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According to Deadline, Sean Ono Lennon, the pair’s son, has overseen the audio remastering of the One to One concert, having fulfilled a similar role on various Lennon remasters in recent years. The benefit concert was played twice, with the afternoon show featuring more songs than the evening show. Among the songs played across both shows are ‘Power to the People’, ‘Instant Karma!’, and ‘Give Peace a Chance’. The remastering of the audio suggests that an accompanying album could be released alongside the documentary, possibly a remaster of ‘Live in New York City’, which was recorded at the concert.

  Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley saw the film as “a revelation,” while director Kevin Macdonald described the documentary as “a movie about music and love and politics and about immersing yourself in the year of 1972—a period in time that feels uncannily like the world we are currently inhabiting.”

The documentary focuses on Lennon and Yoko’s time living in Greenwich Village, which was the happening place on the US’s East Coast. It had become the centre of countercultural movements in the late 60s, and was the birthplace of Beat poetry. The pair were a natural fit for the artist’s haven, and were both involved in protesting through their bed-ins and their own form of  resistance, ‘bagism’.  

Given the period that will be covered, fans should be expecting the documentary to explore Lennon’s relationship with the Nixon administration. His outspoken criticism of the US president and anti-war stance landed him in various deportation meetings, and it was revealed after his death that he had been closely monitored by the FBI, with the files eventually being released to the public.

Today in Rock History December 20, 2006 The FBI release documents related to their investigation of John Lennon in the early ‘70s. The Nixon administration thought Lennon, an anti-war (Vietnam) advocate, was aiding left wing causes and therefore an undesirable alien.… pic.twitter.com/XWfxqx3jWy — Rock History Live! (@KTrain939913) December 20, 2023

The trailer, along with the earlier teaser, suggests candid moments between the couple will play a big role. It was the intimate, behind-the-scenes moments that made ‘The Beatles: Get Back’ and ‘Beatles ‘64’ as insightful as they were, and early reviews from the documentary suggest that viewers won’t be let down. 

 The reception to the film from its limited film festival last year was overwhelmingly positive, earning the film a Metacritic score of 82. Reviewing the film for The Guardian, Xan Brooks gave it four out of five stars and said, “If only more nostalgic music documentaries could muster such a fun, fierce, and full-blooded take on old, familiar material. One to One, against the odds, makes Lennon feel somehow vital again.”

The documentary will receive a theatrical run in the UK. It will be released on IMAX on 9 April, before expanding to smaller theatres on 11 April. The full list is available here, along with dates.

With its mix of unseen footage, remastered concert audio, and political intrigue, One to One: John and Yoko will appeal to fans of the ex-Beatle as much as those interested in the social and political history of the early 70s.

The documentary includes interviews with Collins recorded in Vevey, Switzerland, in October 2022, just months after his retirement from touring in March. This followed Genesis’ final performance at London’s O2 Arena, marking the end of an era for the legendary group.

Joining Collins in these interviews is his son, Nic, who served as drummer for his father’s later tours. Their discussions dive deeply into the specifics of drumming techniques and iconic fills, with Nic reflecting on stepping into his father’s role. One interviewee remarks: “What other sixteen-year-old could do those Genesis parts?” showing just how crucial Nic’s lifelong connection to his father’s music was in him earning his role.

The documentary traces Collins’ journey from receiving his first drum at age three to joining Genesis in 1970 after responding to an advert in music newspaper, Melody Maker. Peter Gabriel, then the band’s lead singer, reportedly recognised Collins’ talent instantly.

The film also explores the development of Collins’ signature drumming style, a blend of traditional acoustic kits and electronic pads, which helped define the sound of hits like ‘Invisible Touch’. Reflecting on his transition to lead vocalist following Gabriel’s departure, Collins commented, “I’m a drummer who also sings,” downplaying his rise as a frontman despite his theatrical experience undoubtedly bolstering his confidence.

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Iconic moments from his solo career feature prominently. The creation of “In the Air Tonight,” including its iconic drum fill, is unpacked. Collins revealed that the now-famous fill wasn’t part of the original demo but came later, becoming a defining element of his sound. During his time as a record producer, Collins was asked to do an “In the Air Tonight’ fill more than once.  

The documentary delves into the making of ‘Easy Lover’, his chart-topping collaboration with Philip Bailey. Written during Bailey’s album sessions, the track was initially dubbed ‘Tuesday Lover’ before its evolution into a worldwide hit.  

