The Who are many things- loud, sometimes hilarious, and even an influence to most of the rock following it (including Punk), but what they are ultimately are amazing. In they're time with drummer Keith Moon (and even a little afterwards), they created some of the best stuff to come from a guitar, synthesizer, drum, harmonica, etc, etc. And this documentary follows that spirit in showing the groups most famous hits including "Baba O'Reiley", "I Can't Explain", "Who Are You" and "Summertime Blues" among a whole bunch. In these songs and inbewteen them the Who explain the inspiration for they're hits, they're hilarity (seeing Keith Moon for no reason starting to strip is dead pan), and how they replaced the broken guitars. Excellent in nearly ever way, shape and form, right up there with Woodstock and Spinal Tap. A+
51 Reviews
A rare great rock film
hippiegal19 September 2001
Maybe being such a fanatic of the Who I'm downright dogmatic in my beliefs that this is a great 70's rock film. The performances are exciting. Pete Townshend dishes out philosophy of rock music that only he can. The editing is quick so the movie never drags(i.e.The song remains the same) Many of the scenes are downright funny. Not only is it a movie that shows how talented the Who were as a band. It shows they could put on a great performance off stage as well( such as being interviewed) It's probably one of the very few rock movies from the 70's that has charm. Even though I do think it helps to be a big fan when watching it. But I think that's true of any rock movie or concert video.
The Who: 1964 - 1978.
Cinema_Fan1 October 2005
Well, I've been sat here for the last five minutes thinking what I could write about the Greatest Rock 'n Roll band in the World, or more to the point, one of the best Rock Documentaries to come out of the 1970's.
Seeing The Who live only four time's since 13th July 1985 to November 10th 2000. The original line up would have been great, but time and history say different.
This is where Jeff Stein has a wonderful idea (the film was being made when Keith was still very much alive, but as reference to today's generation) if you can no longer go to the mountain, then he has brought it to you, enter stage right, The Kids are Alright, 109 minutes of pure Rock 'n Roll documented history.
The film start's of with some fantastic black and white footage (the early gigs must have been out of this world) of one of the hardest working bands to come out of the Sixties and to continue to World domination, a cliché I know, but it works.
Interviewing them must have been a night where you earned your money, poor Russell Harty, (in case of Keith Moon break the glass).
The 1970's tracks see them develop into a real tight outfit, if not a "little older" , performing most of their classics without fault. Jeff Stein has done a great job of bringing together this visually collective musical collage to a wider audience. I say lets turn the record over and begin side "B"...
Thanks Jeff.
Seeing The Who live only four time's since 13th July 1985 to November 10th 2000. The original line up would have been great, but time and history say different.
This is where Jeff Stein has a wonderful idea (the film was being made when Keith was still very much alive, but as reference to today's generation) if you can no longer go to the mountain, then he has brought it to you, enter stage right, The Kids are Alright, 109 minutes of pure Rock 'n Roll documented history.
The film start's of with some fantastic black and white footage (the early gigs must have been out of this world) of one of the hardest working bands to come out of the Sixties and to continue to World domination, a cliché I know, but it works.
Interviewing them must have been a night where you earned your money, poor Russell Harty, (in case of Keith Moon break the glass).
The 1970's tracks see them develop into a real tight outfit, if not a "little older" , performing most of their classics without fault. Jeff Stein has done a great job of bringing together this visually collective musical collage to a wider audience. I say lets turn the record over and begin side "B"...
Thanks Jeff.
Best.Movie.Ever! Sort of...
jeroenkeip2 March 2005
In some ways this is best the movie ever. Errrm... make that one way. Let me put it this way. If you're as big a fan of The Who as I am, The Kids Are Alright is as alright as movies get. Director Jeff Stein was probably an even bigger Who-fan than yours truly, and you get that vibe from every aspect of the movie: the chosen footage, the editing and the chosen narrative (or lack thereof) chosen. TKAA is a documentary, but unlike documentary-makers fashionable today Stein didn't set out to make his points in a Michael Moore-ish style, with himself as the narrating voice-over and on-screen interviewer. Stein lets the footage speak for itself, only slightly suggesting conclusions that can be made through editing, and only once serving as an off-screen interviewer.
If there is one point Stein tries to make, it is that the Who were the most interesting/wild/intelligent/contradictory/refined/loony/crude Rock 'n' Roll band in the world. And therefore the most fascinating. He didn't have to turn to the viewer and say that in person: the Who themselves are their own best spokespeople. The Kids Are Alright isn't ABOUT the Who, it IS the Who. The a-chronological editing, live as well as mimed performances and contradictory quotes spanning two decades make a rich collage of fifteen years of Rock 'n' Roll mayhem.
Editing was Stein's weapon of choice to make TKAA a double-edged sword. People can try to find a deeper meaning in the director's decisions and/or draw their own conclusions. Or you can just kick back and relax and let it be the ultimate party-DVD. Watching this movie, you really get the sensation of hanging with the Who, addiction, hearing problems, impromptu strip sessions and all. And with Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Keith Moon and Pete Townshend around, there's never a dull moment.
