's Journey is not only the best "rockumentary", but it is the best documentary ever produced.
Posted April 4, 2009 08:05 AM
Matt
Antigonish
The Band's Last Waltz always talked of among professional musicians (bar scene and festival level) as the best music doc/concert of them all. That was talking with many many Canadian Musicians, and a few other internationals, bt mainly, it has been seen as a grand peice of Canadianna.
Posted April 4, 2009 11:21 AM
Bill Sandsquartch
My friend made a documentary about an unknown Canadian band falling apart called "A Life of Crime." It's pretty right on, even if it is way too long. It gets the hardships of the road on film, and shows why the Canadian music industry is pretty tough to be in.
Posted April 4, 2009 01:43 PM
Jeff
Edmonton
Yes, Radioheads' "Meeting People is Easy" is absolutely a fantastic doc.
Posted April 4, 2009 01:58 PM
Jim
Chelsea
“The Last Waltz” featuring the Band and a select few of their close friends; Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan,Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Ringo Starr, Paul Butterfield, Dr. John, Van Morrison,Ronnie Hawkins, Mavis Staples, Muddy Waters, Ron Wood (Stones) and the list goes on.
Posted April 4, 2009 02:28 PM
Chris Australia
HARD
CORE
LOGO
Posted April 4, 2009 02:37 PM
Teeter
I haven't seen all of the movies on your list..I suggest checking "hype!" it's a look at the rise and fall of grunge in seattle, it takes a look at the real bands that came out of the scene not just the one's that made billboard.
Posted April 4, 2009 02:42 PM
murdoch
kimberley
Festival Express. A Canadian tour that went sour but with great young scenes of the Band, Janis, and the Dead, mixed with modern day interviews. An awesome version of "Hard to Handle" with Pigpin singing on the extra scenes.
Posted April 4, 2009 02:55 PM
Kris
Ottawa
"drummer Lars Ulrich is probably the most articulate, analytical rock star since Pete Townshend"
A) Townshend? Really? Ever hear of Brian May or Michael Kiske?
B) Probably because Lars is a Dane, not an American :-)
Posted April 4, 2009 04:14 PM
G.S.
The best rock doc ever was not seen by many
and was in fact Canadian. I attended the Winnipeg portion. Festival Express, almost unknown, 35 years in the making, and just plain great music and interviews. It can be found in stores for as low as 10 bucks, and the quality makes Woodstock suck. Canadian bands like Ian and Sylvia and the Great Speckled Bird, Mashmakan, James and the Good Bros., Sea Train and the Band. Along with Buddy Guy, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Greatful Dead, Janis Joplin and the Full Tilt Boggey Band, Bonnie and Delaney and Friends, Eric Anderson,and many more, on a train traveling across Canada.
Posted April 4, 2009 04:24 PM
Anonymous
Dig is easily the best of the lot!
Posted April 4, 2009 04:37 PM
Fred
Montreal
You can't have a list like this without including Stop Making Sense - Talking Heads. Maybe not quite a documentary, but still the best rock related film ever made.
Posted April 4, 2009 04:44 PM
Robert Kennedy
Toronto
Some other films worth mentioning you might have heard of:
Woodstock (hello!)
Monterey Pop (again Maysles)
The Last Waltz (Scorcese)
Stop Making Sense (Demme)
Posted April 4, 2009 04:53 PM
brodie
guelph
wilco "i am trying to break your heart"
the band "the last waltz"
Posted April 4, 2009 05:28 PM
Phil
Vancouver
What about "The Kids are Alright" (The Who), The Ramones "End of the Century", "Woodstock" (perhaps more of a concert film but enough non-music footage to qualify) and The Clash "Westway to the World"? And how do you justify Spinal Tap which is fake? If you include Spinal Tap then you might want to consider "A Hard Day's Night", "Syd and Nancy" and many other worthy dramatizations of the rock'n'roll world.
Posted April 4, 2009 05:53 PM
Kevin
Victoria
I'm not a Zeppelin fan, but "The Song Remains the Same" almost made me one. What really should be on the list is "Heavy Metal Parking Lot", not totally sure if it qualifies as rockumentary but still absolutely hilarious.
