Music Documentaries
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- DirectorMatthew LongfellowStarsPhil AlexanderTom AllomGeoff BartonThe story of how the classic album "Paranoid" was made with stories from the horses-mouth to those who were influenced by its content, form and vitality.
- DirectorJennifer LebeauStarsPaul SimonArt GarfunkelMort Lewis40 years after the release of Bridge Over Troubled Water, Simon, Garfunkel and the principles involved with it reflect on the making of the album.
- DirectorMichael BurlingameStarsPeter AlbinSam AndrewDave Getz
- DirectorJussi ItkonenStarsRemu AaltonenCisse HäkkinenIle Kallio
- DirectorPeter von BaghStarsTapio RautavaaraTimoLiisa Rautavaara
- DirectorLaura ArchibaldStarsSusan SarandonHappy TraumTom BernadinExplores the music scene in Greenwich Village, New York in the 60's and early 70's. The film highlights some of the finest singer/songwriters of the day.
- DirectorBrett GaylorStarsCory DoctorowA documentary which examines copyright issues in the information age.
- DirectorFrancis HanlyStarsGeorge MartinJudy MartinGiles MartinA profile of legendary music producer Sir George Martin with the help of his son Giles and wife Judy with contributions from Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Michael Palin, Howard Goodall, Cilla Black, Bernard Cribbins and Rolf Harris.
- DirectorJesse VileStarsJason BeckerDan AlvarezEhren BeckerWhen doctors diagnosed 19-year-old rock star Jason Becker with Lou Gehrig's Disease, they said he would never make music again. 22 years later, without the ability to move or to speak, Jason is alive and making music with his eyes.
- DirectorMark KidelStarsElvis CostelloMark EllenPaul McCartneyA documentary portrait of the chameleon musician Elvis Costello, chronicling the extraordinary journey from his childhood under the influence of his singer father to his early success with the Attractions and his subsequent disenchantment with fame, which led him to reinvent himself, and collaborate with iconic greats like Paul McCartney. Features intimate interviews with Costello and his fellow musicians.
- DirectorClaudia Buthenhoff-DuffyStarsKrzysztof KomedaNoam ButhenhoffHenning CarlsenKrzysztof Komeda was a jazz pianist and film composer. With compositions like the lullaby for Rosemary's Baby (1968) by Roman Polanski, Komeda succeeded in writing his own chapter in the history of soundtracks. This documentary follows the life story of the composer by the means of his melodic sounds. It is a reflection on his soundtracks, which changed the common film scores forever. It is a contemporary document about the attitude to life in a time of social, political and cultural change after war, about work and exodus of Polish artists in the 50s and 60s. A story about how film music is created and how it affects people. Directors who worked with Komeda and who are also friends talk about him: Roman Polanski, Jerzy Skolimowski, Henning Carlsen and Andrzej Wajda. His wife, Zofia Komeda, and his sister, Irena Orlowska, recollect him.
- DirectorHannes RossacherSimon WitterStarsKraftwerkDerrick MayHolger CzukayA documentary on the German band Kraftwerk, pioneers in electronic pop.
- DirectorFrancis WhatelyStarsDavid BowieRick WakemanJohn HarrisA documentary covering five of the most important years of the influential rock star David Bowie's career.
- DirectorAki KaurismäkiMika KaurismäkiStarsJuice Leskinen SlamEppu NormaaliHassisen KoneA documentary of three Finnish bands on tour around lake Saimaa. Bands on boat are Hassisen Kone, Eppu Normaali and Juice Leskinen Slam.
- DirectorKalle KujalaStarsDauntlessDiabloTuomas Holopainen
- DirectorYrjö TähteläStarsRemu AaltonenCarolaPetra Frey
- DirectorRichard LesterStarsJohn LennonPaul McCartneyGeorge HarrisonSir Ringo Starr finds himself the human sacrifice target of a cult, and his fellow members of The Beatles must try to protect him from it.
- DirectorJouko AaltonenStarsAkupunktioAtte BlomBriardA documentary on the 1970s Finnish punk rock scene.
- DirectorMatthew LongfellowStarsGinger BakerPete BrownJack BruceCream were rock's first true supergroup combining the extraordinary talents of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce in a power trio that formed the template for most hard rock during the seventies and remain a huge influence on the genre to this day. Disraeli Gears was their second album and featured two huge hits Strange Brew and Sunshine Of Your Love. This addition to the acclaimed Classic Albums series features brand new interviews with Clapton, Baker and Bruce along with lyricist Pete Brown, Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, John Mayall and Manfred Mann, along with archive live footage, acoustic performances and original studio tracks.