If there is one point Stein tries to make, it is that the Who were the most interesting/wild/intelligent/contradictory/refined/loony/crude Rock 'n' Roll band in the world. And therefore the most fascinating. He didn't have to turn to the viewer and say that in person: the Who themselves are their own best spokespeople. The Kids Are Alright isn't ABOUT the Who, it IS the Who. The a-chronological editing, live as well as mimed performances and contradictory quotes spanning two decades make a rich collage of fifteen years of Rock 'n' Roll mayhem.
Editing was Stein's weapon of choice to make TKAA a double-edged sword. People can try to find a deeper meaning in the director's decisions and/or draw their own conclusions. Or you can just kick back and relax and let it be the ultimate party-DVD. Watching this movie, you really get the sensation of hanging with the Who, addiction, hearing problems, impromptu strip sessions and all. And with Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Keith Moon and Pete Townshend around, there's never a dull moment.
One of the Best Rock Movies ever
McGonigle11 February 2005
While "The Last Waltz" is usually the critics' favorite rock movie, "The Kids Are Alright" has always done it for me. Basically, we have a career overview of one of the greatest rock bands ever, with numerous characteristics that make it truly exceptional.
Here's what makes this movie really unique: First, it was made by a fan, which gives it a fan's perspective (often more perceptive than a band's own self-image or, needless to say, the perception of a record company employee). But more importantly, the Who, always one of the most "down-to-earth" (and self-critical) rock bands, were willing to co-operate with the filmmaker (Jeff Stein), even going so far as to perform two exclusive concerts for the purpose of filming.
The movie thus comes together as a fan's dream: a comprehensive selection of live clips that span the band's career up to that point (including brilliant early footage and such career-defining performances as Woodstock and the band's appearance on the Smothers Brothers' TV show), along with truly insightful interview footage.
One comes away from this movie with a genuine appreciation for the combination of creativity and humility that really made the Who unique among "superstar" rock bands. Can you imagine Led Zeppelin referring to their own work as crap in the middle of "The Song Remains The Same"? The Beatles created their own career-spanning retrospective 15 years later with "The Beatles Anthology", but that film, made 25 years after the band broke up, seems much more concerned with defining and cementing the band's place in history (especially the McCartney interview segments) than with presenting the band "warts and all".
Even in "The Last Waltz", while much of The Band is somewhat disparaging about their early careers, there is still a real sense that Scorcese and Robertson are attempting to define a historically significant moment in time rather than just capturing The Band as it was (I've read that the rest of the Band members didn't even know Robertson was planning to break up the Band until after the concert!).
By contrast, "The Kids Are Alright" provides us with a refreshingly honest portrait of a band who have always tried to be honest with their fans. By combining the perceptive eye of a true fan with a cooperative band who weren't concerned with protecting (or defining) their "image", we are left with a true rarity: a documentary on a "superstar" that is neither concerned with deifying nor tearing down its subject, but instead gives us a truly satisfying (and entertaining) portrait. Plus, some of the best "70s Arena Rock" ever recorded! All in all, it adds up to a minor masterpiece.
Here's what makes this movie really unique: First, it was made by a fan, which gives it a fan's perspective (often more perceptive than a band's own self-image or, needless to say, the perception of a record company employee). But more importantly, the Who, always one of the most "down-to-earth" (and self-critical) rock bands, were willing to co-operate with the filmmaker (Jeff Stein), even going so far as to perform two exclusive concerts for the purpose of filming.
The movie thus comes together as a fan's dream: a comprehensive selection of live clips that span the band's career up to that point (including brilliant early footage and such career-defining performances as Woodstock and the band's appearance on the Smothers Brothers' TV show), along with truly insightful interview footage.
One comes away from this movie with a genuine appreciation for the combination of creativity and humility that really made the Who unique among "superstar" rock bands. Can you imagine Led Zeppelin referring to their own work as crap in the middle of "The Song Remains The Same"? The Beatles created their own career-spanning retrospective 15 years later with "The Beatles Anthology", but that film, made 25 years after the band broke up, seems much more concerned with defining and cementing the band's place in history (especially the McCartney interview segments) than with presenting the band "warts and all".
Even in "The Last Waltz", while much of The Band is somewhat disparaging about their early careers, there is still a real sense that Scorcese and Robertson are attempting to define a historically significant moment in time rather than just capturing The Band as it was (I've read that the rest of the Band members didn't even know Robertson was planning to break up the Band until after the concert!).
By contrast, "The Kids Are Alright" provides us with a refreshingly honest portrait of a band who have always tried to be honest with their fans. By combining the perceptive eye of a true fan with a cooperative band who weren't concerned with protecting (or defining) their "image", we are left with a true rarity: a documentary on a "superstar" that is neither concerned with deifying nor tearing down its subject, but instead gives us a truly satisfying (and entertaining) portrait. Plus, some of the best "70s Arena Rock" ever recorded! All in all, it adds up to a minor masterpiece.
Still Alright After All These Years
eye33 November 2003
Jeff Stein's 'TKaA' introduced me to the dysfunctionally co-dependent family that was The Who in their more-than-full-volume, willfully insane glory days of Keith Moon. Their balls-to-the-walls, ear-shattering, finger-slashing, skull-splitting, hammers-of-hell, power-plus-volume blues-based rock & roll put their contemporaries deservedly to shame (Townsend didn't pull punches in his criticism) and set a high bar above all that wreckage which their successors have yet to reach.
