As you may or may not know, I am a documentary junkie especially Rock Docs and True Crime Docs. I became hooked on Rock Docs when VH1’s Behind the music came out in the ’90s.
I have seen a lot of Rock Docs over the years since Behind the Music and I want to share my all-time favs with you. There are plenty of other Rock Docs that I love but these are my all-time favorite ones and I highly suggest you check them out if you have not seen them.
Rock On!!
10. The Go - Go's
I admit it, I like The Go-Go’s. I had a crush on Belinda Carlisle when I was in high school. I even had a couple of their albums. I watched this documentary series on Showtime and was blown away! I learned a lot of things that I had no idea about that happened during The Go-Go’s successful run through the 80s. All of the band members are very candid with their stories. It is everything you would want from a documentary about a band and more. Check it out on Showtime Demand or on the Showtime streaming app.
9. Punk
This documentary series is Kick Ass!! So compelling, I loved it and could not get enough!! It’s from executive producer and rock n roll clothing designer John Varvatos and punk music legend Iggy Pop. Punk explores the Music, Fashion, and relentless DIY attitude of the Misfits and Outcasts to make it in the world of Punk Rock. Each episode focuses on an individual era of punk, beginning with protopunk in the 1960s up until the present day. Those interviewed in the series include Iggy Pop, Johnny Rotten, Marky Ramone, Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Duff McKagan, Wayne Kramer, Jello Biafra, Flea, Dave Grohl, Danny Fields, Legs McNeil, and Penelope Spheeris, among others. It’s available on The Epix Channel on Demand and their Streaming App.
8. Long Live Rock
This documentary had me amped up for concert season!! It takes a deep dive into the culture of Hard Rock and Metal spotlights the fans, artists, and festivals that help keep the music vital. It shows you how people from different walks of life and of all ages Love the music, and the shows, and how the rock world is really one big passionate family worldwide. This is a world no matter what your skin color is, your politics, or your looks, we all have one big thing in common and share a love and passion that will never die and that is rock music and rocking our effin asses off!! Long Live Rock features Interviews with a lot of your favorite Hard rock and Metal Bands, Performance footage, and more. Check it out on the Amazon Prime Video!
7. That Little Ol' Band From Texas
I love this band!! Saw em in concert on the Eliminator tour in the 80’s when I was in high school. Three of the coolest dudes in rock as far as I’m concerned. This rock doc uncovers the mystery behind the band and explores how the band started out and created their look and name. Billy Bob Thorton is in it, I had no idea he was friends with them. There are some really funny parts in it as well. Rest In Peace Dusty Hill. Check it out on Netflix!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSF1ppkmSLo
6. Soaked in Bleach
WOW WOW WOW!! This Rock Docudrama has had me seeing Kurt Cobain’s death in a different light. His death was ruled a suicide, but this doc detailed events that led up to his death as told by Private Detective Tom Grant who was hired by Courtney love to find Kurt shortly before his death in 1994. This film explores the conspiracy theories that Kurt’s death was not a suicide. I don’t want to spoil it for you if you have not seen this. I highly recommend it and all I can tell you is that Tom Grant presents some compelling evidence. Oh … and he has audio recordings. It use to be on Netflix but is now available for streaming on Peacock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcu3qb6J_5c
5. Lemmy
God, I loved this doc !!! It is a 2010 documentary film profile of the English rock musician Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, the founder, bassist, and lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Motörhead. I felt like I was hanging out with Lemmy !! It’s a well-done film that shows part of the regular guy side of Lemmy and features interviews with Slash, Duff McKagan, Ozzy Osbourne, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Robert Trujillo, Kirk Hammett, Nikki Sixx, David Ellefson, Scott Ian, Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Peter Hook, Marky Ramone, and Nik Turner and Dave Brock of Lemmy’s former band Hawkwind. The film also shows many candid moments with Dave Grohl and Billy Bob Thornton hanging out with Lemmy in bars and recording studios. Rest In peace Lemmy. It use to be available on Netflix but it is not anymore. It use to be on Netflix but is not on there anymore. I searched the Internet to see if it’s available anywhere and it’s not. You cant buy or rent it either. I have no idea why it’s not available, that is a whole other mystery. I hope it comes back somewhere cause it is a must-see.
4. Quiet Riot: Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back
Quiet Riot is one of my all-time favorite bands from the ’80s. I had their albums, I even found a referee shirt and cut the sleeves off, and wore it with my Jeans. I got that Idea cause Lead guitarist Carlos Cavazo wore a Ref shirt like that. I would lip sync and perform every song on the Metal Health album (as If I were Kevin Dubrow )with the volume wide open in my bedroom when my mom was not home. What a DORK!!! Anyways, this is a great doc that chronicles the rise and fall and resurrection of the 80’s metal band Quiet Riot. The film follows Drummer Franki Banali on his quest to reunite the band and fill the void that was left by the death of frontman and lead singer Kevin Dubrow. Frankies Wife Regina directs and films and is interviewed. Rest in Peace Frankie and Kevin. You can rent it on Amazon and Apple TV.
3. Randy Rhoades : Reflections of a Guitar Icon
WOW!! What a story this is. I learned so much about Randy in this film. The dude was a Guitar genius and a great guy. Warning the ending is a tear-jerker. The film chronicles Randy’s life and time with Quiet Riot and his time with Ozzy up to his death. Check it out on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Foo Fighters : Back and Forth
The Foo Fighters are one of my favorite bands ever. I have probably watched this Dock 10 times now. It is excellent!! It documents the band’s history and the recording process for their seventh studio album Wasting Light. It also goes into Dvaes time in punk bands and his time in Nirvana and how he dealt with Kurt Cobain’s Death. Check it out on Amazon prime video. Rest in Peace Taylor Hawkins.
1. Can't Stand Losing You : Surviving The Police
I am a huge fan of The Police and have been since I was thirteen years old. I had every album they put out. Had the posters and shit too. I was offered to see them in Tallahassee, Fl. Sold out show at the Civic Center. My good friend Andrea Huxford had an extra ticket for me, I was beyond excited to go. But there was a problem, it was on a Monday night! A school Night!! My mom said No! I was devastated. I have never forgiven her for that and I still bust her chops to this day for it. I have never seen them live. Ok, now back to this excellent doc that is based on the memoir by guitarist Andy Summers. I learned way more than I thought I knew about the band. Andy shares the good, the bad, the happy, and the sad times with the band. It contains great photos and video footage of the band behind the scenes and in concert. I miss this band so much, but I do know that they will never ever play with each other again after watching this. Check it out on Amazon Prime Video.
