5 Rockumentaries You Need to Watch
hether you’re a classic rock lover, a punk fan, or an indie aficionado, rockumentaries capture music’s greatest tales with all the twists and turns of a good movie (but with way better soundtracks). Here are some of the must-watch rockumentaries, featuring icons, underdogs, and unforgettable moments in rock history.
There’s something about rock documentaries—rockumentaries, if you will—that goes beyond the music. A great one plunges you into the grit, glory, and genius of rock, telling stories that redefine your understanding of the artists and their craft. Whether you’re a classic rock lover, a punk fan, or an indie aficionado, rockumentaries capture music’s greatest tales with all the twists and turns of a good movie (but with way better soundtracks). Here are some of the must-watch rockumentaries, featuring icons, underdogs, and unforgettable moments in rock history.
"Gimme Shelter" (1970) – The Rolling Stones and the Chaos of Altamont
Gimme Shelter is both a celebration and a cautionary tale. The film follows The Rolling Stones on their 1969 U.S. tour, culminating in the infamous Altamont Free Concert, where violence erupted, and a fan lost his life. Directed by the Maysles brothers and Charlotte Zwerin, this rockumentary delivers the unfiltered highs and lows of life on tour and highlights the darker side of the ‘60s rock revolution. It’s intense, raw, and unforgettable.
(Photo by Jimmy Wilds/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Watch it here:
"It Might Get Loud" (2008) – Guitar Legends, Unplugged and Unfiltered
This film is a guitar lover’s dream. It Might Get Loud brings together three generations of guitar greats: Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), The Edge (U2), and Jack White (The White Stripes). Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the documentary dives into the artists’ inspirations, techniques, and creative journeys. Watching Page riff on Zeppelin classics or White build his own instruments on the spot is pure rock-and-roll magic.
(Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)Watch it here:
"Foo Fighters: Back and Forth" (2011) – The Rise of a Modern Rock Icon
Dave Grohl, once the drummer for Nirvana, started Foo Fighters almost as a therapeutic solo project after Kurt Cobain’s death. Back and Forth covers their journey from this fragile beginning to becoming one of the biggest rock bands of the 2000s. Featuring interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and an inside look at their creative process, this rockumentary is essential for fans of modern rock.
(Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)Watch it here:
- Amazon Prime: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Foo-Fighters-Back-and-Forth/0KUQ3M8ERE3V9PWSUYT1UDKTRF
"History of the Eagles" (2013) – The Definitive Story of the Eagles
History of the Eagles offers a comprehensive, two-part look into one of America’s greatest rock bands. With candid interviews, rare footage, and the Eagles’ incredible discography as the soundtrack, this documentary dives into the highs and lows of the band’s storied career. From the early days to the explosive breakup and reunion, it’s a raw, honest portrayal of the music, the personalities, and the drama behind hits like Hotel California and Take It Easy. If you're a fan of the Eagles, or just love stories of classic rock, this one’s a must-watch.
(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)Watch it here:
- Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/eagles---history-of-the-eagles/umc.cmc.1ls8kaz1b8c00s82mt3y2zpbp
"Amy" (2015) – The Tragic Brilliance of Amy Winehouse
Though not classic rock in the traditional sense, Amy captures the soul and tragedy of one of music’s most extraordinary voices, Amy Winehouse. Directed by Asif Kapadia, the film uses interviews, home videos, and performances to create a deeply personal and haunting portrait of Winehouse’s rise and fall. The documentary goes beyond the headlines, offering a real look at the pressures and isolation that often come with fame.
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)Watch it here:
- Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.cea9f74c-1d40-b934-fa56-fc574943e6a7?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb
5 Rockumentaries You Need to Watch
Rockumentaries take us on stage, backstage, and deep into the lives of rock’s biggest legends. They’re more than just films—they’re stories of struggle, triumph, and unfiltered passion, revealing the grit behind the glory and the sacrifices made for the music. Each documentary on this list is a chance to see your favorite bands in their rawest form, from legendary live shows to intense studio sessions. If you're a fan of music, you're going to love these picks! Get ready to dive into the highs and lows that shaped the soundtrack of generations.
10 Iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction No-Shows
In the nearly four decades history of Rock Hall induction ceremonies, there have been a number of no-shows by inductees. Some of them were due to health or other personal reasons. Others? Not so much.
Here are ten examples of no-shows in the history of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
But First, What To Expect From The 2024 Rock Hall Induction Ceremony
There will be very few no-shows at the 2024 Rock Hall induction ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 19 at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. As previously reported, the 2024 ceremony will live stream on Disney+. An edited special will air on ABC at a later date, which will be available on Hulu the next day.