Posted April 4, 2009 06:08 PM
Will
Vancouver
Where is The Song Remains the Same here?
Come on.
Posted April 4, 2009 06:35 PM
masked
Yellowknife
Number 1 rockumentary of all time--The Band, "The Last Waltz." Great performance, great guest stars, great Canadian band, great director--what else is there to say?
Posted April 4, 2009 06:37 PM
Alan
Hard Core Logo should be on the list. Spinal Tap for Punk bands.
Posted April 4, 2009 06:45 PM
Anonymous
'The Decline and Fall of Western Civilization Part II the metal years.'
'Urgh! A Music War.'
'Ramones - End of the Century'
Posted April 4, 2009 08:07 PM
Grant
Brandon
One the greatest rockumentaries has to be Metal: A Headbangers Journey. This video dig into the history of metal and its cult like following of die hard fans. This film was made by Sam Dunn, a 30 yr old Canadian anthropologist.
http://www.metalhistory.com/metal01.html
Posted April 4, 2009 08:23 PM
Tommy
Listowel
Rock n Roll Circus(1968 Rolling Stones)
Festival Express(3 Canadian Cities by train of some of rock histories best)
Posted April 4, 2009 08:32 PM
Sam Spooner
Canada
"Festival Express." The vibe is so Canadian, plus you have to love the hardass promoter. Also, "A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica" is markedly more watchable and enjoyable than Some Kind of Monster. See Metallica before they became a bunch of effete rock stars who employ a full-time therapist.
Posted April 4, 2009 08:58 PM
Anonymous
The stunning "You're Gonna Miss Me - A Film About Roky Erickson" needs to be on this list.
Posted April 4, 2009 09:25 PM
Kev
Calgary
If satire Spinal Tap can be included, what about Hard Core Logo? Music kicks ass, Canadian film, acting is top notch. Absolutely one of my all-time faves and anyone interested in the above kind of movies owes it to themselves to give it a chance.
Posted April 4, 2009 09:33 PM
Bootsy Bass
Stonewall
I agree with Steven Roth...The Kida Are Allright....the new remastered version especially. But others......The Song Remains The Same...Beatles Anthology ( 5 DVD,s )....The one about the Funk Brothers." Standing In The Shadow Of Motown is a 10 out of 10 as well. Those guys played on 99% of all the Motown hits ( supremes, Temps, Marvin etc ) and still get very little recognition for it.
Posted April 4, 2009 10:29 PM
Jacqui
London
I saw "The Last Waltz" when I was about ten and hadn't even heard of The Band but Scorcese's deft direction and the music itself drew me in and I've loved this film ever since.
Posted April 4, 2009 11:13 PM
Deb
Canada
You can't forget The Last Waltz.
Posted April 4, 2009 11:54 PM
Tim
Edmonton
End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones is up there with the best of the best. It will make an avid fan out of anyone.
Posted April 5, 2009 01:10 AM
Alan McKeage
Seattle
These are all good choices, but my new #1 rockumentary is "Heavy Metal In Baghdad".
Posted April 5, 2009 01:33 AM
Chris
1. Woodstock- How this did not make the list is incredible. More than a concert pic, this is a journey into the life of hippiedom at its height in 1969. A weekend city built in the country survives with groovy tunes, lotsa narcotics, sex and vital aid from the army fighting the very war they stood to oppose.
2. End of the Century- The Ramones unconsciously started the punk movement by trying to be a great rock 'n' roll band. They were a reaction not to politics as much as the horrid music that dominated pop in the 70's. Their tale is lovingly captured here with candid images and gritty concert footage.
3. Hard Core Logo- Hey, if Spinal Tap can be considered so should Bruce Macdonald's 'rockumentary'. C'mon CBC this qualifies as CANCON and its actually kick-ass. A hard movie about truly dysfunctional punkers living out the grind of touring Western Canada on an extreme budget. Hugh Dillon's portrayal of the unscrupulous failed band-leader is intense and irreverent and captures the true spirit of punk.
Posted April 5, 2009 01:48 AM
Mark
Brampton
I didn't see The Last Waltz mentioned...
Nor Woodstock...
Posted April 5, 2009 02:08 AM
jeff
The Last Waltz has to be near the top. Scorcese directs The Band's last concert. Beautiful cinematography, and the guests are unreal. Great concert, great movie.
