I saw The Last Waltz, on television the other day, and while I have never paid much attention to The Band/Robbie Robertson before, I was really impressed. I was expecting something mediocre, such as The Song Remains the Same (and I am a big Zeppelin fan). Are there any other rock music films in the “Waltz” league…films that will convert someone into a fan?
Stop Making Sense.
And although it isn’t a concert film, if you aren’t a Guitar Wolf fan after seeing Wild Zero there is something seriously wrong with you.
Well, there’s always the classic “rockumentary”, This is Spinal Tap. But that’s probably not what you had in mind.
Don’t Look Back - the 1967 documentary by D.A. Pennebaker is a wonderful look into the world of a young artist - in this case one Bob Dylan, on his 1965 tour of England at the tender age of 23. Joan Baez and Donovan also appear. Highly recommended.
Also check out Chuck Berry, Hail Hail Rock and Roll. Guests include Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Bo Diddley, the Everly Brothers, Etta James, John Lennon, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Keith Richards, Linda Ronstadt, and Bruce Springsteen - arguably just as impressive as The Last Waltz.
Check out Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels A strange little documenty style film about the road.
The Monkey’s Head It’s been alot of years since I saw it, but if you don’t like the Monkeys, you will at least respect them after viewing this strange thing.
And don’t forget Pink Floyd’s The Wall It is just what it is expected ot be but somehow I couldn’t suggest just 2 films
Won’t convert anyone, probably – but Gimme Shelter, the Maylses’ documentary about the Stones in 1969, including the notorious Altamont concert is an amazing piece of filmmaking.
You gotta get the Criterion Collection DVD of Gimme Shelter to truly appreciate the filmaking.
BTW, Jehovah68…in the Chuck Berry film “Hail Hail Rock and Roll” you made a few mistakes. That’s not John Lennon…that’s his boy Julian. Also I don’t believe Bruce Springsteen is anywhere to be found either. What’s not to be missed is the Johnnie Johnson footage.
I would suggest for the uninitiated to look at the Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble: Live in Austin video. This is similar to the “Last Waltz” in that you can witness an artist doing what he does best on stage. No guest stars (that I recall) but very impressive guitar work.
Of course if you fancy an “artsy” rock and roll film…well it doens’t get much better than Ken Russell’s TOMMY. It’s excellent. Stars The Who, Ann Marguret, Jack Nicholson, Oliver Reed, Tina Turner, Elton John, Eric Clapton etc. etc.
Just my opinion.
To confess, I haven’t seen it in a while, and I got the cast list from imdb. IIRC John may have appeared in footage while Julian did perform. Bruce did appear, although he was unbilled.
A vote for The Concert for Bangla Desh.
Although not a concert film I’ve always had a soft spot for the film of The Who’s Quadrophenia. Only a small part of the “concept” album is used but it has a great soundtrack and a wonderful teenage sensibility about it. One of my favourite music movies.
Not that it’s a great film, but as ‘Rock’ films go, you might want to check out Bakshi’s “American Pop”. I enjoyed it, and it’s a fairly decent historical overview of American Pop from the turn of the century until the 1980’s.
My vote is for Woodstock. Jimi for breakfast, can’t top that.
11 posts and no mention of The Kids Are Alright?
For shame. 
jehovah68…you’re right. Springsteen is in the film speaking about Chuck Berry but he doesn’t play at the concert. My fault!
wasn’t there a ‘pink floyd-the movie’?
I must be strange. Huge Beatle fan but Let it Be…BORING BORING BORING. Harrisons movie, McCartneys movie, movies about their lives and on and on and on. BORING!!! Put CD’s on, drink some wine…WONDERFUL. Movies…BORING
Robyn Hitchcock’s Storefront Hitchcock, directed by Jonathan Demme, who also directed Stop Making Sense. Robyn is amazing live, and while this film doesn’t quite capture the whole feeling of seeing him, it does a pretty good job. If you’re not a fan before seeing this film, you’ll be on your way afterwards. IMO.
I think I’d still hold out for Rattle and Hum, if only because it showcases live performance and studio creation. It’s clear they’re camera-conscious and trying not to let it show.
And that version of Sunday Bloody Sunday is marvelous.
Gimme Shelter - An excellent but chilling documentary. The sense of doom hanging over the whole affair makes watching the movie very difficult at times. The best scene has nothing to do with the music but rather shows Jagger’s and Richards’ reactions while watching footage of the murder.
Pink Floyd: The Wall - Another relentlessly depressing movie but brimming with arresting, surrealistic imagery. You can see its influence in many 1980s music videos.
Stop Making Sense - Three separate concerts seamlessly joined together in an exuberant celebration of the joy of music. Building the sets during the performance while the music, itself, builds to a crescendo was a stroke of brilliance. The only minus is the parachute pants :D.
Hard Core Logo - Little-known mockumentary about a legendary punk band trying to give a come-back tour. It brilliantly captures a sense of life on the road and how the trials and tribulations of such a life can weigh heavily on a person. The final scene is absolutely shocking. The soundtrack kicks major ass and real-life punk singer, Hugh Dillon, gives an incredible lead performance. I highly recommend people take the time to track down this hidden gem.
Stevie Ray Vaughn: Live at the El Mocambo - A perfect companion to Live in Austin. A straight ahead filming of SRV concert in a club in Toronto before he hit the big time. Sheer musical genius and a worthy successor to Jimi Hendrix.
Yeah, I have to admit, Stop Making Sense far and away tops all the others. It has got to be the ultimate rock concert movie ever. But I still fondly maintain a soft spot in my heart for The Concert for Bangla Desh, poorly filmed though it was.
I notice that The Song Remains the Same has been completely forgotten. No wonder. Even for Led Zep fans, it kind of sucked, you have to admit. Circa 1990, I happened to catch TSRtS on TV, and it was a vertiginous feeling to realize how in a few short years, how obsolete it had become. How completely and quickly British Hard Rock, which ruled the '70s,* had died out. I blame Culture Club for that.
*Dinosaurs once ruled the earth, too, but they took a bit longer to die out.