Health issues also form a key part of the narrative. Collins dislocated vertebrae in his neck during a 2007 Genesis reunion tour, resulting in nerve damage that made drumming impossible. “After playing drums for 50 years, I’ve had to stop,” he said in 2009. Multiple surgeries followed, and he performed his final tours seated, with Nic taking over drumming duties.  

The physical toll of drumming is further discussed by contributors like Liberty DeVitto, Billy Joel’s longtime drummer. “I’ll deal with it later. We [felt like we] were invincible” DeVitto remarked, addressing the attitude toward the health of drummers of Collins’ generation.

Growing up, many of my most exciting musical memories involved Phil Collins and Genesis. I can’t wait to watch this documentary. — Mark Hexton (@Hammerhexy) December 12, 2024

Drumeo’s production, created for its 4.4 million YouTube subscribers, combines these interviews with archival footage. The Drumeo YouTube channel’s most watched videos feature Jonathan Moffett, Michael Jackson’s drummer, who discusses his iconic drum parts, and personal stories about Jackson. Moffett also features in the Phil Collins documentary.

@mjmediafanaccount Video Credit: @Drumeo channel on YouTube. Michael Jackson’s Drummer, Jonathan Moffett performing Beat It and Smooth Criminal. He worked with Michael Jackson for thirty years and also performed on several tours as well. He is great! #michaeljackson #jonathanmoffett #drums #beatit #smoothcriminal #viral ♬ Beat It – Michael Jackson

As Collins reflects on a 50-year career, he’s philosophical about his retirement. “If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything.”

Phil Collins: Drummer First captures the impact of a musical icon across the years, offering viewers a detailed tribute to his journey and legacy that will leave you wanting to listen to all of his greatest hits.

Although John didn’t provide a timeline or hint at potential collaborators, his comment has sparked excitement, especially in light of recent health challenges. Earlier in the interview, Colbert opened by asking, “How are you feeling?” to which John replied, “I’m feeling very, very well. My health is great… never been healthier. I had a little problem with my eyes, but compared to most people, I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

Elton John’s eye health has been a significant topic in recent months. In July, while in the south of France, he suffered a severe eye infection that left him blind in his right eye and struggling with vision in his left. In a November interview with Good Morning America, John elaborated, saying, “It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see… going into the studio and recording, I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start.”

Elton John revealed that he’s blind out of his right eye after developing an infection over the summer, which has affected his ability to make new music. https://t.co/NUMi60KkCe pic.twitter.com/ateZa8ujAO

— New York Post (@nypost) November 25, 2024

Despite this, John has remained optimistic. On Instagram in September, he shared that recovery would be a “slow process” but expressed gratitude for his medical team and family. At the premiere of his documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, he even joked about his health, adding, “In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip.”

John’s health news coincides with the release of Never Too Late, now streaming on Disney+. The documentary interweaves footage of John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, which concluded in Sweden in 2023, with reflections on his meteoric rise in the 1970s. The film highlights his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, his iconic stage collaboration with John Lennon, and personal struggles, including his battles with addiction and his journey towards self-acceptance. This isn’t his first collaboration with Disney+, with the streaming giant releasing Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodgers Stadium back in 2022.

 

 

 

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While the documentary captures John’s transformation into one of music’s greatest showmen, it also showcases his quieter, more personal side, featuring moments with his husband, David Furnish, and their family. During the Colbert interview, John reflected on his early career, advising his younger self to avoid “wasting his life on the most stupid things,” a nod to his sobriety and eventual reinvention.

Although John has stepped away from touring, his announcement of new music offers fans a glimpse of what’s to come. With a legacy spanning over five decades, his ability to remain current and creative is admirable. As John said himself, “I always want to create things,” and his fans are ready to listen.

While the documentary remains untitled, Fleetwood Mac’s Instagram hinted at a possible connection to their iconic 1977 album, Rumours, with the caption: “It’s not a Rumour.” A release date has not yet been announced.

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The project promises to chronicle Fleetwood Mac’s tumultuous 50-year journey, from the meeting in 1974 (the most recognisable line-up) all the way through to the present day. The film will delve into the band’s personal and professional highs and lows, including the interpersonal drama that inspired much of Rumours.

The 1977 album Rumours became one of the best selling albums of all-time, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide. In fact, it was the tenth best-selling album on vinyl in 2023, with 323,000 certified sales. The album is well-known for its lyrical content which addresses the personal turmoils of the musicians. Take ‘Dreams’ by Stevie Nicks, and ‘Go Your Own Way’ by Lindsey Buckingham; both address the pair’s breakup from different viewpoints.

