Sure, 2020 has done its damndest to ruin everyone’s year. But the calendar wasn’t cruel to everyone; just ask the Supreme Court lawyers representing equal LGBTQ rights.
And sure, COVID pretty much screwed over the notion of concerts and live music. But that hasn’t stopped rock gods from reigning o’er a world in need of a beat. Here are some of the rock documentaries that landed this year, despite a pandemic ruling the tarmac:
- Beastie Boys, Beastie Boys Story
Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys tell Spike Jonze an intimate, personal story of their band, the late Mike Yauch and their 40 years of friendship together.
- David Byrne, David Byrne’s America Utopia
Spike Lee documents the former Talking Heads frontman’s 2019 Broadway show, based on his recent album and tour of the same name.
- Nick Cave, Idiot Prayer
Nick Cave performs solo at the piano, at Alexandra Palace, playing songs from his extensive catalog, and including rare tracks that most fans will be hearing for the first time.
- Billie Holiday, Billie
A documentary biopic of the great and mysterious jazz singer, whose death was ruled a suicide in 1978.
- Shannon Hoon, All I Can Say
An archive of ’90s culture and a philosophical study of fame via the intimate video-diary of Shannon Hoon, the late lead singer of alt-rock band Blind Melon.
- Bruce Springsteen, Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You
Behind-the-scenes look at Springsteen’s creative process with full performances from The E Street Band, in-studio footage, and never-before-seen archival material.
- Frank Zappa, Zappa
An in-depth look into the life and work of musician Frank Zappa, from rock star to congressional educator.
