Music movies are having a moment — if, indeed, they ever stopped having one. Take the pop-music biopic. There are times, like right now, when it surges in popularity, yet the form has never gone out of style. And music documentaries, a staple of the indie-film world, have only proliferated during the streaming era. This means that they have to compete for visibility, but a ton of them are getting made and (mostly) getting seen. They’ve become a happy epidemic.
A few, like “Amy” or “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?,” are popular and vital enough to have carved out a place in the culture — and, in the case of both those films, to have inspired the creation of a biopic. I have it on good authority that when you’re trying to put together a music documentary, the prospect of it spawning a biopic can be a key selling point.
A few, like “Amy” or “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?,” are popular and vital enough to have carved out a place in the culture — and, in the case of both those films, to have inspired the creation of a biopic. I have it on good authority that when you’re trying to put together a music documentary, the prospect of it spawning a biopic can be a key selling point.
- 3/24/2024
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Joss Ackland, a longtime stage and screen actor best known for his roles in “Lethal Weapon 2” and “White Mischief,” has died at age 95.
Ackland, who amassed more than 130 credits, also enjoyed parts in films such as “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” “The Hunt for Red October” and the TV movie “Shadowlands.” His death was confirmed in a statement by his family. They said, “With his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Ackland brought a unique intensity and gravitas to his roles.”
“He will be remembered as one of Britain’s most talented and beloved actors.”
Ackland’s manager Paul Pearson told TheWrap, “It is with great sadness that I can confirm the passing of my great friend and long-term client Joss Ackland. He died of old age this morning with his family around. He was lucid, erudite, and mischievous to the end.”
“I loved him deeply and for me, he...
Ackland, who amassed more than 130 credits, also enjoyed parts in films such as “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” “The Hunt for Red October” and the TV movie “Shadowlands.” His death was confirmed in a statement by his family. They said, “With his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Ackland brought a unique intensity and gravitas to his roles.”
“He will be remembered as one of Britain’s most talented and beloved actors.”
Ackland’s manager Paul Pearson told TheWrap, “It is with great sadness that I can confirm the passing of my great friend and long-term client Joss Ackland. He died of old age this morning with his family around. He was lucid, erudite, and mischievous to the end.”
“I loved him deeply and for me, he...
- 11/19/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Jim Gordon, a prolific and in-demand session drummer for dozens of acts who joined Eric Clapton in writing “Layla” for their band Derek and the Dominos and later was convicted of murdering his mother, died Monday at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, CA. He was 77.
Publicist Bob Merlis said Gordon, who and had been in prison for 40 years and struggled with mental health issues, died of natural causes.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Bill Pitman Dies: Wrecking Crew Guitarist Who Played On Countless Hits, TV & Film Soundtracks Was 102 Related Story Eric Clapton Has Covid, Cancels Shows; Guitarist Had Denounced Vaccine Protocols
Born in Los Angeles, Gordon was part of the Wrecking Crew, the core group of studio musicians who played on scads of hits records for dozens of acts. He was behind the kit for such memorable 1960s albums as the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Crosby,...
Publicist Bob Merlis said Gordon, who and had been in prison for 40 years and struggled with mental health issues, died of natural causes.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Bill Pitman Dies: Wrecking Crew Guitarist Who Played On Countless Hits, TV & Film Soundtracks Was 102 Related Story Eric Clapton Has Covid, Cancels Shows; Guitarist Had Denounced Vaccine Protocols
Born in Los Angeles, Gordon was part of the Wrecking Crew, the core group of studio musicians who played on scads of hits records for dozens of acts. He was behind the kit for such memorable 1960s albums as the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Crosby,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Many a baby boomer as well as those who came of age as part of the MTV generation now has an early holiday present in the form of a two-part docuseries that celebrates their careers and digs into the story behind the iconic A&m Records. “Mr. A & Mr. M” just premiered the first part on Epix and will conclude on December 12.