It doesn't cover all of The Who's KM-era music (Quadrophenia, Who by Numbers) nor does it dig up the worst/best of the dirt (Daltrey repeatedly KO'ing a whiney Townsend over the years) but it captures as only a fan's we're-not-worthy devotion can the band's intense, sometimes-paranoid craziness as well as their self-knowing, self-mocking intelligence about their craziness -- and their true worth in the annals of rock & roll. Stein deserves a spot in Cleveland right next to them.
It doesn't cover all of The Who's KM-era music (Quadrophenia, Who by Numbers) nor does it dig up the worst/best of the dirt (Daltrey repeatedly KO'ing a whiney Townsend over the years) but it captures as only a fan's we're-not-worthy devotion can the band's intense, sometimes-paranoid craziness as well as their self-knowing, self-mocking intelligence about their craziness -- and their true worth in the annals of rock & roll. Stein deserves a spot in Cleveland right next to them.
One of the best Rock and Roll documentaries ever made on the best Rock and Roll band
MinaSky3 June 1999
TKAA is a great mix of live and lip-synched performances, interviews and funny clips. The perfomances are stellar, particularly "Baba O'Riley" and "Won't Get Fooled Again". The Who are presented wonderfully here, all four getting their own moments.
The undisputed star of the show is drummer Keith Moon. His interview with Ringo Starr is hilarious. Pete Townshend is runner up, shown in all of his bitter youth glory. Roger Daltrey is given time during the perfomances to show himself off as a wonderful lead singer and the essense of the Tommy character. Only bassist John Entwistle is short changed, given very few moments on-screen. Yet his line about being too old to enjoy his money is classic. A must see for any rock fan.
The undisputed star of the show is drummer Keith Moon. His interview with Ringo Starr is hilarious. Pete Townshend is runner up, shown in all of his bitter youth glory. Roger Daltrey is given time during the perfomances to show himself off as a wonderful lead singer and the essense of the Tommy character. Only bassist John Entwistle is short changed, given very few moments on-screen. Yet his line about being too old to enjoy his money is classic. A must see for any rock fan.
Great movie documentary of one of the best bands ever!
JeffG.2 November 1999
A great band like the Who deserve a great feature-length film documentary, and this movie delivers. Filled with concert clips, excerpts from videos and TV appearances, and various interviews with the band members. This movie also turned out to be something of a postscript to the Keith Moon era, as it was released shortly before Moon's death.
A great movie that's a must-see for any Who fan. So where's the DVD?
A great movie that's a must-see for any Who fan. So where's the DVD?
Levitation
miloc21 September 2012
The object of any great concert film is to convince you, at least for the span of the movie, that the subject is The Greatest Rock Band in the World. If The Kids Are Alright doesn't succeed in that goal as completely as Jonathan Demme's sensational Stop Making Sense, that's hardly the fault of The Who-- few performers have labored harder in the name of fan service.
Though engaging and highly watchable, The Kids Are Alright stays a minor affair, documentary-wise. Here and there it flirts with insight. We catch a bit of Keith Moon palling around with fellow alcoholic Ringo Starr ("We're just taking our medicine, children!") in a bit that foreshadows tragedy without actually catching the weight of it. We get a laugh from Pete Townshend's startled "Eh?" at being confronted with his own lyrics ("...hope I die before I get old..."). But the between-music bits of the film offer little substance; they're just filler.
But there's an early clip of the band performing in a club, in which we cut to Moon, drumming his heart out, already in hyperdrive-- and then, impossibly, he starts going faster. His face is upturned in spiritual abandon, his hands simply disappear. And, in a phenomenal rendering of Baba O'Reilly, you see Townshend dancing in genuine and infectious ecstasy over John Entwhistle's thunderous bass line. And in an epic performance of Won't Get Fooled Again, we finally understand the sheer force of The Who-- the lights go out around six minutes in for the synth solo. Then the drums kick in, gathering our heartbeats with it. The lights come on: Roger Daltrey is screaming, and Townshend is in midair, and we are with him, transported, levitating.
These were men who enjoyed their work. And for these five-to-ten minute stretches, we are watching The Greatest Rock Band in the World. Worth the price of admission.
Though engaging and highly watchable, The Kids Are Alright stays a minor affair, documentary-wise. Here and there it flirts with insight. We catch a bit of Keith Moon palling around with fellow alcoholic Ringo Starr ("We're just taking our medicine, children!") in a bit that foreshadows tragedy without actually catching the weight of it. We get a laugh from Pete Townshend's startled "Eh?" at being confronted with his own lyrics ("...hope I die before I get old..."). But the between-music bits of the film offer little substance; they're just filler.
But there's an early clip of the band performing in a club, in which we cut to Moon, drumming his heart out, already in hyperdrive-- and then, impossibly, he starts going faster. His face is upturned in spiritual abandon, his hands simply disappear. And, in a phenomenal rendering of Baba O'Reilly, you see Townshend dancing in genuine and infectious ecstasy over John Entwhistle's thunderous bass line. And in an epic performance of Won't Get Fooled Again, we finally understand the sheer force of The Who-- the lights go out around six minutes in for the synth solo. Then the drums kick in, gathering our heartbeats with it. The lights come on: Roger Daltrey is screaming, and Townshend is in midair, and we are with him, transported, levitating.
