Concert films in rock music and beyond have become pretty substantial productions in the last decade or so. After all, concerts in general have become massive efforts to entertain thousands of people. However, you just can’t beat the classics. Let’s take a look at four concert films about rock music legends that still hit in the 2020s, decades after they were first released.
1. ‘The TAMI Show’
This 1964 concert film follows James Brown’s attempt to “upstage” The Rolling Stones during the Teen Age Music International concerts that took place on October 28 and 29, 1964. It’s an extremely historically significant piece of work that has since been given a spot in the Library of Congress.
Videos by American Songwriter
In addition to Brown and the Stones, the concert also features performances by Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and more. If you want a quick history lesson on 1960s pop music, this is the film to watch.
2. ‘Gimme Shelter’
When it comes to rock music concert films, nothing beats the 1970 film Gimme Shelter. Where most concert films make the viewer yearn for the opportunity to be at the concert in question, this film will make you very glad you were nowhere near the Almont Speedway Free Festival on December 6, 1969. If you’re not well-versed in Rolling Stones history, we won’t spoil anything. Go in blind!
3. ‘Monterey Pop’
Jimi Hendrix famously lit his guitar on fire at the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967, and this 1968 concert film chronicles it all; and more. A ton of incredible performances were captured for this film, notably by the legendary Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, The Mamas & The Papas, and more.
4. ‘The Last Waltz’
This is the best rock music concert film you’ve probably never seen before… at least if you’re on the young side. The Last Waltz is a 1978 concert film directed by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese.
The film follows The Band on their final farewell tour, but it doesn’t feel like your run-of-the-mill concert film. It feels like an intimate documentary. Even if you’re not a huge fan of The Band, this film features performances from Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and more.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives
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