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Undoubtedly, 2023 has seen a fantastic year for rock music. Renowned bands such as The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Metallica, and U2 have all graced fans with new music, bringing immense joy to hardcore rock enthusiasts. Moreover, the music film scene has also thrived this year, exemplified by the immense success of “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” in cinemas, which pulled in over $128 million in its opening weekend. Additionally, there have been record-breaking ticket sales for concerts in packed stadiums worldwide.
Nonetheless, even ardent Taylor Swift fans occasionally seek something more intense, and this is where captivating rock concert movies come into play. Throughout the years, a multitude of films centered around rock concerts have been released, offering an extensive selection for enthusiasts. Similar to Taylor Swift, more and more artists, whether real or fictional, are recognizing the significance of utilizing film to advance their careers. These films encompass a range of genres, from comedies to dramas, and even documentaries, making for a diverse collection of outstanding movies centered on rock concerts.
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15 Great Movies Centred Around Rock Concerts
Shine A Light (2008)
Martin Scorsese’s 2008 film “Shine A Light” isn’t just a typical rock documentary; it’s a remarkable musical moment frozen in time. Unlike his other works, Scorsese takes a more subdued approach in this fabulous movie about The Rolling Stones. He steps back and allows the Stones to shine, letting them speak through their music, performance, and charisma, while he does his best to capture the band’s raw and brilliant stage presence.
What Makes It Exceptional “Shine A Light” primarily showcases a rock concert on film, filmed at the packed Beacon Theater in New York City. The film’s greatness lies in its ability to vividly demonstrate why The Stones are considered one of the greatest bands in music history. Mick Jagger’s irresistible swagger is on full display, and Keith Richards’ guitar skills remain top-notch, despite being well into his 60s at the time. The concert’s setlist is well-crafted and tightly executed. Furthermore, there are a few surprise guest appearances, including Jack White, Buddy Guy, and Christina Aguilera, which add an extra layer of excitement and diversity to the performance.
Rock Star (2001)
“Rock Star,” released in 2001, is indeed a fictional portrayal of the life of a rock star. While it may not be entirely accurate in depicting the real-life experiences of rock musicians, it captures the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle, complete with its ups and downs. The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Chris “Izzy” Cole, a super fan who gets the opportunity to sing for his favorite band, Steel Dragon. As you mentioned, he soon discovers that the rock star life isn’t all glamour and excitement, and it comes with its share of challenges.
The movie is enjoyable for several reasons:
Spectacular Rock Concert Scenes: “Rock Star” delivers on the spectacle of rock concerts. The performances are over-the-top, featuring massive sound and pyrotechnics, which help create an immersive experience for the audience.
Humor and Cameos: The film is also known for its humor, and it includes appearances by real-life rock stars from various bands like Third Eye Blind, The Verve Pipe, Dokken, Black Label Society, Alter Bridge, and more. These cameos add authenticity to the rock and roll world depicted in the movie and can be a fun surprise for music fans.
While “Rock Star” may not be a documentary-style portrayal of the rock music industry, it’s a fun and entertaining film that provides a glimpse into the excitement and challenges of the rock star lifestyle, and it offers a good mix of humor and music for fans of the genre.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
In 2018, Rami Malek delivered a stellar performance as the legendary Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” depicting the rise of Mercury from a young British man named Farrokh Bulsara to his iconic role as the frontman of Queen, one of the world’s biggest rock bands. Freddie Mercury’s distinctive voice and enduring impact on the rock music genre continue to be celebrated. Rami Malek’s portrayal of Mercury was so exceptional that it earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2019.
What Makes It Outstanding For a significant period, “Bohemian Rhapsody” held the record as the highest-grossing biographical film ever. It stands out as an exceptional rock concert movie because it centers on a pivotal moment in Queen’s history: their electrifying performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert. The film effectively captures the band’s live show’s immense energy and showcases Mercury as the fearless and commanding lead vocalist he was. Rami Malek’s remarkable acting prowess takes the movie to new heights, establishing his capability to excel in leading roles.
Nirvana: Live at the Paramount (2011)
Describing Nirvana’s impact on rock music in the 1990s as a mere understatement would be a significant understatement in itself. The band’s profound influence on the history of music is well-documented, and in 2011, a pivotal performance of theirs was finally made available on CD and Blu-ray. “Nirvana: Live at the Paramount” is a concert film that captures Nirvana in a state of raw intensity: passionate, frustrated, exhausted, disenchanted, and poised to leave an indelible mark on the world.