These were men who enjoyed their work. And for these five-to-ten minute stretches, we are watching The Greatest Rock Band in the World. Worth the price of admission.
Inspired me to become a musician. And a filmmaker.
Sleepwalker_197710 June 2005
For some people, this movie may just be a nice little retrospective of a couple of British farts who got their rocks off smashing their instruments. For others, it's a document of the place and time of a formidable rock ensemble. For me, and hopefully a batch of others, it's an awe-inspiring mix of rock, humor, and destruction. I first saw this movie when I was at the tender age of three. On the screen, those four men appeared godlike. Each member of the band was their own person: Roger, the throbbing sex symbol; John, the strong and silent one who is possibly the most twisted one of the quartet; Keith, the veritable madman; and Pete, the double-edged dry-witted joker and pensive introvert. One great thing about this movie is that it stops with the 'Who Are You' album, after which point many believe The Who were no longer The Who. I agree. Townshend got too serious with his writing. One interesting point of study is the group dynamic, and how they interact. The editing is done quite humorously: Pete Townshend talks about how his stage persona is hardly the same person he is off stage. "I just- I do my job, and I have to get into a certain state of mind to do it." Cut to: Pete at Woodstock during "Sparks," throwing his guitar around and making sub-orgasmic feedback sounds with his instrument. I love this movie. I encourage all rock fans/students/scholars to check it out. You'll be surprised, amazed, awed, shocked...and you'll miss Keith Moon.
These guys are Who?
helpless_dancer11 March 2004
Insightful look into one of rock's most successful acts. Or were they? I have heard that they never had a number one hit and only one track in the top ten. Two of these guys were so obnoxious I doubt I could stay in the same room with them for more than 5 minutes, especially Keith Moon, if only because of his constant hyperactive blather. Townshend was little better as he battered the listener with his silly, smart ass comments; what an arrogant loser. He was, however, on the money with his admission that The Who was more loud than they were competent. Interesting documentary even though it was limited in it's scope. The boys could have at least have done a rousing version of Entwhistle's "Boris the Spider".
Finest Rock Film Ever Made?
benlikens13 January 2009
The title of the following Summary is probably one that has been asked regarding many a rock film, such as The Song Remains the Same, The Last Waltz, or even A Hard Day's Night or Help! (although with the fictional pretexts and the plots alone, those last two might not qualify as standard "rock films") could easily be in the running for such a title.
However, the reason I would put it at No.1 is the way it flows. In a sense, it flows like a great rock concert. Now, this film consists of scenes from several rock concerts, along with scattered interviews and specially filmed sequences scattered throughout. Jeff Stein, the director, along with "Eddie the Editor" Rothkowitz, brought the various scenes and concert excerpts together in such a way that it's not as much a documentary, but a series of short subjects that somehow come together as one huge visual experience. Musically, The Kids Are Alright is filled with many effective "one-two punches," and very little filler to distract an audience's attention. This movie came right on the heels of MTV and the concept of "music video" had barely been invented, but Stein and Co. had a handle on it long before the folks at MTV hired their first VJ.
From the start, the first one-two punch of "My Generation" from The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, coupled with "I Can't Explain," from the last Shindig installment, grabs any viewer, even one who may not be a fan of the band, alerting him/her to be prepared to enjoy a wild visual and musical ride. Other one-two punches in this extraordinary film include a reprise of "My Generation" (from the Monterey Pop Festival)/"Won't Get Fooled Again" (from Shepperton Studios), "Pinball Wizard"/"See Me, Feel Me (Listening to You)" (both from Woodstock), and "Barbara Ann" (from Shepperton rehearsals)/"Sparks" (from Woodstock). There are many others, often inter cut with brief "sound bites" from interviews and various television appearances. It all adds up to something transcending a strict documentary or concert film.
The improvements the DVD has over the previous video releases are nothing short of astounding. The sound has been brought more than up-to-speed, with every moment of the film possessing a clarity that just did not exist at all in any edition before this, even the laser disc edition. Elements that had been missing from the film since its initial video release have been restored (including the full, majestic "A Quick One, While He's Away" from The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus) to near pristine quality. All the visual flaws have been corrected and the various speed and film stock disparities have been removed and/or improved upon.
I know it's my humble opinion, and everybody has different ones (which is as it should be), but even now, after seeing The Kids Are Alright many, many times, the film still grabs my attention and doesn't let it go until the final credit rolls off of the screen. Yes, this is the greatest rock film ever made, humble opinion or not. Check it out and see if it doesn't do to you at least a little bit of what it does to me. You'll be surprised.
However, the reason I would put it at No.1 is the way it flows. In a sense, it flows like a great rock concert. Now, this film consists of scenes from several rock concerts, along with scattered interviews and specially filmed sequences scattered throughout. Jeff Stein, the director, along with "Eddie the Editor" Rothkowitz, brought the various scenes and concert excerpts together in such a way that it's not as much a documentary, but a series of short subjects that somehow come together as one huge visual experience. Musically, The Kids Are Alright is filled with many effective "one-two punches," and very little filler to distract an audience's attention. This movie came right on the heels of MTV and the concept of "music video" had barely been invented, but Stein and Co. had a handle on it long before the folks at MTV hired their first VJ.
