I was just having a think about some great movies about rock music. I mean stuff that’s fun to watch repeatedly. I came up with a few and thought some of you should see them, if you have’t already.
They are, in no particular order:
Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey - This is my favorite metal movie ever. Even though it’s mostly about black metal, it’s a fascinating genre study. And some of the self-importance and posturing is hysterical. It’s also pretty odd to see Ronnie James Dio (NOT a black metal musician) with a collection of ceramic frogs.
Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years - This is a must. These 80s bands … were they confident or just merely delusional? And what makes someone wear leather pants with the buttocks cut out? And is there anything stranger than seeing Ozzy Osbourne carry on an intelligible conversation while cooking scrambled eggs?
This is Spinal Tap - I could write volumes about this story of a 70s megaband in its death throes (or would that be more metal as “deth throws” with an umlaut or two?). It makes people laugh at the ludicrous situations. It makes musicians cry because it’s too true to life. It also has an all-star cast. It only gets better with repeat viewing.
Anvil! The Movie - This is a thoroughly entertaining and even moving story about two guys and a rotating cast of band members. They had their moment in the early 80s, and watched their peers go on to bigger and better. And they want to get to those plateaus, too. And being in their 50s isn’t gonna stop them. I’ve heard rumors this was edited out-of-sequence for dramatic effect. That tarnishes it, if true, but it’s still fun.
Am I missing any good ones? Rock Star does so NOT count!
