This year as part of Record Store Day (18 April), we are celebrating that it is just under 4 weeks until our forthcoming music doc, Lambert & Stamp is out in cinemas. Also on May 19, there will be special one-off screenings of this ultimate rock doc. The film, about the managers of The Who, will screen across the UK; see the full listings and confirm your attendance here!
Look out for the posters in your local record store which have been specially made for Record Store Day - the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music.
As part of the celebration, check out a collection of some of our favourite rock music docs, old and new.
The story of Kathleen Hanna, lead singer of punk band Bikini Kill, and reluctant figurehead for the riot grrrl movement. A close of friend of Kurt Cobain, she once spray-painted "Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit" on his wall, thus giving him the inspiriaton for the Nirvana's iconic song. Kurt interpereted it as a revolutionary slogan, but Kathleen really meant that he smelled like his girlfriend's deodorant, Teen Spirit. Which lead us to our next film...
Montage of Heck
Just released, this documentary uses material from Kurt Cobain's personal archive of journals, home videos, and recordings to build a picture of the cult icon's life. Co-produced by his daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, who famously revealed "I don't really like Nirvana that much. Sorry promotional people, Universal".
Sound City
Another Nirvana connection! This time from drummer Dave Grohl, who produced and directed this doc about Sound City Studios in California. In addition to Nirvana, who recorded Nevermind there in 1991, the studio hosted artists like Neil Young, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Fleetwood Mac and served as a place "where musicians found magic".
A fitting doc for Record Store Day, this Dogwoof title is a portrait of the last surviving vinyl store in Teeside, North East England. Amidst economic deprivation and the threat of digital music, the store defies to odds to serve as a hub for music-lovers and the local community alike.
Documenting not only a music tour but the charged relationship between two brothers, this film about rock band The National was made by the lead singer's brother. It's an intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of indie rock's biggest bands as they embark on their biggest tour to date.
The subject of this film is Muscle Shoals, an area in Alabama that has produced some of the most creative work in American music history. A signature "Muscle Shoals Sound" emerged in a time of deep racial division in the South, led by Rick Hall. Artists like Mick Jagger, Etta James, Keith Richards and Greg Allman all discuss the area's musical legacy.