This year features a diverse slate of performers being inducted. They include Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest. Other artists being honored with the Musical Excellence Award and the Musical Influence Award include Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton.
So far, the breakdown of presenters and additional performers is proving that the 2024 induction ceremony is setting itself up to be a banner year. Here's a breakdown of the guest lineup:
The Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia
Daniel Boczarski/Getty ImagesWhen the Grateful Dead was inducted in 1994, Garcia apparently wasn’t too fond of the entire concept of the Hall of Fame, which is why he sat out the induction ceremony. The rest of the band attended. Why is this notorious? The band brought a cardboard cut-out of Garcia to stand in his place. Hilarious!
Ike & Tina Turner
Len Trievnor/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesTina Turner sat out the 1991 induction ceremony because she no longer wanted to be associated with abusive ex-husband, Ike Turner. This is completely understandable and one of many reasons Tina should be inducted as a solo artist, but that’s another rant for another day. Ike’s reason for not attending? He was in jail serving a four-year sentence for cocaine possession, which admittedly is a great excuse for not showing up somewhere.
Grace Slick
McCarthy/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesSo, what was Slick’s reason for skipping out on Jefferson Airplane’s induction in 1996? She said, “All rock and rollers over age 50 look stupid and should retire.” Whether you agree with her or not, you have to give the woman props for sticking to her words, because Slick has maintained a very low profile for many years now.
Paul McCartney
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesWhen The Beatles were inducted into the Rock Hall in 1988, McCartney sat out the induction due some then-ongoing issues around songwriting royalties. In a statement, Macca said, "After 20 years, the Beatles still have some business differences, which I had hoped would have been settled by now. Unfortunately, they haven’t been, so I would feel like a complete hypocrite waving and smiling with them at a fake reunion." Of course, he would go on to attend his own solo induction in 1999 and induct John Lennon in 1994 and Ringo Starr in 2015 for their solo work.
Three out of Five Members of Van Halen
Peter Kramer/Getty ImagesThis one was just a hot mess! Van Halen was part of the Rock Hall’s 2007 class, and around that time there was a whole slew of drama going on in the band. (Surprise!) For starters, David Lee Roth was back in, but Michael Anthony was kicked out and replaced with Eddie Van Halen’s then 15-year-old son, Wolfgang. Oh, and Eddie needed to go to rehab. Once the dust settled, all who showed up to the ceremony were Anthony and Sammy Hagar.
Roger Waters
Jemal Countess/Getty ImagesPink Floyd were part of the 1996 induction class, but there were still major tensions in the band due to a 1986 lawsuit in which Waters lost against David Gilmour and Nick Mason over the use of their band name. The band would eventually reunite in 2005 for the Live 8 benefit concert.
Sex Pistols
Graham Wood/Evening Standard/Getty ImagesThe punk icons refused to attend their induction in 2006 in protest of the exorbitant cost for acts to attend, which can be upwards of tens of thousands of dollars per table. They did, however, send a note, which contained the intro, "Next to the Sex Pistols, rock and roll and that Hall of Fame is a piss stain." It was read out loud by 'Rolling Stone' founder/Rock Hall Board Member Jann Wenner to the delight of the crowd in attendance.
Rod Stewart
Lisa Maree Williams/Getty ImagesRod Stewart is a two-time Rock Hall inductee, but he's missed both of his inductions. When he was inducted for his solo work in 1994, he opted to stay home with his children due to a major earthquake that hit Los Angles where they lived. When he was inducted as part of the Faces in 2012, he was planning on attending and performing with the band but the contracted strep-throat and couldn't speak. Apparently, some guys don't have all the luck.
Axl Rose
Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesGuns N' Roses were part of the 2012 induction class, but Axl wanted no part. In a statement shortly before the ceremony, Rose said, "I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor my anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf. Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of 'Guns N' Roses.'" Considering the crazy success of the GN'R's "Not In This Lifetime" reunion tour, this statement has aged awkwardly.
David Bowie
Bryan Bedder/Getty ImagesLeave it to David Bowie give the Rock Hall the coldest of shoulders and perhaps lay the groundwork for ghosting. Bowie was announced as part of the 1996 induction class, however, he was touring in Europe during the time of the ceremony. The strangest thing though was that he never released a statement about the induction or even acknowledged its existence. Cold blooded or badass? You decide!
