5 Awesome Rock Docs to Watch on Netflix This Holiday Season
Ah yes. It’s that special time of year again when we as musicians head back to the places where we first listened to Dark Side of the Moon to spend quality time with family and old friends. As wonderful as the holiday season is, however, I have a tendancy to become a bit… antsy after a few days. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my family more than anything and I cannot wait to gather with them around the ol’ Yule log (we don’t really do that), but I can only answer the question “So, how’s Boston?” so many times before I feel an overwhelming need to escape to my happy place. What is my happy place you ask? Elbow deep in a Netflix binge, that’s where. So if you‘re like me and you need to get away for a bit, try jumping into these awesome docs that’ll rock your stockings!
Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage — Netflix
Are you kidding me? Right off the bat, this is the best 106 minutes you can possibly spend this holiday season. I mean, they have home video footage of Lifeson telling his parents that he’s quitting high school to play in Rush full time. How the hell did he know he was going end up in the most important prog rock band of all time and that future documentarians we’re gonna need that footage of him telling his parents that he was quitting high school to play in Rush full time for the documentary about the most important prog rock band of all time? Unreal. I guess hindsight is 2112.
Jaco — Netflix
Yeesh. If ever there was a sad tale of a musician’s fall from grace, this would be it. Jaco Pastorius is perhaps the greatest bass player of all time but his life kinda ends up… well, just watch it. Did you know he played with Joni Mitchell for a spell? Now you do.
Hired Gun — Netflix
The who’s who of backing band musicians speak out about playing second fiddle to the likes of Billy Joel, Pink, Ozzy, Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, and more. If you think that playing guitar in Hilary Duff’s backing band is a cop-out, this doc will make you think twice for sure.
History of the Eagles — Netflix
Whether you like the Eagles or not, there was no denying that they were rock royalty in the 70’s… and they acted like it. Grab some popcorn and pull up a front row seat ‘cuz you’re about to witness what happens when you put a bunch of egotistical dudes in a band together and let them FIGHT IT OUT. If you take one thing away from this film it will undoubtedly be this: Joe Walsh rules.
Long Strange Trip — Amazon Prime
If you’re like me, you might of have had a friend or two who loved the Grateful Dead but you never really grasped the magnitude of their impact. This is an AMAZING series which dives deep into the cultural phenomenon that was the Grateful Dead. From their free wheelin’ California roots, to their massive cult (borderline religious) following, to their precarious interactions with the Hell’s Angels and the eventual drug induced decline of their benevolent leader/non-leader, this documentary series is an A+ production and a must watch for anyone who seeks a complete history of 20th century Rock n’ Roll.
BONUS: 20 Feet From Stardom — iTunes, Amazon Video, YouTube, etc. (you gotta rent it but it’s worth the $3-$4)
“Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names,” is the perfect description of this must see gem. Follow a group of the most talented backup singers in the world as they recount their experiences on stage and in the studio with some of the biggest musical acts in the world. My favorite part is the story of when the Rolling Stones pulled Merry Clayton in the middle of the night to sing the solo on Gimme Shelter. When her voice breaks: f*%#ing chills. WATCH 👏 THIS 👏 DOC 👏 !!!
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to support local live music this Holiday Season!
-Griffin Bach, CEO and Co-founder of Gigabit LIVE
