Let There Be Rock
Let There Be Rock
29 April – 5 June 2011
'Let There Be Rock' brings together a wide range of documentaries and feature films capturing the rebellious spirit of rock music culture. The program features intimate portraits of bands and musicians, showcasing their magnetic stage presence and musical talents, as well as the fans, collaborations and locations that surround them. Wild experiments with rock operas and musicals illustrate the blending of rock music and cinema into a unique film genre. Concert films and live recordings capture bands in full flight and the transformation of stage performances into visceral experiences. Iconic music events caught on film also chronicle rare pieces of music history and their ensuring influence on new generations of music fans.
Friday night sessions
Selected Friday night screenings will be accompanied by a 15 minute live musical performance. Local musicians will, interpret and respond to the chosen film with short sets prior to the screening. These performances are included as part of the ticket. Click here to view the programs for the upcoming Friday night sessions.
Tickets
Adult $9 | 5-film pass $36
Concession $7 | 5-film pass $28
Members+ $6 | 5-film pass $24
Tickets available for purchase in advance through Qtix* or at the GoMA Box Office from 1 hour prior to film screenings^
A 5-film pass entitles you to either 5 tickets to one film screening or 5 tickets to 5 different films. 5-film passes are for pre-selected sessions only. If you are selecting more than one film, all films must be chosen in advance to different films at the time of purchase.
* Booking fees apply ^ Subject to availability
+ Discount available to Gallery and Foundation Members
Let There Be Rock
Gallery Members
Exclusive Discounts
Gallery Members receive discounted tickets to 'Let There Be Rock' – $6 per film or $24 for a five-film pass.
Special Event
'Let There Be Rock' – Members premiere
5.00-6.00pm, Friday 29 April, Members Lounge, GoMA
Celebrate the opening night of 'Let There Be Rock'. Join us for a drink in the GoMA Members Lounge before viewing one or both of the opening night films, Emmett Malloy's The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights 2009 Ages 18+ and Anton Corbijn's biopic on Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis, Control 2007 MA 15+.
The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights
2009 Ages 18+ screens at 6.00pm
Control 2007 MA 15+ screens at 8.00pm
Bookings required | $15 Gallery Members (one film) | $22 Members' guests (one film) | $20 Gallery Members (both films) | $30 Members' guests (both films) (includes a drink on arrival, light refreshments and film ticket/s) | Please call (07) 3840 7278 to RSVP by Wednesday 20 April (places are limited) or book online
Become a Gallery Member
For more information on programs and special events for Gallery Members, or to join online, please visit the Gallery Member pages.
*Limited time, offer available to new Members only until Friday 3 June 2011. Film pass is valid for 5 'Let There Be Rock' screenings.
Jack and Meg White perform throughout Canada, including spontaneous appearances on buses, in cafes and for a Native American Indian community. Interviews introduce the voice of the band: “I think the biggest misconception about us is that every single thing about The White Stripes is premeditated. The music is really completely in charge of us.”
The troubled genius of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis is given a luminous intensity in this moving biopic by rock photographer turned filmmaker Anton Corbijn. Sam Riley's portrayal of the enigmatic Curtis is mesmerising in the film’s fevered live performances.
Hailed as one of the best concert films, The Last Waltz captures The Band’s final performance as they are joined on stage by friends and collaborators including Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.
David Bowie’s final performance as Ziggy Stardust in 1973 at London’s Hammersmith Odeon Theatre. The sedate and relaxed backstage preparations are contrasted by Bowie's Ziggy persona as he belts out electrifying renditions of 'Changes', 'Space Oddity' and 'Ziggy Stardust'.
Heralding the end to the summer of love, Gimme Shelter chronicles The Rolling Stones in full flight during their 1969 tour of the USA. The band’s engaging and feverish performances as well as candid behind the scenes negotiations are contrasted by the death of a fan at the infamous Altamont Free Concert.
Miniature Stonehenge, amps that go up to 11 and drummers exploding on stage! Filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) follows British heavy metal group Spinal Tap backstage throughout the USA as they throw hissy fits and let it all hang out while promoting their album “Smell the Glove”.