From the start, the first one-two punch of "My Generation" from The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, coupled with "I Can't Explain," from the last Shindig installment, grabs any viewer, even one who may not be a fan of the band, alerting him/her to be prepared to enjoy a wild visual and musical ride. Other one-two punches in this extraordinary film include a reprise of "My Generation" (from the Monterey Pop Festival)/"Won't Get Fooled Again" (from Shepperton Studios), "Pinball Wizard"/"See Me, Feel Me (Listening to You)" (both from Woodstock), and "Barbara Ann" (from Shepperton rehearsals)/"Sparks" (from Woodstock). There are many others, often inter cut with brief "sound bites" from interviews and various television appearances. It all adds up to something transcending a strict documentary or concert film.
The improvements the DVD has over the previous video releases are nothing short of astounding. The sound has been brought more than up-to-speed, with every moment of the film possessing a clarity that just did not exist at all in any edition before this, even the laser disc edition. Elements that had been missing from the film since its initial video release have been restored (including the full, majestic "A Quick One, While He's Away" from The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus) to near pristine quality. All the visual flaws have been corrected and the various speed and film stock disparities have been removed and/or improved upon.
I know it's my humble opinion, and everybody has different ones (which is as it should be), but even now, after seeing The Kids Are Alright many, many times, the film still grabs my attention and doesn't let it go until the final credit rolls off of the screen. Yes, this is the greatest rock film ever made, humble opinion or not. Check it out and see if it doesn't do to you at least a little bit of what it does to me. You'll be surprised.
for the biggest fan and the casual fan
SnoopyStyle14 August 2015
This is a compilation of concert footages and TV appearances of The Who.
The guys Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Keith Moon and Pete Townshend start off with the Smothers Brothers having a hilarious time with Tommy Smothers.
Keith Moon dies during the editing of the film and is considered a cap on the original lineup. This is basically a must for all Who fans and an interesting watch for even the casual fan. The songs are amazing as always. There are some fun TV clips. It's not breaking any new grounds. This is essentially a Greatest Hits album.
The guys Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Keith Moon and Pete Townshend start off with the Smothers Brothers having a hilarious time with Tommy Smothers.
Keith Moon dies during the editing of the film and is considered a cap on the original lineup. This is basically a must for all Who fans and an interesting watch for even the casual fan. The songs are amazing as always. There are some fun TV clips. It's not breaking any new grounds. This is essentially a Greatest Hits album.
showcasing one of the best bands
didi-54 March 2004
This film came out shortly after Who drummer Keith Moon's death and as such, is a hybrid between a tribute to his work with the band and what it was probably originally intended to be, a collection of performances and material showcasing their development through their first quarter-century.
There are some great live performances here: including a smashing live version of the extended Won't Get Fooled Again', stuff from the sixties' German pop show Beat Club, and many more. There are interviews (including the famous one with Russell Harty from the mid-seventies), and other bits and pieces put together. This was always the definitive line-up of the band, when their songs had spirit and their performances were technically accomplished with a touch of humour.
There are some great live performances here: including a smashing live version of the extended Won't Get Fooled Again', stuff from the sixties' German pop show Beat Club, and many more. There are interviews (including the famous one with Russell Harty from the mid-seventies), and other bits and pieces put together. This was always the definitive line-up of the band, when their songs had spirit and their performances were technically accomplished with a touch of humour.
A look into the great band THE WHO!
iluv2moo7 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
As a HUGE fan of the Who I really loved The Kids Are Alright. I can watch it over and over again without getting bored.It covers a wide range of the who's career; so if u want to see earlier stuff - you can, or if u feel like some later footage you can view that also. Even if you are not a huge fan of The Who; its a good starting point. With a mix of interview footage and gigs; it gives a good insight into the band. Although it doesn't seem to focus on John Entwistle enough; it still portrays the band in a good way. The Woodstock footage is especially good along with footage from the smother's brother's show which shows the personalities of each band member.Now there are only two of the band members left with us; i think this is a great way to remember John Entwistle and Keith Moon in a way i expect they would want to be remembered! Best bit? Barbara Ann!
The ultimate fan tribute to a great rock and roll band
sschwart11 May 1999
Long before music videos carved out a spot in MTV's schedule, forward-thinking rock and roll bands like the Who were making short films and clips to accompany their music. "The Kids Are Alright" is the impressive result of Who fan Jeff Stein being allowed access to the band's 15-year visual history. The film is interspersed with concert footage, studio shots, and TV appearances that span the period from 1964 to 1979. Stein created a film that is a simultaneous celebration of a living band, and a celluloid eulogy to late, great drummer Keith Moon. To experience the Who in concert is to really experience the Who, and this movie captures their raw power well.
Fenced fury of The Who
TheSeeker7224 February 2001
This rockumentary captures The Who, The Best Rock and Roll Band in the World, at their best, 1965-1978. Released around the time of Keith Moon's death, it seemed approriate for the time. We see The Who at Woodstock, the Smothers Brothers Show, Shindig, and at Keith Moon's final concert appearance. Some good interviews along the way, but this is about The Who- live. They smash up their equipment several times- including montage after the 2nd My Generation (at Monterey Pop Festival '67.)A classic rock tv moment occurs in the opening MG in the opening scene. Keith packed his bass drum with a load of gun powder, and injures himself in the explosion, and singes Pete's hair. Great for any Who fan, and put together well.