Posted April 5, 2009 03:42 AM
dml
The Last Waltz...The Band's 'swan song'...is nothing short of a classic.
Posted April 5, 2009 05:19 AM
Jerome
Winnipeg
"Hardcore Logo" anyone? I know it's not about a real band but c'mon, it's got the best ending of ANY of the ones listed above, fictional or real.
Posted April 5, 2009 06:56 AM
Robb
Dubai
I know it just came out but Arcade Fire's Mirror Noir is absolutely amazing. Truley one of the most creative rock documentaries in a long time that follows one of Canada's best bands.
Posted April 5, 2009 08:42 AM
Chris
Lethbridge
Decline of the Western Civilization Pt.II (the metal years)
Urgh! A Music War
Ramones - End of the Century
Posted April 5, 2009 01:32 PM
A. MacMillan
Wilco: I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.
Posted April 5, 2009 02:48 PM
Willis
No list could exist without the inclusion of " I am trying to break your heart" a film about Wilco during the recording of Yankee Foxtrot Hotel. You will not be dissapointed.
I am really glad you included Dig to your list, fascinating Doc.
I really enjoyed Gimme Shelter and always found it freaky that during the stabbing Jagger is singing: "it's all right, it's going to be alright"
I have to give props to the Kids are Alright like someone mentioned, awesome from the get go.
Posted April 5, 2009 04:37 PM
Onemandinghy
Toronto
I can't believe nobody mentioned the doc "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart", about Wilco. I'm a rockumentary JUNKIE and this is by far my fave. Along w/ Don't Look Back.
Posted April 5, 2009 07:03 PM
stephen crellin
C'mon how can you leave out the last waltz by the band.This has to be the best rockumentary ever made,filled with interviews and great music.Canadian band to..typical cbc
Posted April 5, 2009 07:16 PM
Ben
Regina
A must-see documentary that I'm amazed didn't make the list is Sam Dunn's "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey" (and also it's follow-up "Global Metal" - both are must-sees for those who love metal, or even for those who don't love metal, but would like to understand more about it. Dunn, a life-long metalhead himself gives an entertaining guided tour through the history of Heavy Metal which is compelling as well as entertaining. Plus, it's Canadian!
Posted April 5, 2009 08:11 PM
Ian Menzies
Montreal
I will second the Who's the Kids are Alright.It must be the number 1 rockumentary of all time.Absolutely brilliant from start to finish.
Posted April 6, 2009 04:10 AM
Doug MacDonald
Rory Gallagher, Irish Tour 1974
When a journalist asked Jimi Hendrix how it felt to bear the mantle of the 'world's greatest guitarist', Jimi simply said: "I don't know; ask Rory Gallagher."
Posted April 6, 2009 12:11 PM
Kevin
Ottawa
Great picks, but why isn't The Last Waltz on the list?
Posted April 6, 2009 02:47 PM
Ian
Halifax
How about The Clash: WEstway to the World. Brilliant.
Posted April 6, 2009 03:43 PM
Jay Jay
Ottawa
Loud Quiet Loud, a doc about the Pixies.
Posted April 6, 2009 04:44 PM
Mark
Toronto
I think Woodstock (1970 release) was quite fantastic - albeit very long. One could also argue that Live Aid was something of a documentary of sorts too. Both compelling.
Posted April 6, 2009 04:58 PM
John B.
Edmonton
Another enlightening rock documentary to put on this list is "Joe Strummer - The Future is Unwritten", about the frontman for the Clash, by Julien Temple.
Posted April 6, 2009 05:51 PM
Steve
Winnipeg
"The year punk broke" Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Skinny Puppy...
Posted April 6, 2009 07:29 PM
Shawn
Edmonton
Fearless Freaks-Flaming Lips
Another State of Mind-Social Distortion/Youth Brigade
If I Should Fall from Grace:The Shane MacGowan Story-Shane MacGowan
Decline of the Western Civilization(the first one on so-cal punk scene in the early 80's not the crappy late 80's metal one)
New York Doll-Arthur Kane
Posted April 6, 2009 08:07 PM
Da Pope
So many - Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, The Ballad of Mad Dogs & Englishmen, The Last Waltz, Stop Making Sense, Martin Scorceses The Blues ( all 7 parts ), Woodstock
Posted April 7, 2009 12:10 AM
David Leaf
Thank you so much for including our James Brown documentary in your piece. It means a lot to us.
