Rockshow (1980)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
The title to this concert film is quite fitting as it covers the 1976 U.S. tour by Paul McCartney and Wings. I've seen countless shows of The Beatles as well as McCartney solo but this was the first time I had ever seen a complete (or near complete) show by Wings. I wasn't really sure what to expect especially since I've read some negative things about this film but for the most part I thought the documentary was highly entertaining and the concert was great. I've read a few people complain about the actual look of the concert and while it isn't nearly as well filmed as shows today, for its time the thing still looks pretty good. If you watch many concert films recorded from this era they pretty much look like this. With that out of the way, the music is what's really important and we've got some major winners here. The entire concert is a blast with many great hits, some lesser known tunes and everything from loud rock to some quieter ballads. The best way to see this film is in its uncut, 139-minute glory, which was remastered and re-released in 2013. This includes several great songs that were missing from the previous theatrical version including a wonderful and touching version of "Blackbird." Other great tunes include "Maybe I'm Amazed," "Let Me Roll It," "My Love," "Silly Love Songs" and the rocking "Band on the Run," which has quickly become my favorite song from McCartney. McCartney and the band show a lot of energy throughout the show and I especially liked the softer, acoustic side.
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
The title to this concert film is quite fitting as it covers the 1976 U.S. tour by Paul McCartney and Wings. I've seen countless shows of The Beatles as well as McCartney solo but this was the first time I had ever seen a complete (or near complete) show by Wings. I wasn't really sure what to expect especially since I've read some negative things about this film but for the most part I thought the documentary was highly entertaining and the concert was great. I've read a few people complain about the actual look of the concert and while it isn't nearly as well filmed as shows today, for its time the thing still looks pretty good. If you watch many concert films recorded from this era they pretty much look like this. With that out of the way, the music is what's really important and we've got some major winners here. The entire concert is a blast with many great hits, some lesser known tunes and everything from loud rock to some quieter ballads. The best way to see this film is in its uncut, 139-minute glory, which was remastered and re-released in 2013. This includes several great songs that were missing from the previous theatrical version including a wonderful and touching version of "Blackbird." Other great tunes include "Maybe I'm Amazed," "Let Me Roll It," "My Love," "Silly Love Songs" and the rocking "Band on the Run," which has quickly become my favorite song from McCartney. McCartney and the band show a lot of energy throughout the show and I especially liked the softer, acoustic side.