Those initials in the title stand for trumpeter Herb Alpert and music mogul Jerry Moss, who decided to start a record label in Alpert’s garage in 1962. They recorded a modest hit single called “Tell It to the Birds” and invested the money the Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass’ debut album “The Lonely Bull,” inspired by a bullfight Alpert attended in Mexico. But in 1965, Alpert truly hit pay dirt when Moss suggested he record the album “Whipped Cream and Other Delights” that featured songs with food themes. But the...
Those initials in the title stand for trumpeter Herb Alpert and music mogul Jerry Moss, who decided to start a record label in Alpert’s garage in 1962. They recorded a modest hit single called “Tell It to the Birds” and invested the money the Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass’ debut album “The Lonely Bull,” inspired by a bullfight Alpert attended in Mexico. But in 1965, Alpert truly hit pay dirt when Moss suggested he record the album “Whipped Cream and Other Delights” that featured songs with food themes. But the...
- 12/7/2021
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
It’s a very musical episode! Director and Tfh Guru, Allan Arkush, returns to talk about his favorite rock and roll movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
No Nukes (1980)
Amazing Grace (2018) – Dennis Cozzalio’s Oscar nominee reactions
The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Get Crazy (1983) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
Blackboard Jungle (1955) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Rock, Rock, Rock! (1956) – Jesus Treviño’s trailer commentary
Mister Rock And Roll (1957)
Go, Johnny, Go! (1959) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Hail Hail Rock And Roll! (1987) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
The Girl Can’t Help It (1956) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Hellzapoppin’ (1941)
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Almost Famous (2000) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Wayne’s World (1992)
The Graduate (1967) – Neil Labute’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Scorpio Rising...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
No Nukes (1980)
Amazing Grace (2018) – Dennis Cozzalio’s Oscar nominee reactions
The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Get Crazy (1983) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
Blackboard Jungle (1955) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Rock, Rock, Rock! (1956) – Jesus Treviño’s trailer commentary
Mister Rock And Roll (1957)
Go, Johnny, Go! (1959) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Hail Hail Rock And Roll! (1987) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
The Girl Can’t Help It (1956) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Hellzapoppin’ (1941)
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Almost Famous (2000) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Wayne’s World (1992)
The Graduate (1967) – Neil Labute’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Scorpio Rising...
- 12/7/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Rock ‘n’ roll bands, we’re told, are the closest and most combative of families. They come up in the world together, they eat and sleep and ride a tour bus together, they haunt the recording studio together, they become experts in how to manipulate (and shield themselves from) the media together, and, in a funny way, they break up together. But in 1970, Joe Cocker fronted a band of virtuoso ruffians called Mad Dogs & Englishmen, who put on some of the most musically rambunctious and cathartic concerts of their time, and the strange thing is that the band members barely knew each other.
In 1969, Cocker had made a splash at Woodstock — it was the first time almost anyone had seen his writhing British blues-dog self — and after riding that buzz for a while, he fired his band out from under him and tried to take a break. But an American...
In 1969, Cocker had made a splash at Woodstock — it was the first time almost anyone had seen his writhing British blues-dog self — and after riding that buzz for a while, he fired his band out from under him and tried to take a break. But an American...
- 10/24/2021
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
"It was like a shooting star." Abramorama has released an official trailer for a music history documentary film called Learning To Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs and Englishmen, from director Jesse Lautner. The film tells the story of Joe Cocker's historic "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour through the lens of the Tedeschi Trucks Band's reunion of the Mad Dogs. This premiered at the 2021 Woodstock Film Festival, and also at the Raindance Film Festival. Learning To Live Together is described as "an electrifying documentary and concert film spotlighting the reunion of the celebrated 'Mad Dogs & Englishmen,' Joe Cocker's short-lived tour featuring a mammoth thirty-two piece band. The original members (including the late Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer Leon Russell) and the reunion organizers (Grammy Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band's Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi) tell the story of the original tour and the reunion, both highlighted by inspired performances.
