In need of a few rock music documentaries that are actually fascinating to watch? Sometimes a good ol’ concert film will do the trick. But sometimes, one needs a music doc with a little bit of drama to it. Let’s take a look at four rock music history documentaries that every audiophile should watch at least once!
Videos by American Songwriter
1. ‘Don’t Look Back’
This classic music doc follows Bob Dylan’s famous 1965 tour of England, which marked an important change in the music world, Dylan’s career, and music history. This film was directed by D.A. Pennebaker and features real footage of Dylan throughout the tour, with appearances from famous figures like Joan Baez, Alan Price, and others.
2. ‘Searching For Sugar Man’
This documentary is so underrated; we’d say it’s essential viewing, too. Searching For Sugar Man was released in 2012 and follows the international search for the enigmatic American musician Sixto Rodgriguez. Rodriguez recorded some incredible music in his heyday, but much of that music went unnoticed internationally and in the US. Two megafans from South Africa embark on a crazy journey to find what came of the singer and to solve the mystery behind the psychedelic folk rock enigma.
3. ‘A Band Called Death’
This film is this writer’s favorite music documentary, and you’ll probably enjoy it too if you’re a fan of punk music history. A Band Called Death chronicles the history of the proto-punk band Death and their newfound fame after their music was released to the world decades after it was recorded. Death is considered one of the very first punk bands, and one that was notably inspired by Detroit Motown music.
4. ‘The Kids Are Alright’
This is one of the most well-known rock music documentaries ever. The Kids Are Alright is a documentary-slash-concert-film about the iconic rock band The Who. This documentary is loaded with exclusive historic footage of the band’s performances, television appearances, fan videos, and more. However, the doc looks into the band members’ personal lives as well, rather than just their personas on-stage. The Kids Are Alright set the standard for many music documentaries that followed it.
Photo by Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.