The greatest!!
El_Rey_De_Movies3 November 2005
Proof positive that The Who are the greatest rock band of all time. This is an amazing record of their career, from their beginning as the High Numbers to a closing live rendition of "Won't Get Fooled Again" that will blow you away. Along the way, you'll see clips that will show you how funny, irreverent, and truly ahead of their time these four guys were. They brought a visual flair and a theatricality that no other band could match, from their stylish Mod clothes to their legendary live shows that culminated with Townsend and company smashing their equipment with complete disregard of their own safety. So many bands have copied their moves and their licks that it's almost criminal. If you want to see great rock and roll, you can't go wrong with this one.
Uneven and too long but fascinating
preppy-324 October 2008
This shows the band the Who from 1962-1978. It shows them performing their music for TV shows and in front of live audiences. Intersperced are interview bits with Pete Townshend talking about the band and performing. Also the manic antics of Keith Moon are shown in detail.
I'm a fan of the Who. I wasn't one until I saw the movie "Tommy" and this on cable TV back in the early 1980s. I loved the music and the energy the band displayed on screen. Most kids today don't even know who the Who were! They were one of the loudest British bands out there and, at the end of virtually every concert, Townshend would smash his guitar into the speakers and then on the floor destroying it. Roger Daltrey and Keith Moon would destroy the drum set. John Enwhistle would just stand quietly by watching them with an amused smile on his face. This all sparked audiences into absolute riots! This movie somehow manages to catch the violent but fun spirit of the Who and rock and roll itself. The performances are full of life and the Who come roaring out of the TV set. Also get a look at Keith Moon's hilariously fake drumming for TV shows! However this film is far from perfect. The songs aren't performed in chronological order or ANY order that I can see. They start with "My Generation" and "I Can't Explain" from the 1960s, jump to the late 1970s with "Baba O'Riley" then we're BACK in the 1960s with "Shout and Shimmey" and "Young Man Blues"! It's bewildering trying to figure out what the film is going to show next. Next--where are the songs from their second rock opera "Quadrophenia"? "The Real Me" and "Love Reign' Over Me" are two of the best Who songs ever. Next--why are all the interviews with Townshend and Moon? Don't Daltrey and Entwhistle have anything to say (maybe Entwhistle doesn't but Daltrey was VERY vocal in the groups heyday). Also cutting up the interviews into little pieces and spreading them throughout the film doesn't work. It keeps intruding into the songs.
Still this is an essential rock and roll film. It shows one of the loudest and most violent bands out there and shows how music used to be before MTV made everything family friendly. Try to see the restored 2003 DVD. The picture and sound are remastered and there's a whole disc of extra material!
I'm a fan of the Who. I wasn't one until I saw the movie "Tommy" and this on cable TV back in the early 1980s. I loved the music and the energy the band displayed on screen. Most kids today don't even know who the Who were! They were one of the loudest British bands out there and, at the end of virtually every concert, Townshend would smash his guitar into the speakers and then on the floor destroying it. Roger Daltrey and Keith Moon would destroy the drum set. John Enwhistle would just stand quietly by watching them with an amused smile on his face. This all sparked audiences into absolute riots! This movie somehow manages to catch the violent but fun spirit of the Who and rock and roll itself. The performances are full of life and the Who come roaring out of the TV set. Also get a look at Keith Moon's hilariously fake drumming for TV shows! However this film is far from perfect. The songs aren't performed in chronological order or ANY order that I can see. They start with "My Generation" and "I Can't Explain" from the 1960s, jump to the late 1970s with "Baba O'Riley" then we're BACK in the 1960s with "Shout and Shimmey" and "Young Man Blues"! It's bewildering trying to figure out what the film is going to show next. Next--where are the songs from their second rock opera "Quadrophenia"? "The Real Me" and "Love Reign' Over Me" are two of the best Who songs ever. Next--why are all the interviews with Townshend and Moon? Don't Daltrey and Entwhistle have anything to say (maybe Entwhistle doesn't but Daltrey was VERY vocal in the groups heyday). Also cutting up the interviews into little pieces and spreading them throughout the film doesn't work. It keeps intruding into the songs.
Still this is an essential rock and roll film. It shows one of the loudest and most violent bands out there and shows how music used to be before MTV made everything family friendly. Try to see the restored 2003 DVD. The picture and sound are remastered and there's a whole disc of extra material!
If you're not a fan already you will be
michellemurmurs624411 August 2005
It's hard to think of another rock documentary that so perfectly manages to convey the reason why someone would spend years lovingly planning, writing, searching archives and putting together such a project. Fans have watched this thousands of times and love to show it to others so they too can appreciate the phenomenon that is The Who. First there are the unforgettable live performances. Included are classics from Monterey Pop and Woodstock. From the opening clip showing their legendary American TV debut on the Smothers Brothers to a hilarious group interview on the Russell Harty show it captures the band's endearingly outrageous sense of humor. From an early clip of them performing I Can't Explain to a mind blowing performance of Won't Get Fooled Again it provides one with the irrefutable proof that The Who are simply the most unforgettable live band the rock world has ever known. Get this today (the two-disc DVD is well worth the price for all the extras) and then get ready to make believers out your friends. Long live rock indeed.
Maximum R&B . . .YEEAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
eht5y9 July 2004
This 2-disc DVD is an absolute essential for any Who fan and perhaps the only documentary film ever made that captures the essence of rock'n'roll's importance to youth culture. Its brilliance largely belongs to the irresistibly appealing personalities and unparalleled live performances of the Who, but can also be partially attributed to director Jeff Stein, who was a nineteen year-old fledgling photographer and Who freak in 1978 when he persuaded the group to front him the cash to make a movie. What results is a warts 'n' all portrait of the most honest, inspired, and inspiring of rock's superheroes.
The film begins with the now-infamous performance of 'My Generation' on the Smothers Brothers show and never slows down. Included are hilarious outtakes of staged antics originally intended for a Monkees-style TV show that never aired, a wonderfully irreverent segment featuring John Entwistle using gold records for target practice on the lawn of his estate, priceless video and still photography of Keith Moon at his hotel room-smashing best, and vintage interview material with Townshend, charting his development from insolent young mod (at one point, when asked to comment on the relative quality of the Beatles' music by a smug British TV host, he refers to the Fab Four as "flippin' lousy") to a soul-searching artist trying to find meaningful space for himself in a form he fears he has outgrown. There are liberal doses from 'Tommy' and 'Who's Next,' but equal attention is paid to the group's early mod years and their more radio-friendly late-seventies era releases. Included in its entirety is the group's performance of 'A Quick One' from "The Rolling Stones' Rock 'n' Roll Circus," a TV show produced by the Stones which was never aired due to the Stones' opinion that they had been badly upstaged by the Who (only a fragment of the same clip was featured in the theatrical release of the film due to copyright restrictions). Surprisingly absent is any material from 'Quadrophenia,' an unexplained omission but one that doesn't really glare given that the footage is not arranged chronologically.
None of the Who's studio releases ever equaled their brilliance onstage, and Stein loads the film with impossibly hot concert footage, including mind-blowing performances (some borrowed from the Woodstock film) of live staples 'Young Man Blues,' 'Pinball Wizard,' 'See Me Feel Me/Listening to You,' and 'Sparks.'
Indirectly, 'The Kids are Alright' is also a cautionary tale: we see Moon transformed in a mere ten years from a lean young prankster into a bloated caricature of himself (Moon died shortly before the film was released; his last performance with the group was the concert at Shepperton Studios staged for the film at Jeff Stein's request). We see Townshend joking about his hearing loss and struggling with his fear of growing old and irrelevant. Entwistle dryly remarks, 'I'm too old to enjoy my money;' Roger Daltrey dismisses the cultural importance of rock music, stating flatly that 'it doesn't stand up.' Townshend confesses his frustration at the pressure he feels to satisfy the expectations of the group's army of frenzied fans. By the end, the group seems weary of itself and its overblown reputation.
Nevertheless, the film ends on a note of triumph, with a manic encore at Shepperton of "Won't Get Fooled Again," climaxing with a slo-mo shot of Townshend leaping and then sliding across the stage on his knees, followed by an end-credit coda of "Rock is Dead (Long Live Rock)". The DVD set includes director commentary, a recent interview with Daltrey, Who trivia quizzes, and isolated tracks of John Entwistle's extraordinary bass work on several classic tunes.
Definitive evidence of the Who's stature as one of the most influential and inimitable of the titans of rock. Anyone who loves the power and energy of a live rock performance will come away from this film slack-jawed and looking around for a guitar to smash.
The film begins with the now-infamous performance of 'My Generation' on the Smothers Brothers show and never slows down. Included are hilarious outtakes of staged antics originally intended for a Monkees-style TV show that never aired, a wonderfully irreverent segment featuring John Entwistle using gold records for target practice on the lawn of his estate, priceless video and still photography of Keith Moon at his hotel room-smashing best, and vintage interview material with Townshend, charting his development from insolent young mod (at one point, when asked to comment on the relative quality of the Beatles' music by a smug British TV host, he refers to the Fab Four as "flippin' lousy") to a soul-searching artist trying to find meaningful space for himself in a form he fears he has outgrown. There are liberal doses from 'Tommy' and 'Who's Next,' but equal attention is paid to the group's early mod years and their more radio-friendly late-seventies era releases. Included in its entirety is the group's performance of 'A Quick One' from "The Rolling Stones' Rock 'n' Roll Circus," a TV show produced by the Stones which was never aired due to the Stones' opinion that they had been badly upstaged by the Who (only a fragment of the same clip was featured in the theatrical release of the film due to copyright restrictions). Surprisingly absent is any material from 'Quadrophenia,' an unexplained omission but one that doesn't really glare given that the footage is not arranged chronologically.
None of the Who's studio releases ever equaled their brilliance onstage, and Stein loads the film with impossibly hot concert footage, including mind-blowing performances (some borrowed from the Woodstock film) of live staples 'Young Man Blues,' 'Pinball Wizard,' 'See Me Feel Me/Listening to You,' and 'Sparks.'