- 1997– 1h 20mNot Rated8.1 (516)TV EpisodeDirectorTim KirkbyStarsMartin BirchBruce DickinsonSteve HarrisA behind the scenes look at the making of Iron Maiden's critically praised album 'The Number of the Beast'
- 1985– 1h 30mTV-147.6 (580)TV EpisodeDirectorBob SmeatonStarsJimi HendrixMitch MitchellNoel Reddingthe Definitive documentary about the extraordinary life of the greatest guitarist of all time, features new performance footage, home movies and an archive of unearthed primary documents.
- DirectorJérôme de MissolzStarsIggy PopEric BurdonReg PresleyA documentary about The Troggs (performers of Wild Thing) and other Rock bands.
- DirectorPeter CliftonJoe MassotStarsRobert PlantJimmy PageJohn Paul JonesThe line forms here for the world's greatest and possibly most influential band--Led Zeppelin. This mesmerizing movie built around Zep's famed 1973 concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden is convincing proof why.
- DirectorMalik BendjelloulStarsRodriguezStephen 'Sugar' SegermanDennis CoffeyTwo South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock n roller, Rodriguez.
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsMichael JacksonOla RayForrest J. AckermanA night at the movies turns into a nightmare when Michael and his date are attacked by a hoard of bloodthirsty zombies - only a "Thriller" can save them now.
- DirectorSam DunnScot McFadyenStarsTom ArayaKen AyugaiRafael BittencourtA continued examination of the heavy metal subculture focusing on the adaptation and performance of heavy metal in various global communities, and how the increased import of Western cultural forms has impacted new global markets.
- DirectorSam DunnScot McFadyenJessica Joy WiseStarsTom ArayaGavin BaddeleyBlasphemerAn examination of the heavy metal music subculture that tries to explain why, despite the longevity and popularity of the genre, fans are marginalized and ridiculed for their passion.
- StarsSam DunnScott IanBruce DickinsonMetal Evolution is broken down into episodes about a different piece of metal history. The series includes interviews with and about Alice Cooper, Slash, Lemmy, Rob Zombie, members of Megadeth, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Slayer, Judas Priest, Van Halen, Whitesnake, Def Leppard, The Stooges, ZZ Top, Soundgarden, Mötley Crüe, Poison, Rage Against the Machine, Alice in Chains, Korn, Slipknot, Lamb of God and more.
- DirectorAaron AitesAudrey EwellStarsFenrizVarg VikernesEuronymousInterviews and news footage explore the rise of black metal music in Norway in the 1990s, including artists who were involved in suicide, murder and arson.
- DirectorTimo HaloStarsTuomas HolopainenJukka NevalainenMape OllilaA journey to the world of Nightwish. This documentary reveals all the ups and downs of the band's history as well as some of the most hilarious and embarrassing moments from their world tours.
- DirectorTanja KarttunenStarsKuisma AaltoRutter Mark AlecAlice CooperPromised Land of Heavy Metal is a documentary about Finland, the only country where heavy metal has become mainstream. Starring Alice Cooper, Mr Lordi, and Ville Valo.
- DirectorPetri HagnerStarsEsko LönnbergMika RättöJanne Westerlund
- DirectorSami KettunenStarsMiikka OjalaKarri SuoraniemiMolestor KadotusA documentary about the Finnish black metal scene.
- DirectorSacha GervasiStarsRobb ReinerSteve 'Lips' KudlowTiziana ArrigoniSince 1978, Anvil has become one of heavy metal's most influential yet commercially unsuccessful acts. In 2006, after a fledging European tour Anvil sets out to record their thirteenth album and continue to follow their dreams.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsRob ReinerMichael McKeanChristopher GuestSpinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, is chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour.
- DirectorArto HalonenStarsAtte BlomSinikka HaapanenJukka HakoköngäsA look at the life and music of Pekka Streng who died at the age of 26 in 1975.
- DirectorMartin R. SmithStarsJim LaddJim MorrisonRay ManzarekThe Doors didn't simply "break on through" in the late 1960s. Led by rock poet and frontman Jim Morrison, they exploded onto the music scene. Over four years, they provided the soundtrack to a counterculture movement that galvanized young Americans and terrified adults. But by 1970 Morrison's life was spiraling, and their sixth studio album, "L.A. Woman," was in danger of being scrapped. Take an in-depth look at the making of this seminal record, one of the band's greatest releases, and the final work of rock's legendary Rider on the Storm.
- DirectorSuzannah WanderStarsSiobhan AthwalMel BVictoria Beckham
- DirectorStephen GammondStarsKevin AyersJoe BoydJohn HopkinsThe story of the underground movement during the 60s leading up to its culmination at The 14 Hour Technicolor Dream, a "musical happening" at Alexandra Palace on April 29 1967.
