There are so many great rock and roll concert films out there, but here are 11 of our favorites:
- “Monterey Pop” (1968) – Directed by D.A. Pennebaker, this film captures the groundbreaking 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, featuring performances by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, and others.
- “Shine a Light” (2008) – Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film documents the Rolling Stones’ 2006 Beacon Theatre concerts in New York City, featuring guest appearances by Buddy Guy, Christina Aguilera, and Jack White.
- “Live at Pompeii” (1972) – Directed by Adrian Maben, this film captures Pink Floyd’s legendary 1971 performances in the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy.
- “The Song Remains the Same” (1976) – Directed by Peter Clifton and Joe Massot, this film documents Led Zeppelin’s 1973 concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City, featuring unforgettable performances of songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Dazed and Confused.”
- “Stop Making Sense” (1984) – Directed by Jonathan Demme, this film documents the Talking Heads’ 1983 concert tour, featuring innovative staging and unforgettable performances of songs like “Burning Down the House” and “Once in a Lifetime.”
- “Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll” (1987) – Directed by Taylor Hackford, this film documents Chuck Berry’s 60th birthday concert in 1986, featuring guest appearances by Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, and others.
- “Rattle and Hum” (1988) – Directed by Phil Joanou, this film documents U2’s 1987 concert tour in North America, featuring performances of songs like “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “With or Without You.”
- “Neil Young: Heart of Gold” (2006) – Directed by Jonathan Demme, this film captures Neil Young’s 2005 performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, featuring songs from his album “Prairie Wind.”
- “Talking Heads: Chronology” (2011) – Directed by David Byrne, this film features live performances by Talking Heads from throughout their career, including their groundbreaking “Stop Making Sense” tour.
- “Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: Live in New York City” (2001) – Directed by Chris Hilson, this film captures Bruce Springsteen’s reunion tour with the E Street Band in 2000, featuring performances of classic songs like “Born to Run” and “Thunder Road.”
- “The Grateful Dead Movie” (1977): Directed by Jerry Garcia, this film is a documentary of the band’s five-night run at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom in 1974.