Indirectly, 'The Kids are Alright' is also a cautionary tale: we see Moon transformed in a mere ten years from a lean young prankster into a bloated caricature of himself (Moon died shortly before the film was released; his last performance with the group was the concert at Shepperton Studios staged for the film at Jeff Stein's request). We see Townshend joking about his hearing loss and struggling with his fear of growing old and irrelevant. Entwistle dryly remarks, 'I'm too old to enjoy my money;' Roger Daltrey dismisses the cultural importance of rock music, stating flatly that 'it doesn't stand up.' Townshend confesses his frustration at the pressure he feels to satisfy the expectations of the group's army of frenzied fans. By the end, the group seems weary of itself and its overblown reputation.
Nevertheless, the film ends on a note of triumph, with a manic encore at Shepperton of "Won't Get Fooled Again," climaxing with a slo-mo shot of Townshend leaping and then sliding across the stage on his knees, followed by an end-credit coda of "Rock is Dead (Long Live Rock)". The DVD set includes director commentary, a recent interview with Daltrey, Who trivia quizzes, and isolated tracks of John Entwistle's extraordinary bass work on several classic tunes.
Definitive evidence of the Who's stature as one of the most influential and inimitable of the titans of rock. Anyone who loves the power and energy of a live rock performance will come away from this film slack-jawed and looking around for a guitar to smash.
Box of chocolates
bob9988 May 2018
This "documentary"--I don't like using the word when talking about this film--is like a box of chocolates: there are delicious ones (live performances), and foul-tasting ones (those awful interviews with smug TV presenters). I looked at the booklet and whenever we were about to see Russell Harty or another one of his ilk I used the track skip button on my remote. I subtracted two stars for the interviews, thus 8/10.
The performances are glorious. I've never heard Entwhistle's bass sound so vibrant, and Moon is playing the hell out of the drums--great sound. Won't Get Fooled Again is my favourite song, it's given a great rendition here. Townshend is often inspired, Daltrey's in good voice. What a treat.
Great movie.... but a note on John Entwistle
dannyag27 January 2004
Great documentary on one of the great bands of my era. However, I can see a die-hard fan making a statement that is a little "over" stated. John Entwistle, for his time, was indeed a great bassist. A "virtuoso"?......I don't think so. "One of the greatest bass players that ever lived"? I doubt that too. For his time, JE WAS a great bassist. I would never presume to take anything away from him. Virtuoso? Hmmmmm...... Jeff Berlin, Jaco Pastorius, John Patitucci, Gary Grainger, Marcus Miller, Victor Bailey, Jonas Helbourg and Jeff Andrews... just to mention a few. I've missed quite a bit but I don't have the room to mention all the truly great bassists that have mastered the instrument.....notwithstanding the chopsmeisters Stanley Clarke and Victor L. Wooten.
Rock bassists have been growing consistently better over the years but I can't leave without mentioning Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Flea, Paul McCartny and of course, John Entwistle.
If anyone reads this and can honestly say that JE is in the same class as the above mentioned players, I urge them to listen to "Pump it" from Jeff Berlin (specifically "Joe Frazier-round two" and "Bach") and Jaco's first solo album with "Come on come over" on it. It will change your whole perspective on things. I promise!
Rock bassists have been growing consistently better over the years but I can't leave without mentioning Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Flea, Paul McCartny and of course, John Entwistle.
If anyone reads this and can honestly say that JE is in the same class as the above mentioned players, I urge them to listen to "Pump it" from Jeff Berlin (specifically "Joe Frazier-round two" and "Bach") and Jaco's first solo album with "Come on come over" on it. It will change your whole perspective on things. I promise!
can't ever find this to watch
edjdonnell30 January 2006
I saw this in 1979 at the movies, loved it, best rock doc i've ever seen, but i never seen it on TV or even in a video store, tons of other OK and so so, as well as garbage rock films, but can't seem to come across this one. this one I would love to see again. is it available on DVD? anyways I love the little videos, the magic bus one sticks out the most. the who without Kieth moon was just memory of what was, and this film shows the solidness of that group, you can't remove one, not even John Entwistle the ever quiet bass player, they are a group, made up of individual characters that form the one. like the Beatles. Looking forward to seeing this movie again, hopefully very soon. if not it was a good memory.
THIS MOVIE CHANGED MY LIFE !
slipkidder24 October 2003
What can you say about this movie other than it is the BEST "rock documentary" ever made?!
Not only does it capture the power and music of THE WHO, it captures their spirit, their humor, their personalities, everything that draws people to them as a "band".
From the hilarious opening of the band destroying their equipment on THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS show ("Dick, can i borrow your bass for a minute?") to the various live concert footage, to everything in between, this flick will have you "dancing in your seat", laughing out loud, or even perhaps now with the passage of time, shedding a tear for what was once the greatest band in the world.
LONG LIVE ROCK!! (Be it dead or alive)
Not only does it capture the power and music of THE WHO, it captures their spirit, their humor, their personalities, everything that draws people to them as a "band".
From the hilarious opening of the band destroying their equipment on THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS show ("Dick, can i borrow your bass for a minute?") to the various live concert footage, to everything in between, this flick will have you "dancing in your seat", laughing out loud, or even perhaps now with the passage of time, shedding a tear for what was once the greatest band in the world.
LONG LIVE ROCK!! (Be it dead or alive)
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