The best rock documentaries you should watch
Rock music has not only shaped the soundscape of generations but has also given birth to captivating stories and intriguing personalities. If you’re a rock music enthusiast looking to dive deeper into the history and behind-the-scenes moments of your favorite bands, rock documentaries are the perfect gateway. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the best rock documentaries that provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of iconic musicians, the evolution of genres, and the cultural impact of rock music.
The Best Rock Documentaries
Here are the best rock documentaries you should watch:
- “Monterey Pop” (1968)
- “Gimme Shelter” (1970)
- “Woodstock” (1970)
- “The Last Waltz” (1978)
- “Metallica: Some Kind of Monster” (2004)
- “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” (2008)
- “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012)
- “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years” (2016)
1. “Monterey Pop” (1968)
Directed by D.A. Pennebaker, this documentary chronicles the groundbreaking Monterey International Pop Festival of 1967. It showcases iconic performances by artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Janis Joplin, and highlights the emergence of psychedelic rock and the spirit of cultural revolution that defined the era.
Richard Leacock and Albert Maysles, two more documentarians, were among Pennebaker’s many cameramen. Brice Marden, a painter, is credited as the “assistant camera.” The Monterey Pop Festival hired Paul Vieregge, who had served as the full-time stage manager for the Monterey Jazz Festival. Artist Tomi Ungerer created the movie’s titles.
Big Brother and the Holding Company with Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Hugh Masekela, Otis Redding, Ravi Shankar, the Mamas & the Papas, the Who, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience are among the featured performers. At the conclusion of “Wild Thing,” the guitarist of the latter group set his guitar on fire, broke it on stage, and threw the smashed guitar neck into the audience.
2. “Gimme Shelter” (1970)
“Gimme Shelter” is a documentary film directed by Albert and David Maysles, along with Charlotte Zwerin, and released in 1970. The film primarily focuses on The Rolling Stones’ 1969 US tour, particularly the events leading up to and during their free concert at the Altamont Speedway in California.
The documentary starts with the excitement and energy surrounding the tour as The Rolling Stones embark on their journey across the United States. However, as the film progresses, it takes a darker turn, reflecting the growing tensions and challenges faced by the band.
The centerpiece of the documentary is the ill-fated Altamont Free Concert, held on December 6, 1969. The concert, initially intended as a celebration of peace and music, became marred by violence and tragedy. The filmmakers capture the escalating tensions, the chaotic atmosphere, and ultimately the fatal stabbing of a young man, Meredith Hunter, during The Rolling Stones’ performance of “Under My Thumb.”
“Gimme Shelter” portrays the stark contrast between the idealism of the ’60s counterculture and the harsh realities of the era. The film serves as a chilling reminder of the end of the flower-power era and the darker side of the rock music scene.
3. “Woodstock” (1970)
“Woodstock” is a documentary film directed by Michael Wadleigh and released in 1970. The film chronicles the iconic Woodstock Music & Art Fair, a historic three-day festival held in August 1969 in Bethel, New York.
The documentary transports viewers to the sights, sounds, and spirit of Woodstock while capturing the essence of the counterculture movement and the transformational power of music. It features performances by many of the era’s most well-known musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and many more.
The movie provides a view into the festival’s distinctive environment in addition to the mesmerizing musical acts, highlighting the spirit of peace, love, and unity that permeated the event. It depicts the enormous crowds, the spontaneous get-togethers, and the sense of community that developed among the 500,000 guests.
4. “The Last Waltz” (1978)
“The Last Waltz” is a documentary film directed by Martin Scorsese, capturing the final concert of the iconic rock group The Band. It features a star-studded lineup of musical guests, including Bob DylanBob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell, among others.
The film showcases The Band‘s farewell performance at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom on Thanksgiving Day in 1976. It beautifully captures the band’s musical prowess, emotional performances, and camaraderie on stage.
“The Last Waltz” is renowned for its stunning cinematography and portrayal of the collaborative spirit that defines the rock music community. It serves as a celebration of The Band’s legacy and a tribute to their contributions to the rock music landscape.
The documentary has become a timeless classic, revered for its captivating performances and its exploration of the artistic journey of The Band.
5. “Metallica: Some Kind of Monster” (2004)
“Metallica: Some Kind of Monster” is a documentary film released in 2004. It provides an intimate and revealing look into the world of the iconic heavy metal band Metallica.
The film follows Metallica over the course of two tumultuous years, capturing their recording sessions for the album “St. Anger” and their subsequent therapy sessions with a performance-enhancing coach. It delves into the band’s dynamics, showcasing the conflicts, tensions, and personal struggles faced by individual band members. Their roles, egos, and the pressures of fame…
The documentary explores themes of addiction, creative differences, and the impact of success on personal relationships.
“Metallica: Some Kind of Monster” showcases the band’s commitment to overcoming their challenges, rebuilding their relationships, and rediscovering their creative spark. The film ultimately serves as a testament to the enduring power of music, the resilience of the band, and their determination to overcome obstacles in order to continue their artistic journey.
6. “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” (2008)
“Anvil! The Story of Anvil” is a documentary film released in 2008 that tells the inspiring and heartfelt story of the Canadian heavy metal band Anvil.
The film follows the band’s members, Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner, as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of their music career spanning over three decades.
“Anvil! The Story of Anvil” explores the band’s early success in the 1980s, their subsequent struggles to achieve mainstream recognition, and their determination to keep the spirit of their music alive. It captures the band’s unwavering passion for music, their enduring friendship, and their pursuit of success, despite facing numerous disappointments.
Through interviews, live performances, and personal moments, the film showcases the band’s resilience, their unwavering love for heavy metal, and their never-give-up attitude.
7. “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012)
“Searching for Sugar Man” (2012) is a captivating documentary film. It was released in 2012 and tells the extraordinary story of musician Sixto Rodriguez. It reveals surprising and emotional revelations about Rodriguez’s life.
8. “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years” (2016)
“The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years” was released in 2016. It was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ron Howard. The documentary offers a captivating glimpse into the early touring years of the legendary British rock band, The Beatles.
Through a combination of rare archival footage, performances, and interviews, the documentary provides an immersive experience. Watch the energy and musical brilliance of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in their prime.
The documentary showcases the intense fan frenzy and the unprecedented phenomenon known as “Beatlemania” that swept through cities worldwide. It also shows the challenges faced by the band amidst the chaos of their touring lifestyle.
Conclusion
Exploring the world of rock music through documentaries offers a captivating and immersive experience. The power of these films lies in their ability to capture the essence of the music, the artists, and the cultural landscapes in which they exist. From the electrifying performances and behind-the-scenes glimpses to personal struggles and triumphs, each documentary weaves a unique narrative that resonates with music lovers and enthusiasts.
Whether it’s witnessing the historic Woodstock festival, delving into the trials and triumphs of iconic bands like The Rolling Stones and Metallica, or unraveling the captivating stories of lesser-known artists like Anvil and Rodriguez, these documentaries provide an intimate and often eye-opening look into the lives of musicians and the impact of their art.
By immersing ourselves in these films, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry, passion, and dedication that go into creating and performing rock music. We also gain insight into the cultural and social contexts that shape the music we love.
So, grab your popcorn, turn up the volume, and let these rock documentaries transport you into the captivating world of music history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, these films are sure to entertain, inspire, and deepen your love for rock music. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the sights, sounds, and stories that have shaped the genre we know and love. Rock on!
What is your favorite rock band? Let us know in the comments!
