Review of Rockshow

Rockshow (1980)
8/10
Classic Wings
18 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Paul McCartney's first post-Beatles band, Wings, embarked on a massive world tour (Wings Over The World) in 1975/6 - probably the first of its kind. It ended up at Wembley Arena (aka the Empire Pool) in late 1976, and made its way onto record as Wings Over America that Christmas.

Rock Show is the theatrical movie edited from the footage of the Seattle concert from that tour, dropping about 10 songs from the 30 or so in the full show. It should not be confused with the hour-long TV documentary called Wings Over The World.

This show, well filmed and brilliantly performed and recorded, features the classic Wings of Venus And Mars and Speed Of Sound, and is probably the best filmed record of Paul McCartney at the height of his performing abilities.

Edited to add:

15 May 2013

Having just watched the 2013 restoration edition, this is the first time I have seen Rockshow at the cinema. Restored and remastered, the missing songs have been restored and they are just as good as the rest. My videotape copy was 4:3 aspect ratio, so it was pleasing to see it for the first time in 1.85:1. The sound was excellent - crystal clear, even if sometimes the mix lost parts of the sound (it was a little too toppy for my taste).

Two criticisms: one, some of the camera-work was out of focus (not much you can do about that!) and, two, only the audience was in stereo at my showing: the music was a single sound source from the screen. I don't know what they will have done for the Blu-ray.
5 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed