For those about to rock...

By Paul Tsikitas
Collegian Editor
March 29, 2006

I love movies. I love music. When the two come together and do that dance of greatness, you get the delicious and amazingly great genre of the concert film. I watch as many concert films as possible. Here are the five best that I have encountered so far in my quest for musical movie magic.

5.) AC/DC Live at Donnington— Any fan of rock gods AC/DC know how this concert from 1991 is essential to your collection. Even a moderate fan of the band will enjoy the antics of AC/DC. Best Musical Moment—Opening with “Thunderstruck.”

4.) The Last Waltz—With Martin Scorsese behind the camera and The Band playing its “final” show, you really can’t go wrong. The likes of Neil Young and Bob Dylan join the band as it pays tribute to one of rocks greatest bands. Best Musical Moment—Neil Young paying tribute by playing “Helpless.”

3.) Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii—The best part about this amazing concert is that Pink Floyd plays to an empty amphitheater in the city of Pompeii. Playing all pre-Dark Side material, Floyd brings an ethereal masterpiece to the screen. Best Musical Moment—Roger Waters meets the Gong during “A Saucerful of Secrets.”

2.) Stop Making Sense—Jonathan Demme directs the Talking Heads as The band members slowly come on stage one by one to play some of their greatest songs, and bring them to the screen in a unique and stunning vision. Best Musical Moment—Byrne’s big suit duing “Girlfriend is Better.”

1.) Monterey Pop—The ultimate concert and the ultimate concert film, D.A. Pennebaker puts together some of the best acts to play the famous fest. From Otis Redding to the Mamas and the Papas to The Who, all of the ’60s best come out for some great performances. Best Musical Moment—Ravi Shankar playing “Raga Bhimpalasi.”

tsikitp1@lasalle.edu