David
Posted April 7, 2009 06:16 PM
Dave K.
Vancouver
Urgh....A Music War
Posted April 7, 2009 08:26 PM
James Mason
Where is The Last Waltz???
Posted April 7, 2009 09:34 PM
Arun
Montreal
Insanity:
The Devil and Daniel Johnston
Posted April 7, 2009 10:16 PM
Andy G
Kitchenr
Zappa was the most articulate rock star ever, the rest....sorry not even close!
Posted April 7, 2009 10:49 PM
Groove McMillan
What no Deep Purple Fans?
Seen Come Hell or High Water? DP start of the show blasting into Highway Star, eveyone but Ritchie that is.
Ritchie deceided to hang back and let the others sweat will he deceided if we could take another night with Ian Gillan at the mike or not. You gotta love your "A" type personalties trying to share a stage together.
Posted April 8, 2009 12:45 AM
ed roberts
Festival Express!!!!!!
Posted April 8, 2009 02:49 AM
Mark
halifax
1. the life and hard times of guy terrifico
2. walk hard: the dewey cox story
3. shakey (neil young biography)
Posted April 8, 2009 05:26 AM
Zack
Toronto
Metal: A Headbangers Journey
Posted April 8, 2009 01:39 PM
Bill Nygren
Check out "New York Doll"...a doc that lovingly tells the simultaneously uplifting and heartbreaking tale of New York Doll bassist Arthur Kane's out of the blue return to the limelight, if only for a brief moment prior to his entirely unexpected but perhaps merciful passing on.
A truly great film that anyone, Doll-fan or even rock fan or not, will find touching.
Posted April 8, 2009 01:58 PM
Webdrifters
Toronto
D.O.A. directed by Lech Kowalski and released in 1981 featuring The Sex Pistols, Sham 69, Generation X, X-Ray Spex. Wish this would be available on DVD.
Posted April 8, 2009 02:42 PM
David Pierce
I understand that these things are subjective, but it is ridiculous that The Last Waltz is not on this list--see the numerous other comments on this for justification.
My personal list would also have to include the following:
Meeting People is Easy - Radiohead
The Future is Unwritten - Joe Strummer
Year of the Horse - Neil Young and Crazy Horse
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart - Wilco
Posted April 8, 2009 04:38 PM
Brett
Halifax
Dymond instantly loses all credibility by omitting "The Last Waltz".
Posted April 8, 2009 04:55 PM
Dana
Toronto
End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (fantastic!)
Joe Strummer - The Future is Unwritten
Metal: A Headbangers' Journey (Gene Simmons invented shoes!)
Urgh....A Music War
If I Should Fall from Grace: The Shane MacGowan Story (sad but amazing)
American Hardcore
Decline of the Western Civilization
...and if there are any publishers out there interested in my novel about a punk band on tour, let me know!
The Rutles (hilarious!)
The Kids Are Alright
Hardcore Logo
Posted April 8, 2009 06:21 PM
Rob Cotnam
Quote: "...drummer Lars Ulrich is probably the most articulate, analytical rock star since Pete Townshend."
Hmmm.
Neil Peart of Rush isn't exactly chopped liver in this regard.
Posted April 8, 2009 09:09 PM
Chris
Hmm, no mention of Air Guitar Nation which exposes an oft-participated, yet greatly underappreciated, side of rock and roll showmanship.
Posted April 8, 2009 11:46 PM
Andrew Titus
HardCoreLogo
of course
Posted April 9, 2009 12:56 PM
joey sunshine
The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz The Last Waltz have a nice day
Posted April 9, 2009 02:32 PM
Jack
vancouver
edgeplay (revealing documentary on the runaways featuring joanjett/litaford/sandywest/jackiefox)
Posted April 10, 2009 12:09 AM
Kim
Calgary
The Ruttles
Last Waltz
And I know its not a "rock-doc" but The Wall live at Berlin
Posted April 11, 2009 02:49 PM
T
Edmonton
The Gits. Tragic story, but a good doc. And it made me go get a couple of their albums.
