Books, movies, and documentaries about singers, musicians, and bands

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Aiden on March 11, 2010 at 2:03pm

I'd recommend anything written by Henry Rollins. "Get in the Van: On the Road with Black Flag" is great if you're looking for touring stories.

Permalink Reply by Dallas the Phallus on March 11, 2010 at 2:05pm

Oh yes, I forgot about Henry Rollins. A month or so ago people were talking about his books on another site.

Permalink Reply by Randy Rose on March 12, 2010 at 11:01am

I second the Henry Rollins suggestion. Also, if you like that scene, check out American Hardcore.

Have you seen 24 Hour Party People? It is about the early days of bands like Joy Division. Rockstar is based off of the story of Judas Priest, but it's not a great movie by any means. Don't get me wrong, it does have its moments - one or two of them, anyway.

Also, I am a huge fan of Almost Famous. It isn't about a particular band, but more about Cameron Crowe's experience as a young man writing for Rolling Stone and following bands around. If you like Cameron Crowe, check out Singles, as well.

Other great (and some not so great) music films:
This is Spinal Tap
Immortal Beloved
Crossroads - not the Britney flick, but the Ralph Macchio one
Beat Street and Breakin' - both films about breakdancing
That Thing You Do
Be Cool - more of a comedy about gangsters with a plot surrounding a musician
Crazy Heart - haven't seen it, but Jeff Bridges just won an Oscar for his performance
Johnny Suede
Crybaby
Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man
I'm not There - interesting film about Bob Dylan
Sid and Nancy and The Filth and the Fury - both about the Sex Pistols
Hated - about GG Allin and the Murder Junkies - very disturbing to watch!

And, of course, any of The Beatles' films.

Rudy Sarzo just rereleased his autobiography about his days playing with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads. I think it's called Off the Rails. Motley Crue's biography is decent reading, if you are into that 80's rockstar stuff.

I'm sure I'm missing a lot of good stuff, though.

Permalink Reply by Aiden on March 12, 2010 at 11:52am

Johnny Suede makes me want to bang my head on a brick wall. I have tried to watch that movie on at least a dozen occasions, but I can't get through it. It makes me so angry too, because Nick Cave is in it, so I want to like it, but dammit... I don't know. I still have the DVD, maybe I'll try again this weekend.

Permalink Reply by Dallas the Phallus on March 12, 2010 at 3:05pm

Thanks Randy. I have seen Sid and Nancy and Hated. Forgot about those. As for the rest, I've seen some of those titles, but haven't seen any of them. I'll keep this list. Thanks again.

Permalink Reply by Randy Rose on March 15, 2010 at 10:55am

I forgot to add Velvet Goldmine!

Permalink Reply by Dallas the Phallus on March 15, 2010 at 10:59am

Oh, me too! I have seen that. That was a good movie.

Permalink Reply by Randy Rose on April 14, 2010 at 7:52am

Oh yeah! I saw "Dig!," which was one fuct up film. The film either depicts BJM to be total tools, or they are total tools.