- StarsShaun Parkes
- DirectorJeff SteinStarsRoger DaltreyPete TownshendKeith MoonInterviews, TV clips and concert footage make up this comprehensive profile of The Who, Britain's premiere rock band.
- DirectorMichael WadleighStarsJoan BaezRichie HavensRoger DaltreyOscar-winning musical chronicle that brilliantly captures the three-day rock concert and celebration of peace and love that became a capstone for the Sixties.
- DirectorLasse KesoStarsJukka TolonenVesa AaltonenHeikki VirtanenA documentary film about music and life - about letting go and starting over In the early 70s, the Finnish guitarist Jukka Tolonen, celebrated by the international music press, chose to continue his well-begun solo career instead of joining the bands of artists such as Cat Stevens and Abba. However, things didn't go as planned. By the late 90s, Tolonen found himself living in staircases in Stockholm and ended up in Kerava Prison in 2008 for assaulting his girlfriend under the influence of amphetamine and alcohol. His life had been a mess for a long time, his marriages had broken up and he was in poor health. Doctors considered it a miracle that he was even alive. The documentary follows Tolonen from 2006 onwards, from the time just before the sad incident through druggy guitar sessions, the trial, prison time and his release. The film winds up in year 2012 - in a studio where Timo Kämäräinen, Risto Toppola and Teemu Viinikainen are recording a tribute album of Tolonen's compositions. Jukka attends the recordings and passes the baton to a new generation of master musicians. The documentary is a warm and touching story of giving up, survival and finding a new beginning. It is also a story of how Tolonen's music continues to live on in the hands of young musicians. The tribute album Kämäräinen, Toppola, Viinikainen Play Tolonen was released at the turn of 2014.
- DirectorJohn EdgintonStarsSyd BarrettJoe BoydVenetta FieldsRoger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Richard Wright and others tell the story of the creative process of the album "Wish You Were Here", released in September 1975.
- DirectorJohn EdgintonStarsTony BanksPhil CollinsPeter GabrielPhil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks reunite to do a documentary spanning most of the career of Genesis and their solo careers.
- DirectorAntti HaaseStarsMr. LordiAmenKitaAfter shockingly winning the Eurovision Song Competition in 2006, Mr. Lordi, the monster of Lapland, and his horror metal band lose almost everything. Will the man behind Mr. Lordi find a way to stay true to himself and make a comeback?
- DirectorRobert ElfstromStarsJohnny CashJune Carter CashAnita CarterA fly on the wall account that follows the near legendary singer on tour in the US during the late sixties. Crammed with superb music footage the film also takes time out to relax with the man behind the most famous voice in Country music.
- DirectorPrinceDavid HoganAlbert MagnoliStarsPrinceSheila E.Sheena EastonHighlights from Prince's 1987 European concert tour, including selections from the rock star's album of the same title.
- DirectorKatja DureggerStarsBillie HolidayJulia BlackburnCassandra WilsonA documentary about the legendary Jazz Singer Billie Holiday
- DirectorAdrian SibleyStarsKate BushElton JohnBrett AndersonFamous fans and fellow musicians discuss the career of one of the most influential figures that British music has ever produced.
- DirectorPål AasdalMartin LedangStarsVarg VikernesKjetil ManheimNecrobutcherInterviews with central members of early Norwegian black metal bands about Mayhem, the early black metal scene and the crimes they committed.
- DirectorTapio TurpeinenStarsAtte BlomThe BeatlesThe Animals
- DirectorSam DunnReg HarkemaScot McFadyenStarsDoris BuchruckerAlice CooperSheryl CooperSuper Duper Alice Cooper is the twisted tale of a teenage Dr Jekyll whose rock n roll Mr Hyde almost kills him. It is the story of Vincent Furnier, preacher's son, who struck fear into the hearts of parents as Alice Cooper, the ultimate rock star of the bizarre. From the advent of Alice as front man for a group of Phoenix freaks in the 60s to the hazy decadence of celebrity in the 70s to his triumphant comeback as 80s glam metal godfather, we will watch as Alice and Vincent battle for each others' souls. The is the first ever 'doc opera' - a dizzying blend of documentary archive footage, animation and rock opera that will cement forever the legend of Alice Cooper.
- DirectorArto TuohimaaStarsJoel MelasniemiKyösti SalokorpiTerhi KokkonenA documentary on the band Scandinavian Music Group (SMG) working on their new album.