Why It Stands Out What makes “Live at the Paramount” an exceptional concert film is that it captures the trio just before they were catapulted into mainstream stardom. This film was shot in Seattle in 1991, mere weeks after the release of their groundbreaking album, “Nevermind.” The cinematography strikes a balance between being polished and retaining a raw quality, the sound production is both clear and infused with the band’s signature noise, and the band’s performance exudes electrifying energy while also possessing a haunting, ethereal beauty.
Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage (2021)
Woodstock ’99 may have appeared like a fantastic event on the surface with outstanding performances by bands like Limp Bizkit, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine. However, it eventually descended into complete chaos, with fans inciting a riot, vandalizing the stage, and setting things on fire by the end of the weekend. The documentary “Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage” is remarkable because it sheds light on aspects of the festival that weren’t captured in the live broadcast. It doesn’t shy away from exposing some of the negative incidents that occurred, making it a top-notch documentary that delves into the chaos of the event.
School of Rock (2003)
For a heartwarming experience, consider watching “School of Rock,” featuring the talented Jack Black. Black takes on the role of a music teacher who faces challenges connecting with his students. However, he soon realizes that the kids could benefit from more rock ‘n roll in their lives, and he encourages them to express themselves through musical instruments and singing.
Why It’s Truly Fantastic By the film’s conclusion, you’ll find yourself enthusiastically nodding along to the kids’ sensational concert. Black imparts his knowledge of classic rock hits, ranging from AC/DC to Pink Floyd, making it a musical journey. He brings humor and relatability to the story, and the comedy is straightforward, making it easy to enjoy without excessive analysis. “School of Rock” is an outstanding movie because it’s humorous, inspiring, and effortlessly enjoyable.
Rattle and Hum (1988)
Rattle and Hum, a concert film directed by Phil Joanou and released in 1988, features U2, the band comprised of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., during the pinnacle of their early success. Coming off the immense popularity of their album “The Joshua Tree,” the film captures U2’s passionate, proud, and emotionally charged performances.
One of the key aspects that make the film exceptional is Joanou’s decision to shoot it in black and white, lending it a raw and unfiltered visual style. The footage is taken from U2’s shows in Denver over two nights, a city known for its enthusiastic and energetic rock crowds. Rattle and Hum includes several poignant moments, such as Bono’s condemnation of a recent bombing in Northern Ireland that occurred just hours before the filming. This incident is followed by their performance of “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” a rendition that has never felt as significant and pertinent as it did in that moment.
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
“This Is Spinal Tap” is a fictional documentary that follows a fictitious glam metal band called Spinal Tap. Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer as the band’s main members, the film features Reiner as a filmmaker documenting the band’s tour and promotional activities for their new album.
The film’s greatness lies in its embrace of silliness, combining clever writing with a willingness to use lowbrow humor for laughs. For instance, Guest’s character boasts about his amplifier going up to 11, and there’s a humorous reference to a power ballad called “Lick My Love Pump.” Despite their comical antics, the audience can’t help but root for Spinal Tap. These qualities have earned “This Is Spinal Tap” its reputation as one of the finest mockumentaries ever made.
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Detroit Rock City (1999)
“Detroit Rock City,” directed by Adam Rifkin in 1999, is a teenage stoner comedy that centers on four friends in a KISS tribute band embarking on a journey to Detroit to attend a live KISS concert. The group, led by Hawk (played by Edward Furlong), faces the challenge of finding creative ways to secure free tickets to the show, resulting in a series of chaotic and humorous escapades.
What Makes It Stand Out: “Detroit Rock City” is an enjoyable road trip comedy that culminates in an unforgettable KISS concert. Additionally, it serves as a coming-of-age story that resonates with many teenagers. While the film didn’t receive widespread critical acclaim, its soundtrack, featuring bands like Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath, and Van Halen, makes it impossible not to get into the groove of “Detroit Rock City.”
The Last Waltz (1978)
“The Last Waltz” is a music documentary directed by Martin Scorsese, capturing The Band’s farewell performance in San Francisco in 1976. After nearly two decades of musical journey, from their early days supporting Ronnie Hawkins to backing Bob Dylan and achieving their own success with songs like “The Weight,” The Band decided to part ways.
What Makes It Exceptional Ranked among Scorsese’s top-notch documentaries, “The Last Waltz” skillfully combines concert footage with insightful band interviews, creating an emotional connection with the audience. The show’s guest lineup is nothing short of remarkable, with luminaries like Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, and others sharing the stage with The Band for a memorable farewell performance.