Director Frank Marshall, whose work includes acclaimed music documentaries like ‘The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart‘, expressed his admiration for Fleetwood Mac’s ability to transform their chaotic personal lives into timeless music. “This will be a film about the music and the people who created it,” he said.

The creative team also includes Emmy-winning writer Mark Monroe, who previously collaborated with Marshall on Disney+ show ‘The Beach Boys’. Producers Nicholas Ferrall and Jeanne Elfant Festa, who have both worked with Marshall and Monroe before, are on board as well.

Fans can expect exclusive new interviews with band members Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks, as well as archival footage of the late Christine McVie. The film aims to explore the chemistry between the group and their creative process, which has helped them sell over 140 million records worldwide.

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The announcement comes as Apple TV+ continues to expand its music documentary catalogue, following hits like ‘Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me’ and ‘Beastie Boys Story’. This may be Apple’s strategy to compete with Disney+ and Netflix, both of whom have found success with shows like ‘The Beatles: Get Back’ and ‘Wham!’.

Fleetwood Mac remains culturally relevant, even with a much younger audience, with their song ‘Dreams’ going viral on TikTok in 2020 thanks to a video of a man skateboarding with cranberry juice. The band’s popularity ensures a well-established audience for the documentary, tapping into a streaming trend driven by nostalgia.

@420doggface208

♬ Dreams (2004 Remaster) – Fleetwood Mac

A 2021 Vice report on the rise of music documentaries and biopics attributes their success to familiar fan bases and easy accessibility. However, the genres face challenges of oversaturation, as seen with the mixed reception to recent biopics such as, ‘Bob Marley: One Love’. With Christine McVie’s passing in 2022, any possibility of a full reunion has been ruled out. This film will likely serve as the band’s definitive statement, offering glimpses of some of the most definitive moments in the history of the group, and could be some of the last original material we see of them.

Not *The* Fleetwood Mac, though. The second Fleetwood Mac.

— Angus (@gibsona07) November 19, 2024

On X (formerly Twitter), one user questioned the absence of Peter Green in Apple’s announcement. The guitarist was one of the founders of the original incarnation of the group, which was called ‘Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac’. He left the group in 1970 after struggling with his mental health, and was diagnosed with schizophrenia four years later.

While we don’t know exactly when the documentary will drop, or even what it will be called, there is already a considerable amount of excitement online. With Marshall, Monroe, and the rest of the team leading the project, this will be a must-watch for any music fan.

Original members Steve Scipio (bass) and Patrick Patterson (guitar) had previously jammed together in the jazz fusion group Metre. The love affair with music began when Scipio had followed his family as a young boy from Guyana to Balham in South London in 1963, soon befriending Patterson who at the time was developing a real passion for rock music. Scipio, however, was a jazz lover, and took up bass. Before they knew it, they were enlisting other members to join them on their quest to tackle the British jazz circuit.

After a series of gigs at universities and working man’s clubs in the north, the dream had seemingly been snuffed out after drummer Phil Gibbs upped sticks and moved to Australia, pushing the duo to find a more permanent home – this time, at the prestigious Ronnie Scott’s in Soho. The pair were discovered by British R&B singer John Schroeder after he had stumbled upon them upstairs during rehearsals. Schroeder decided to take them under his wing, recording some of their demos and convincing Janus Records to sign them.

Cymande’s name derives from the calypso word for ‘dove’, which also shares the same name and lies in duality with one of their more known tracks, which followed their first single ‘The Message’. Once released into the ether, the group quickly began to make a name for themselves across the pond, with the song charting in the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B charts in the United States – a quasi-jazz-funk groove with hints of reggae that captured their essence perfectly. This quickly extended into invitations to tour with iconic American acts such as Al Green, funk-rock band Mandrill and jazz musician Ramsey Lewis.

Despite all of the buzz surrounding them, disagreements on style began to creep to the surface. Original lead singer Ray King’s departure pushed him to guide other artists on their journeys to success, including the formation of The Specials, and inevitably led him to be replaced by Joey Dee.

With a mixed Afro-Caribbean heritage, there was a real sense of community, with sometimes up to eight or nine members of the group interchangeably. Boasting a rich cultural identity and symbiotic relationship, the group were able to explore their sound a little deeper. ‘Brothers On The Slide’ was then born, and the group began to take over. Unbeknownst to them, Cymande had become the soundtrack to summer outings in the park, sticky basement jams and nightclubs throughout New York. By the turn of the 90s, their sound had grown particularly popular during the dawn of the hip-hop and house scene and had spread across numerous genres, with musicians like the Fugees and Wu-Tang Clan scrambling to sample them. Flattered by the recognition from different artists, the group have been promoting a specially curated Spotify playlist that includes all of the songs that have sampled their music.