Posted April 11, 2009 07:28 PM
Gord Duggan
How 'about THE ZOMBEATLES: ALL YOU NEED IS BRAINS (2009) ?
http://www.allyouneedisbrains.blogspot.com/
This film chronicles the rise and fall of The
Fab Gore -- Jaw Nlennon, Pall IcKartney, Gorge Harryson and Dingo Scarr? It's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD meets THIS IS SPINAL TAP and THE RUTLES: ALL YOU NEED IS CASH (with a wee bit o' SHAUN OF THE DEAD).
"One of the most memorable mockumentaries of all time." -- Gabrielle Faust, FATALLY YOURS.com
http://www.fatally-yours.com/horror-reviews/the-zombeatles-all-you-need-is-brains-2009/
Posted April 12, 2009 05:31 PM
Eric
Victoria
Wow, how could you forget "The Kids are Alright" and "The Last Waltz?"
Posted April 12, 2009 09:40 PM
Mark Hamelin
Lots of great docs listed by the readers. One glaring omission, though:
Lightning in a Bottle - a terrific doc/concert on the history of the blues
also, how about Be Here to Love Me (Townes Van Zandt) and Shut Up and Sing (Dixie Chicks). Both in their own way really capture a specific time and place.
Really glad to see Dig! on the list and pleased to see readers also include loudQUIETloud, End of the Century, I am Trying to Break Your Heart, hype!, and Festival Express
Cheers!
MH
Posted April 13, 2009 03:52 PM
Anonymous
Not sure of the name, but the documentary on Megadeth was interesting I've got to say.
and @ PJ Bosox, SPOT ON!
Posted April 13, 2009 05:59 PM
kowalski04
What about 24 Hour Party People? I'm not sure if it counts, but it's closer to a real rockumentary than This is Spinal Tap.
And yes, The Devil and Daniel Johnston should've been in there. Otherwise, good list.
Posted April 15, 2009 04:23 PM
Pearce
Toronto
The Kids Are Alright, hands down. Keith Moon blowing himself up on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Pete pontificating on the "power of volume." The Who's anger-fuelled performance of "Sparks" at Woodstock redefining live rock. Buy, rent or steal TKAA now and experience the greatest rock and roll band ever, captured in all their hilarious, pretentious and brilliant glory.
Posted April 15, 2009 09:10 PM
Brent Millar
Ottawa
"Plus, drummer Lars Ulrich is probably the most articulate, analytical rock star since Pete Townshend"
You're kidding right? The guy's a blathering salute for all those that never made it past the 10th grade.
But as long as you think so...
Matthew Good could eat him for breakfast even with a tequila hangover, after having had dental surgery.
You owe Pete Townshend an apology, as well as every other intelligent musicain in North America.
Posted April 15, 2009 09:59 PM
Bruce Galbraith
Vancouver
I've never heard of Anvil. And Diana Krall, despite outselling all the jazz artists (is that accurate?), wouldn't put herself in the same league as the all-time greats. Shame on those who do.
Anyway: The Kids Are Alright.
Favourite quote: "That was just a tickle"
Posted April 16, 2009 03:45 AM
Yukon Sean
I would highly recommend the Canadian documentary, Metal: A Headbanger's Journey, by Victoria-based sociologist and metalhead Sam Dunn.
Posted April 16, 2009 04:10 AM
paul macdonald
sydney
last waltz awesome
the kids are alright - also great
Posted April 16, 2009 11:16 AM
GADDERLEY
Toronto
I think this is a great list, but to really turn tis list to an 11, one must include Joy Division.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2v4UwEiO-g
So worth watching over and over.
Enjoy.
Posted April 16, 2009 02:32 PM
Alan F
Never expected the Anvil documentary to be as gripping as it indeed was. Hell, even got teary eyed in a few spots as Kudlow and Reiner can't help but display the numerous cracks in a friendship that's amazingly held itself together for better than 3 decades. With all the pompous garbage posing as documentaries out there, The Story of Anvil stands out as being what most others are not which is truthful. Enjoy.
Posted November 9, 2009 07:38 PM