Unexpected musical partnerships that rocked the charts
This film by Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey was shot at Warhol's studio, The Factory, on January 3, 1966. It's as cool as you'd expect it to be, and then some.
Lasting nearly three hours, this film contains Frank Zappa's 1977 Halloween concert at the Palladium Theater in New York City, as well as lots of other footage, including stop-motion clay animations.
The English indie rockers had their 2008 film directed by 'The IT Crowd' actor Richard Ayoade. The use of super 16mm film makes it look really cool. As for the music, expect all the anthems from the band's first two albums.
The city's prodigal son returns to Manchester Arena in this concert film on his 45th birthday in 2004. The homecoming gig is truly magical, with Morrisey performing his own songs as well as some hits from The Smiths.
Fans at the 2011 Fuji Rock Festival experienced a show of a lifetime. Luckily, so can you. 'Don’t Think' attests to why the English electronic music duo's live performances are so highly rated.
Playing London's Wembley Stadium is not for every band, but British rockers Muse sure pulled it off. And the proof is in this 2008 movie.
This film documents the Monterey International Pop Festival of 1967. The lineup included the likes of The Mamas and the Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, The Who, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Do you need more reasons to watch this?
The rock duo can be seen at their best during their tour of Canada in 2007. You will also get to see many Jack and Meg offstage moments.
The Band's farewell show in 1976 was turned into a documentary by Martin Scorsese. But this was no ordinary show, what with appearances by the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, and Van Morrison.
Oasis were absolutely huge in the mid-90s. This concert film captures exactly that, during three of the shows from their (What's the Story) Morning Glory? tour between 1995 and 1996.
The farewell show that never was took place at Madison Square Garden in November 2003. The place was packed and a number of A-list artists joined Jay-Z, including Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, and Pharrell, to name a few.
It could be the name of a vitamin C supplement, but instead it takes us back to the band's show at the Theatre Antique d'Orange in France in 1986. A must-watch for fans.
The movie covers two shows in 2005 at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Released a year later, the documentary/concert film features not only great songs, but also lots of stories by the acclaimed singer-songwriter.
Nirvana's 'MTV Unplugged' live album might be really popular, and it is indeed incredible, but it doesn't capture the band's most raw, visceral side. This 1991 performance does, and it's truly mind-blowing.
'Everything Live' captured the Welsh rockers' successful comeback following the disappearance of the band's guitarist Richey Edwards. It was 1997 and the Manics had really made it.
This 1972 performance is as epic as it gets when it comes to concert films. The band's performance at the Roman amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy, truly is haunting, particularly because there was no audience.
The Prodigy are known for their electrifying performances, and the thousands of fans present at this show in 2010 couldn't agree more. Keith Flint, Maxim Reality, and Liam Howlett really did something incredible together.
This circus-themed live movie was shot in 1968, but it was not released until 1996. In addition to the Stones, the concept concert film also includes performances by other music artists, including Jethro Tull, The Who, and John Lennon with Yoko Ono.
The band's farewell gig at NYC's Madison Square Garden is covered in this 2012 documentary film. It follows the group's front man, James Murphy, in the last 48 hours before the show.
In November 1987, Price fans could finally watch the artist's film. Footage was captured during five shows in Europe, but Prince wasn't happy about most of it, so he decided to recreate some material in his home studio. Talk about perfectionism, right?
The film was recorded during the band's performance on August 23, 2009, in Prague, Czech Republic. The British band handed flip cameras to the audience, and all the footage was covered by fans and edited by fans.
Released in 1984, the band's documentary film was recorded during three shows at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre and captures their amazing live performances. A budget of US$1.2m was set for developing digital audio technology for the movie, so it sounds really amazing, too!
This doc-concert movie was shot during the group's 1989 Green tour of North America. Unlike many other films at the time, there are no interviews or backstage footage, just lots of handheld camera shots and music.
This documentary film directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg captures the band's rehearsals and recording sessions for their last album, which took place in 1969. It gives fans insight into the group's dynamic and work ethic. Plus, it features songs that didn't make the album.
Director Martin Scorsese was the man responsible for the band's 2008 live film. It includes a mix of concert footage and backstage and archival clips. And there's even a duet with Christina Aguilera on the song 'Live With Me!'
The preparation for MJ's planned series of concerts in 2009 was captured in 'This Is It.' The King of Pop passed just 18 days before the first show, so this is quite a unique portrait of the artist's last days.
This concept concert film released in 1976 mixes live footage (captured in NYC) as well as backstage clips... and fantasy. Where else can you see Robert Plant playing a knight, right?
This 1964 concert film includes performances by a number of rock and R&B music artists, including Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, and The Supremes, to name a few. It's an incredible piece of music history and a definite must-watch!
Michael Wadleigh's 1970 legendary documentary 'Woodstock' went down in history in the same way the music festival that took place in August 1969 did. Barak Goodman's 2019 doc 'Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation' is also worth a watch.
Sources: (NME) (Rolling Stone) (Paste Magazine)
See also: Music artists who lied to fans about farewell tours
There is nothing quite like live music when it comes to experiencing what a music artist has to offer. Not only is there the musical element, but there is also the performance, which can really make a difference in some cases. Luckily, some of our favorite bands and solo acts had a few of their most iconic performances captured on film. In these movies, you'll see and listen to great shows, but also have access to really cool behind-the-scenes footage in some cases, not to mention lots of experimental stuff.
Curious? Click through this gallery to get to know some of greatest concert films of all time.
The greatest concert films of all time
From documentaries to concept shows
MUSIC Concert movies
There is nothing quite like live music when it comes to experiencing what a music artist has to offer. Not only is there the musical element, but there is also the performance, which can really make a difference in some cases. Luckily, some of our favorite bands and solo acts had a few of their most iconic performances captured on film. In these movies, you'll see and listen to great shows, but also have access to really cool behind-the-scenes footage in some cases, not to mention lots of experimental stuff.
Curious? Click through this gallery to get to know some of greatest concert films of all time.