Fast-forward to 2024, Cymande have embraced the digital age with open arms, taking to Instagram to announce their 2024 European and Australian tour, as well as a performance at O2 Shepherd’s Bush in London on April 20. The group said: “Our April show at @abconcerts in Brussels is now SOLD OUT. Thank you all very much. It’s been thrilling to see the excitement from all of you around this tour. Tickets are moving very quickly for Amsterdam and London so don’t miss out!”

The first page in a remarkable new chapter, the band have also unveiled the upcoming release of their own documentary Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande which was first launched at film festivals in 2022. Directed by Tim Mackenzie-Smith, the documentary is said to tell the ultimate musical survival story, transporting you from 70s Brixton to 90s New York to a present revival decades later.

Showcasing their legacy, influence and cult following throughout the ages, it will also feature interviews with Mark Ronson, Laura Lee and Mark Speer (Khruangbin), DJ Maseo (De La Soul), Jazzie B (Soul II Soul), Cut Chemist, Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Louie Vega and Kool DJ Red Alert.

Getting It Back will touch down in UK and Irish cinemas on February 16 2024, with tickets available to pre-book now. The film will be screened in select theatres, including BFI (Southbank), Bertha DocHouse, Ritzy, Ealing Picturehouse, Picturehouse FACT, Hackney Picturehouse, Picturehouse Central, West Norwood Picturehouse, and many more to come.

Sharing their excitement surrounding the film’s premiere, the band commented: “We are thrilled to announce that Getting It Back: The Story Of Cymande will premiere at @britishfilminstitute Southbank in London on February 13th! That event will feature a Q&A and an after party as well...Come celebrate with us!”

An inspiration to musicians around the globe, Cymande’s discography has clearly stood the test of time, and with bands like Ezra Collective being crowned Mercury Prize winners, it appears there is a welcomed return of jazz and funk to the UK soundscape. Voiced in a statement posted on their official website, the band are said to be “currently working on new music to be released later in 2024.” You can listen to and browse through Cymande’s musical history here.

The documentary will go globally live on Netflix on the 5th April, 2023. Named “Lewis Capaldi; How I’m Feeling Now“, the film is in partnership with Netflix, BMG and Pulse Films and executive produced by Independent Entertainment, BMG and Quickfire Films.

The fact that the creation of the documentary started around four years ago, it picks up insights of the singers most crucial moments facing towards his career. It captures Capaldi’s struggle as a young pop artist, holding an absurd weight of fame on his shoulders he had to balance a life within his household. It shows a battle for normality, the making of a new album and the representation of the latter in his own words. It is essentially about the popstar going back to his roots and reconnecting with the life he had before.

Ever since the scottish singer released his debut album Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent back in 2019 he’s kicked off on a ceaseless streak. Becoming a worldwide best seller, it will be interesting to delve into unseen footage and stories. It is a chance for Capaldi to showcase where the interesting character he is, comes from.

Not long after the documentary release, we will also be granted with a follow up release from his debut album. The scotsman will be releasing a studio album Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent only fourteen days later on the 19th May, 2023. The emotional rollercoaster has taken a hold on him, bearing in mind the circumstances, and sits clearly in his upcoming sound to be released. He mentions “I don’t want to create a new sound for myself, or reinvent myself. The songs I want to write are emotional songs, about love or loss.”

To fully air tighten the bag, he started his Worldwide tour earlier this year. Following up with his two big project releases, he set off this January on his journey. Starting in Leeds at the Direct Arena on the 14th January he has not stopped since. On the 30th March he will be crossing the pond to tour through the US, to then come back over to Italy, Switzerland, Australia, following onto the UK and finally finishing off in Athens, Greece on the 16th September. A journey and a half, that’s for sure.

Click here to pre order his album.
Click here for tickets.

UK Tour Dates:

01/07/2023 – Chepstow Racecourse – Chepstow
25/08 – Wythenshawe Park – Manchester
26/08 – Reading Festival – Reading
27/08 – Leeds Festival – Leeds
30/08 – Royal Highland Centre – Edinburgh
01/09 – Royal Highland Centre – Edinburgh
03/09 – Vital – Belfast

The Music Walk Of Fame founder Lee Bennett has given the following statement concerning Bowie’s induction, “David Bowie is a global influence, one of the ultimate influencers, and sooner or later we had to have him on the Music Walk Of Fame. Our intention is for this to be the highest honour a music figure can receive in the UK and beyond; the unveiling of David’s stone ensures that legacy. We have huge plans for the future, but for now let’s celebrate one of the greats of music.”

