[Susan Foreman]

Originally Posted by Nosferatu@Cult Labs

I won't have time to post the topic in the morning so I decided to put it up now. This week's topic is:

Films about a musician or musicians

It is going to be unusual because, if you so wish, your lists can go to 11.

These lists can include fictional characters as well as those based on real people, so don't be afraid to include biopics of musicians and films in which the main character happens to be a musician.

As always, from my collection. For me, this topic can easily be split into two lists

1) Features and documentaries

• The Who: The Kids Are Alright - It's easy to see how this documentary, which deals with The Who during the Keith Moon years (1964 - 1978), is regularly rated as being the greatest music documentary ever made. It chronicles the band rise from being a nervous Beat Club band to a stadium filling supergroup. Filled with priceless concert material and anecdotes, even if you are not a fan of the band, it is worth watching
• This Is Spinal Tap - What can I say about this one that hasn't already been said? Answer - nothing! Every band from the 70's and early 80's swear that it is based on them! Eminently quotable, and an influence on every mockumentary made since. Without Spinal Tap, would we have had Bad News? (Oh well, everything has a downside!)
• The Great Rock And Roll Swindle/The Filth And The Fury - Two films telling the same story: The rise and fall of The Sex Pistols. What we have here, tho, is the same story told from two different perspectives. 'Swindle' is Talcy Malcy's take on the story, while 'Fury' is Lydons'. Taken apart, they are entertaining films, but put together, they are an invaluable historical look at a world changing musical event for those who were not there at the time
• The Blues Brothers
  Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark... and we're wearing sunglasses.
  Jake: Hit it.
  What else has to be said about this film, other than it features performances by Booker T, Sam And Dave, Otis Redding, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker amongst others. If you haven't already seen this movie, what are you waiting for?
• Breaking Glass - A disturbing and cynical look at the music industry in the early 80's. Hazel O'Connor's film has dated badly, but the music and it's message is still as powerful now as it was then
• Lemmy - Come on, It's LEMMY. Do you really need me to justify it's inclusion?
• Michael Jackson: This Is It - A sad look at what might have been. A film documenting the rehearsals for Jackson's unfulfilled concerts at the 02 arena in London. A fascinating look at what goes on 'behind the scenes' of a big concert
• Pink Floyd: The Wall - Fictional musician Pink in a two hour ode to razor blades and wrists! Not easy viewing, Roger Waters story is darkly depressive, but essential viewing
• Anvil: The Story Of Anvil - A real heartlifting rags-to-riches story. It's easy to laugh at Anvil, but this documentary has a message we should all take to heart: Be true to your dreams and don't let misfortune stop you from following them. When life gives you lemons, squeeze them into your vodka!
• Walk The Line - Not really a fan of the music, but the Johnny Cash story is very entertaining. I don't know how factual it was, but I enjoyed every moment of it
• Straight Outta Compton - Not knowing anything about NWA, I was disappointed that this is a narrative story when I was expecting it to be a documentary. Same comments for the Johnny Cash one tho - not my kind of music, and I don't know how factual it was, but I enjoyed it

2) Concerts

• Alice Cooper: Theatre Of Death (2009) - The best concert DVD I have in my collection. Great music and wall-to-wall theatrics. For an Alice fan who knows the songs and the meanings behind them, this whole show has the added bonus of being an Easter egg. It is more than just a concert - it is a rock opera. Each song is connected with the next, telling the story of a trip inside the mind of a teenage sociopath during the last 30 seconds of school, before 'school's out for summer'!.
• Iron Maiden: Live After Death (1985) - Iron Maiden when (for me) they were at their height. The second time I saw them, and a great selection of songs with the theatrics fitting perfectly. They might have released more popular albums, and the tours might have been bigger, but I don't think they have ever been better than they were on this tour.
• Live Aid (1985) - Has to be included for historical purposes
• Rush: In Rio
• Status Quo: Pictures
• Take That: Progress
• The Who: Quadrophenia
• AC/DC: Live At Donington
• Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds
• Motorhead: Boneshaker