Join The Community
This Is It (2009)
Talent: Michael Jackson
Why It Rocks: Despite all the scandal that swirled around his life and his recent death, Jackson could certainly rustle up an amazing stage performance.
With the now-aborted tour, he had plans to bring the magic back and remind everyone why he was so popular. We'll never get to see the final product, but this is a blend of behind-the-scenes rehearsals, interviews and videos created for the show (such as a 3D take on Thriller) that should work well for fans and bring in some new ones.
It arrives in cinemas on Wednesday, and is currently planned for a limited run, so if you're looking to see it, you'd best get to buying tickets if you haven't already.
All Tomorrow's Parties (2009)
Talent: Belle And Sebastian, Les Savy Fav, Mars Volta, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Iggy And The Stooges
Why It Rocks: It's more than just a straightforward concert pic (though there's some great footage of the bands in action) - shot largely by the fans and the musos themselves, it peeks into the heart of the event and also picks up some of the vibe.
The Last Waltz (1978)
Talent: The Band, Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters
Why It Rocks: No less a filmmaker than Martin Scorsese created this fascinating look at a group winding down with one big, final concert.
Scorsese brought 35mm glory to the concert film and also rounded up the members of The Band for penetrating interviews conducted while they were on their final tour.
Stop Making Sense (1984)
Talent: Talking Heads
Why It Rocks: David Byrne and co suit up to strut the stage, bringing out ace tunes like Psycho Killer and Burning Down The House.
After the band themselves raised the $1.2 million to shoot the thing during their Speaking In Tongues Tour, director Jonathan Demme opted to play with the idea of what a film like this should be, leading to one of the best of the genre.
Neil Young: Heart Of Gold (2006)
Talent: Neil Young, Emmylou Harris
Why It Rocks : Demme again, this time mixing concert film with engaging documentary as Neil Young goes through one of the more traumatic times of his life (a brain aneurysm, the death of his father) as he records a new album and tours to promote it.
Fans of classic Young tracks will also be pleased by the decision to bolster the running time with a selection of previous work picked by the man himself.
Heartbreaking, insightful and ultimately uplifting, it's another great job from the director.
Gimme Shelter (1970)
Talent: The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner
Why It Rocks: Less a movie about one straight concert, more a tour doc that follows Mick, Keef and co as they tour the US in 1969.
Rambling, rocking and raucous, it's the perfect document of the Stones at their height (not that they've ever truly gone away) and boasts one unexpected, if tragic bonus.