The legendary artist’s influence and legacy is firmly cemented within modern popular music; Bowie’s presence is also felt in all avenues within arts, culture and the entrainment industry. Born David Robert Jones in 1947 in London, the late singer would have celebrated his 75th Birthday this year. The singer tragically passed away in 2016 from cancer just days after releasing his 26th and final album, Blackstar.

Bowie’s posthumous induction into the Music Walk Of Fame means that the singer joins the ranks of the UK’s most beloved artists. Those already incorporated within the curated experience include The Who, Soul II Soul, Ska group Madness and iconic singer and Camden favourite Amy Winehouse. The Music Walk Of Fame first opened its doors in November 2019; the first act to receive a stone was The Who, the “Pinball Wizard” group was inducted during its launch. The following year, Madness and Amy Winehouse were honoured with a stone on the popular Camden walk.

MOONAGE DAYDREAM ALBUM PRESS RELEASE – See the film then listen to the musical accompaniment. Go here https://t.co/lXqBTQ5m8q or see LinkTree for full press release with tracklisting and pre-order links. #BowieMoonageDaydreamFilm #BowieMoonageDaydreamAlbum pic.twitter.com/ubjnU1gjF0

— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) August 25, 2022

After Bowie’s upcoming induction ceremony, the new film Moonage Daydream will hold its exclusive release in IMAX cinemas. The forthcoming feature will start its initial cinematic release at IMAX theatres on 16th September 2022; Moonage Daydream will be available to watch at UK cinemas on 23rd September 2022. Directed by Brett Morgen, the film has been described as a “feature-length experiential cinematic odyssey” which “explores Bowie’s creative, musical and spiritual journey.”

A statement concerning the upcoming release states, “Moonage Daydream illuminates the life and genius of David Bowie, one of the most prolific and influential artists of our time. The motion picture reveals the celebrated icon through his own voice and features 48 musical tracks, mixed from their original stems.”

A press release for the film describes Moonage Daydream as “a project that shows how Bowie himself worked across several disciplines, not just music and film but also dance, painting, sculpture, video and audio collage, screenwriting, acting and live theatre.”

Morgen is best known for his recent work within Montage Of Heck, the new Kirt Cobain documentary. In November 2021, it was reported that Morgen had dedicated four years to viewing and researching exclusive footage of Bowie for an upcoming project profiling the late artist. The press release states that Morgen was bestowed “unfiltered access to Bowie’s personal archives, including all master recordings, to create an artful and life-affirming film that takes the audience on a journey through Bowie’s creative life. Morgen has constructed a sublime cinematic experience that will provide audiences with unrestricted access to Bowie’s personal archives.” 

Bernard MacMahon’s stated this due to Led Zeppelin’s rapid rise to fame and their largely undocumented career. Bernard MacMahon was therefore reliant on both archived visual and audio material being identified and restored before the Documentary could be made.

If you think of an early Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Band, Led Zeppelin is your Go-to Band. Led Zeppelin was formed in 1968 and it has been said that their musical influences derive from Blues and Folk Music’ in particular.

The Led Zeppelin lineup consisted of Roger Plant (Lead Vocalist), Jimmy Page (Guitarist), John Paul Jones (Bassist/Keyboardist) and the late John Bonham (Drummer) who is to also feature in the Documentary.

The sad passing of John Bonham led to the disbanding of Led Zeppelin, although they reunited briefly in the 1980s. Led Zeppelin has released 8 Studio Albums, 4 live Albums and 9 Compilation Albums throughout their career. Led Zeppelin provided their consent for the release of their Documentary after 53 years.

The Documentary “Becoming Led Zeppelin” was first announced on May 19 for Led Zeppelin’s 50th Anniversary in 2018.  The Documentary will feature new interviews by remaining band members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. Archived interviews featuring the late John Bonham are also included in the Documentary.

It has been reported that the remaining band members of Led Zeppelin felt confident with tasking the making of their Documentary to Bernard MacMahon following the success of his Documentary Series “American Epic“.

Led Zeppelin has announced their comeback and is set to release a new Studio Album on September 21. They have also announced a World Tour with Ringo Starr as their Drummer. There are no dates confirmed at this time.

Although the Documentary “Becoming Led Zeppelin” is complete, there is no release date for the long-awaited Documentary.