Stop Making Sense (1984)
In 2023, the legendary band Talking Heads came together to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their iconic music film “Stop Making Sense.” As one of the prominent new wave acts of the 1980s, the English group decided to create a concert film that would trace their journey to stardom. This movie was recorded across four nights at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood and showcases the band’s electrifying performances of their hit songs, including “Burning Down the House” and “Psycho Killer.”
Here’s why it’s an exceptional film: Director Jonathan Demme opted for a distinctive approach by placing the focus squarely on the band itself rather than the audience. This decision was made to avoid the need for additional lighting to capture audience reactions. Consequently, the film offers a captivating portrayal of Talking Heads during the zenith of their career. David Byrne, the lead singer, is particularly lively and enthralling to watch. Notably, A24 recently acquired the distribution rights to the newly restored 4K version of the film, enhancing the band’s performances to a level even more impressive than the original 1984 release.
Almost Famous (2000)
Almost Famous, directed by Cameron Crowe in 2000, is a remarkable comedy/drama film centered on a young journalist named William (played by Patrick Fugit), who is hired by Rolling Stone to accompany the fictional band Stillwater on their tour. With the assistance of the band’s roadie Penny Lane (portrayed by Kate Hudson), William becomes immersed in a world of revelry, extravagance, and the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
What Makes It Exceptional: Almost Famous is a partly autobiographical portrayal of Crowe’s own experiences as a music journalist. The movie boasts outstanding performances by Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, and Jason Lee, among others. The concert sequences are masterfully executed, leaving the audience longing for Stillwater to be a real band. Almost Famous weaves an original and captivating narrative that earned Cameron Crowe the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, recognizing his exceptional work on the film.
The Song Remains the Same (1976)
The Song Remains the Same, a concert film shot at Madison Square Garden in 1973, is a notable production as it was the first movie dedicated to Led Zeppelin. During that era, concert films were not as common, and this film served as a means for the band to give their fans a glimpse of their live performance for those who couldn’t attend their shows.
One of the standout qualities of The Song Remains the Same is its exceptional technical quality, which can be attributed to the band’s guitarist, Jimmy Page, who was renowned for his commitment to achieving great sound. The film’s camera work immerses the audience in the concert experience, capturing the explosive pyrotechnics and the powerful music that envelops the viewers. Additionally, it serves as a tribute to the band’s drummer, John Bonham, who tragically passed away just four years after the film’s release, showcasing his immense influence and talent.
Eddie and the Cruisers (1983)
In the 1983 film “Eddie and the Cruisers,” Ellen Barkin portrays a television reporter assigned to uncover the life story of rock star Eddie Wilson, played by Michael Pare. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks, chronicling the band’s ascent from a small-town New Jersey club act to widespread fame after their debut album becomes a hit. Just as the band is poised to record a second album, Eddie mysteriously disappears, leading his bandmates to assume he has met an untimely demise.
What makes the film remarkable is the unexpected twist at the conclusion, revealing that Eddie is, in fact, alive and leading a quiet life far from the limelight. Critic Roger Ebert praised the film’s ensemble cast, describing them as “fantastic.” Additionally, the film’s music stands out as a strong point, evoking the sounds of popular artists from that era, such as Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. While “Eddie and the Cruisers” may not have achieved blockbuster success in theaters, it managed to amass a devoted following through HBO’s re-releases, eventually attaining cult status.
Festival Express (2003)
Festival Express is a documentary film that chronicles the 1970 cross-Canada tour featuring Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, The Band, Buddy Guy, and other artists. What sets this experience apart is the fact that these bands traveled by train, making stops in Toronto, Winnipeg, and Calgary. The extensive train journey provided ample opportunities for the musicians to frequently jam together, resulting in a unique and entertaining film for the audience.
What Makes It Exceptional: The film offers an exhilarating glimpse into the spirited jam sessions, as well as impromptu detours and stops during the journey. For instance, there is a memorable stop in Ontario where the entourage took a break to replenish their alcohol supply. The concerts themselves appear to have been a chaotic and exhilarating experience, with the Calgary show attracting a massive crowd, including up to 1,000 individuals who managed to sneak in without purchasing tickets. Festival Express transports viewers back to an era when concerts were characterized by a spirit of peace, love, and music, rather than the corporate greed and high ticket prices that dominate the contemporary music scene.
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