- 10/11/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The Recording Academy knows when to hold ’em, where it’s fun to stay and that there’s a choice we’re making. Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” and USA for Africa’s benefit single “We Are the World” are among the 29 songs and albums added to the Grammy Hall of Fame today.
Also making the cut are seven debut LPs: Bruce Springsteen’s Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J., Pearl Jam’s Ten, Patti Smith’s Horses, Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill — the first rap disc to top Billboard 200 album chart — the Cars’ eponymous disc, John Mayall with Eric Clapton’s Blues Breakers and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble’s Texas Flood.
The Gammy Hall now includes 1,142 recordings. See this year’s full list below.
“We are proud to announce this year’s diverse roster of Grammy Hall of Fame inductees and...
Also making the cut are seven debut LPs: Bruce Springsteen’s Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J., Pearl Jam’s Ten, Patti Smith’s Horses, Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill — the first rap disc to top Billboard 200 album chart — the Cars’ eponymous disc, John Mayall with Eric Clapton’s Blues Breakers and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble’s Texas Flood.
The Gammy Hall now includes 1,142 recordings. See this year’s full list below.
“We are proud to announce this year’s diverse roster of Grammy Hall of Fame inductees and...
- 12/21/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Claudia Lennear, a Us soul singer featured in Oscar-nominated documentary 20 Feet From Stardom, returned to the stage at Screen’s latest awards-season event.
The screening was presented with Altitude, who will release in the UK starting March 28, and TWC-Radius, which handles the Us release where it has made $4.8m at the box office and been named the top-grossing doc of 2013.
Interview: Tom Quinn and Jason Janego, RADiUSREVIEW: 20 Feet From Stardom
Morgan Neville’s Oscar-nominated film looks at the work and lives of the world’s best backing singers. It features interviews with the likes of Mick Jagger, Darlene Love, Lisa Fischer, Tata Vega, Bruce Springsteen and Sting.
Lennear told the audience at London’s Covent Garden hotel what she learned from the documentary. “Until I saw this film, I didn’t know that Darlene Love was the voice of The Crystals,” referring to music producer Phil Spector’s uncredited use of Love’s voice on the 1960s...
The screening was presented with Altitude, who will release in the UK starting March 28, and TWC-Radius, which handles the Us release where it has made $4.8m at the box office and been named the top-grossing doc of 2013.
Interview: Tom Quinn and Jason Janego, RADiUSREVIEW: 20 Feet From Stardom
Morgan Neville’s Oscar-nominated film looks at the work and lives of the world’s best backing singers. It features interviews with the likes of Mick Jagger, Darlene Love, Lisa Fischer, Tata Vega, Bruce Springsteen and Sting.
Lennear told the audience at London’s Covent Garden hotel what she learned from the documentary. “Until I saw this film, I didn’t know that Darlene Love was the voice of The Crystals,” referring to music producer Phil Spector’s uncredited use of Love’s voice on the 1960s...
- 2/21/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Veteran actor Joss Ackland has blasted Passion Of Mind co-star Demi Moore as "not very bright or talented." The 73-year-old star has also lashed out at himself, admitting that most of his work was "awful." Bemoaning the parts offered to him, he says, "I'm so tired of not being able to make a movie without a car chase, or the villain dying twice. It's all exactly the same." Ackland confesses that many of the roles he has undertaken in his 50 year career were just for the money or to settle bets. The 72-year-old says, "I do an awful lot of crap, but if it's not immoral, I don't mind. I'm a workaholic. I was in Mad Dogs And Englishmen, with Liz Hurley, which was God-awful and quite rightly torn to shreds. Then there was Passion Of Mind last year with Demi Moore. Terrible script. Awful, actually, but I needed the money." Ackland also says he "regretted" appearing in Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey, starring Keanu Reeves, and his cameo in a Pet Shop Boys video.
- 8/7/2001
- WENN
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