- DirectorCharles RandazzoStarsPhil EhartRichard WilliamsRobby SteinhardtMiracles Out of Nowhere tells the improbable story of the band KANSAS and the miraculous ride from their gutted school bus, to signing with music mogul Don Kirshner, to touring with QUEEN, fights with Steven Tyler, and recording some of the biggest albums and songs of their era that eventually led them to global super-stardom.
- DirectorMary WhartonJoe BerlingerStarsJoan BaezDavid CrosbyBob DylanThe Bio of Joan Baez, her life, her Country Music.
- DirectorMark Christopher CovinoJeff HowlettStarsBobby HackneyDavid HackneyDannis HackneyA documentary on the 1970s punk trio Death, and their new-found popularity decades after they disbanded.
- DirectorMartin R. SmithStarsPete TownshendRichard BarnesRoger DaltreyThe Who's seminal double album "Tommy", released in 1969, is a milestone in rock history. It revitalised the band's career and established Pete Townshend as a composer and Roger Daltrey as one of rock's foremost frontmen. The first album to be overtly billed as a "rock opera", "Tommy" has gone on to sell over 20 million copies around the world and has been reimagined as both a film by Ken Russell in the mid-seventies and a touring stage production in the early nineties. This new film explores the background, creation and impact of "Tommy" through new interviews with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, archive interviews with the late John Entwistle, and contributions from engineer Bob Pridden, artwork creator Mike McInnerney plus others involved in the creation of the album and journalists who assess the album's historic and cultural impact.
- DirectorPaolo CampanaStarsPaolo CampanaJulie D'AdamoDaniel BinderMy mother used to wake me up with a vinyl record. It's the first thing I remember about life. Many years have passed but vinyl records have never abandoned me. And you? Have you ever listened to a vinyl record? With its unique sound and crackling that gives you butterflies. Have you ever plunged into the colours of the sleeves artwork? Have you smelled it? Music captures a unique taste, seductive. In "Vinylmania" the director guides us through the grooves of an object that has never lost its soul. He investigates what makes it so legendary in a world dominated by liquid music: Simple nostalgia? Possession? The search for an idenitity? A cry against the fast food music? The digital river that has no heart or soul, just ones and zeros... From Tokyo to New York, London, Paris and Prague we meet a tribe of collectors, Djs, musicians and artists. We explore the stores where passion is transformed into fever and the factories that have resumed stamping millions of copies. Vinyl records are back!
- DirectorRoko BelicStarsRichard FeynmanB.B. KingKongar-ol OndarSan Francisco bluesman and composer, Paul Peña makes a musical pilgrimage to the land of Tuva.
- DirectorDenny TedescoStarsBrian WilsonDick ClarkCherA celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew", a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such legendary recording artists as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and Bing Crosby.
- DirectorHervé Martin-DelpierreStarsThomas BangalterGuy-Manuel De Homem-ChristoSkrillexDocumentary about the entire career of Daft Punk, from their start in early 90's with their first group called Darlin', until their grammy awards in 2014. We learn how the artists have built their music, their image and all aspects of their inspiration.
- DirectorAmy BergStarsCat PowerJanis JoplinKarleen BennettMusician Cat Power narrates this documentary on Janis Joplin's evolution into a star from letters that Joplin wrote over the years to her friends, family, and collaborators.
- DirectorRyan WhiteStarsFreda KellyPaul McCartneyJohn LennonA documentary in which Freda Kelly looks back at her career as lifelong secretary for The Beatles.
- DirectorRyan WiseStarsJon Mikl ThorJohn HolmstromNik TurnerJon Mikl Thor was a bodybuilding, steel bending, brick smashing rock star in the 70's and 80's whose theatrical band, Thor, never quite made it big. Years later he attempts a comeback that nearly kills him.
- DirectorPeter von BaghStarsJuice Leskinen
- DirectorAlan RavenscroftStarsEd Eales WhiteRitchie BlackmoreSteve LukatherDocumentary about legendary guitarist Richie Blackmore, who is best known for his work with rock bands Rainbow and Deep Purple.
- DirectorSini AndersonStarsKathleen HannaCarrie BrownsteinKim GordonA look at the life of activist, musician, and cultural icon Kathleen Hanna, who formed the punk band Bikini Kill and pioneered the "riot grrrl" movement of the 1990s.
- DirectorJon BrewerStarsNat 'King' ColeTony BennettRalph CarmichaelDirector Jon Brewer profiles the life of the musician using private journals.
- DirectorJon BrewerStarsMorgan FreemanB.B. KingBill CosbyThe untold true American story of an orphan boy from the heart of the Mississippi Delta who rose to music stardom around the world and inspired a generation of fans against all odds.
