Woodstock (1970 – directed by Michael Wadleigh)
Let’s get the 1,000-pound gorilla out of the way. “Woodstock” is the granddaddy of all rock ’n’ roll concert films. What’s more, it won an Oscar for best documentary. Ready for three days of love, mud and music?

 

The Last Waltz (1978 – directed by Martin Scorsese)
“The Last Waltz” depicted the “farewell” concert by The Band, which took place on Thanksgiving Day 1976 at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom. But it’s not just The Band on stage, for the film also includes appearances by Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell in its star-studded lineup. With plenty of music interspersed with interviews of individual band members, this film is a treat on any Thanksgiving Day. Or any other time of the year.

 

The Song Remains The Same (1976 – Directed by Peter Clifton and Joe Massot)
“The Song Remains The Same” covers Led Zeppelin during three nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1973. For Zep fans living in Small Town, U.S.A., this was the first chance for them to see their heroes up close and personal on the concert stage. Plus, John Bonham’s 20-minute drum solo gave audiences ample time to refill their popcorn cups.

 

Concert For Bangladesh (1972 – directed by Saul Swimmer)
Before there was Live Aid, Live 8 and The Concert For New York, there was “The Concert For Bangladesh,” a film version of what is arguably the first star-studded benefit concert in the rock era. Spearheaded by Ravi Shankar and George Harrison, the concert was actually two shows – noon and 7 p.m. – at Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971. Along with George and Ravi, the lineup also included Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell and Badfinger’s Mike Gibbins and Pete Ham. Lessee … have we forgotten anyone? We’ve forgotten Billy Preston!

 

Gimme Shelter (1970 – directed by Albert Maysles and David Maysles)
Probably one of the most infamous concert films ever! “Gimme Shelter” documents the disaster that was the free concert starring The Rolling Stones at the Altamont Speedway near Tracy, Calif. Along with the Stones, the concert featured performances by San Francisco-based bands Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead.

But it was security for the show that caused controversy and, ultimately, disaster. With members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang providing security, this was hardly your usual concert. What’s more, at one point during the show an audience member is stabbed to death by a Hells Angel. If “Woodstock” documented 1960s peace and love, “Gimme Shelter” takes us to the dark side.

 

Stop Making Sense (1984 – directed by Jonathan Demme)
What’s not to love about this one? You get David Byrne back when he was still part of the Talking Heads. Depicting the Heads at its peak, it was shot over three nights on the band’s 1983 tour and was the first film made entirely with audio digital technology. The suit! The moves! The music!

 

Shine A Light (2008 – directed by Martin Scorsese)
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s The Rolling Stones. Again. With Martin Scorsese shooting yet another dynamite concert doc. Filmed at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on Oct. 29 and Dec. 1, 2006, not only does it give you performances by one of the greatest rock ’n’ roll bands ever, but it also shows you the give-and-take synergy between Scorsese and the band. Best quote? Scorsese: “We cannot set Mick Jagger on fire.”

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