- DirectorBirgit HerdlitschkeStarsJean-Michel JarreLittle BootsMoby
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsMichael JacksonJackson 5Berry GordyA look at the life of the late pop star Michael Jackson from his early days at Motown Records to the release of his hit 1979 album, Off the Wall.
- DirectorTony PalmerStarsLeonard CohenDonna WashburnRon CorneliusThe gravel-voiced songsmith moodily strolls through the byways of various European venues and is seen in concert performing.
- DirectorOne9StarsNasCornel WestPharrell WilliamsThe story behind Nas's groundbreaking debut album 'Illmatic, ' and the early life of one of the most talented rappers of all time. Featuring Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes.
- DirectorSaku PerintöStarsJouni HynynenHongistoJari Sinkkonen
- DirectorBill ZebubStarsAbbathAgathonMartin Eric AinPagan/Folk Metal has been growing in popularity, and has overthrown Black Metal in Europe. These bands have tested the American shores and have played sold-out shows. The time has come to explore this invasion. This is the first documentary about Pagan/Folk Metal that has ever been made, and it features the best bands from the genre: Korpiklaani, Primordial, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Leaves Eyes, Turisas, and Tyr. Enjoy live performances, learn about the subcultures, and gain insight into the music. The artists give cordial and informative interviews - you will feel like you have made new friends. Two hours of metal await you! From the twisted mind of Bill Zebub (Grimoire of Exalted Deeds magazine, Metal Retardation, Breaking Her Will).
- DirectorDavid HallThere is a God in Man, and in Nature: The Origins of Norwegian Black Metal as told by the musicians, artists and fans who unknowingly started a global phenomenon.
- DirectorDavid KennyStarsAbbathRene AckermannCrucemDocumentary about Black Metal music genre.
- 1985– 3h 28mNot Rated8.4 (12K)TV EpisodeDirectorMartin ScorseseStarsBob DylanB.J. RolfzenDick KangasA chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.
- StarsDermot MulroneyTodd BoydQuestloveSoundbreaking explores the history of recorded music. Featuring more than 150 original interviews, the series charts a century's worth of innovation and experimentation, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of brand new sounds.
- StarsJoe BoydMartin CarthyDick GaughanThree 1-hour films exploring British folk music from the rebirth of English romance to the latter day revival.
- DirectorRob CurryTim PlesterStarsShirley CollinsStewart LeeSam AmidonRob Curry and Tim Plester's follow-up to the award-winning documentary 'Way of the Morris', is a lyrical response to the life-and-work of folkmusic icon Shirley Collins.
- DirectorPete EuropaStarsDan EklundAntti HaglundMarko HirsmaA documentary that explores the Finnish motorcycle subculture, featuring the local "biker band" Backsliders.
- DirectorRobert FantinattoStarsPatti SchmidtJoel ChadabeJohn Mills-CockellThe history and resurgence of the electronic modular music synthesizer.
- DirectorIan CarmichaelDrew ThompsonStarsDeep PurpleRitchie BlackmoreJon LordThe greatest live album ever recorded by the greatest rock band in history. Made In Japan is one of the most exciting live albums ever recorded. Featuring rare archive performances of the classic line up of Deep Purple live in concert, this is the ultimate review of a landmark in rock history. Features highlights from Highway Star, Child In Time, The Mule, Space Truckin, Black Knight, and more.
- DirectorElina KivihalmeStarsGösta Sundqvist
- DirectorMatthew LongfellowMartin R. SmithStarsBrian WilsonDavid WildDavid MarksA look at the creation of the Beach Boys' classic album "Pet Sounds", including conversations with Brian Wilson and group members, lyricist Tony Asher, and members of the studio supergroup The Wrecking Crew.
- DirectorPete EuropaStarsHank NygrenYkä KnuuttilaSamurai Timppa"The Year of the Diamonds 1984 " is about the great cultural transformation of Helsinki, Finland, in the early 1980's. The birth of new sub-cultures, art galleries and performances.
- DirectorFrancis HanlyStarsHoward GoodallThe BeatlesPaul McCartneyWith visually striking elements and never-heard-before recording session outtakes, award-winning composer and music historian Howard Goodall looks back at the creation and ongoing influence of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band".
- DirectorRon HowardStarsThe BeatlesJohn LennonGeorge HarrisonA compilation of found footage featuring music, interviews, and stories of The Beatles' 250 concerts from 1963 to 1966.
- DirectorTage RönnqvistJan-Olof Svarvar"This is like Spinal Tap, but for real". A film about a teenage rock band and the back side of the music industry.
- DirectorFredrik Horn AkselsenChristian Aune FalchStarsVegar LarsenHéctor CarmonaSina WinterHow far would you go for the music you love?