Ex-con Vince Everett’s (Elvis Presley) unsuccessful musical audition is enough to catch the eye of a record company scout who coaches him into becoming a star and through the shark pit of the recording industry.
Pink Floyd's surreal and impassioned rage against fascism, alienation and the commercialisation of music uses highly stylised memories and hallucinations to chart the growth of Pink (Bob Geldof) into the troubled rock star he is in the present day.
Women from the feminist punk Riot Grrrl movement discuss the impact of their gender on making music and how picking up a guitar can be a radical act. Includes Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre), Toshi Reagon, Gretchen Phillips, Kim Coletta (Jawbox, DeSoto Records), Shirlé Hale (Gerty, Womyn of Destruction).
A spotlight on the Seattle grunge scene during the early 1990s, Hype! includes performances and interviews with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Mudhoney as well as rare footage of the first time Nirvana performed 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'.
DiG! tracks the friendship and rivalry of Courtney Taylor of The Dandy Warhols and Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. At first coming together with their shared vision of distinguishing themselves from a commercially driven music industry, eventually their creative differences drive them apart.
The last weeks before Christ's crucifixion is given the rock opera treatment with a hippy Mary Magdalene, a purple singlet wearing Roman centurions through to afros, tight bell bottoms and the classic musical numbers 'Everything's Alright', 'What's the Buzz' and 'Superstar'.
Hair follows Claude, a Vietnam draftee on the way to his army induction. He is initiated into the world of draft dodging, free love, drugs and liberal values through songs which include ‘Aquarius’, ‘What A Piece of Work Is Man’ and ‘Somebody To Love’.
An intimate look into Bruce Springsteen's writing and recording process for the defining 1978 album. Featuring footage from the recording studio, the film reveals a creatively prolific and considered Springsteen.
Interviews with Hendrix's musical peers, family and friends, including Little Richard, Eric Clapton, Lou Reed and Germaine Greer are peppered with a selection of Hendrix's legendary performances including the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival and 1967 Monterey Pop Festival guitar sacrifice.
Three teenage girls battle it out in the world of rock music not ready for an all girl punk band in this 80s cult classic that would go on to inspire the riot grrrl movement of the 1990s. Their on-stage mantra: 'We're The Stains and we don't put out'.
Shot in grainy muted colours, Miroir Noir offers short glimpses into Arcade Fire's performances and recording throughout 2006 and 2007. The film plays like a collection of images and ideas that surrounded the creation and recording process of the bands acclaimed album “Neon Bible”.
Set amid the mod and rocker conflict of 1960s England, teenage malcontent Jimmy Cooper becomes thoroughly disillusioned with societies expectations of him and turns to drugs, girls and the mod lifestyle.
The Beatles first movie showcases the charm of John, Paul, George and Ringo as they joke and perform while being pursued by fans. The musical-mockumentary features 'I Wanna Be Your Man', 'Can't Buy Me Love' and 'She Loves You'.
The late Michael Hutchence and former front men for INXS stars as a musician and junkie in the seedy world of 1970s Melbourne counter-culture punk scene. Soundtrack includes Iggy Pop, Boys Next Door, Brian Eno and Gang of Four.
In 2006 Sigur Ros returned to Iceland to play impromptu concerts across the country. With stunning cinematography, Heima portrays Iceland's majestic natural spaces alongside the bands gentle dignity accompanied by their haunting and exhilarating live performances.
Julien Temple charts The Sex Pistols career from their beginnings through to the bitter end. A friend of the band, Temple documented the band throughout their career. Features interviews with John Lydon (Johnny Rotten), David Bowie and Alice Cooper.
American punk rock heroes the Ramones are examined in this warts 'n' all documentary that charts the band’s formation in the early 1970s, 22 years of touring and the breakup in 1996 followed by the deaths of three of the four original band members.
The Who's Roger Daltrey becomes the psychosomatically deaf, mute and blind Tommy in this landmark rock opera. The search for a cure leads him to a cult led by preacher Eric Clapton and acid dealer Tina Turner, a life altering pinball machine and his own transformation into a religious icon.
Billed as the Afro-American answer to Woodstock, Wattstax is a dynamic celebration of African American pride during of the commemoration of the 1965 Los Angeles Watts Riots. Features Isaac Hayes, Jesse Jackson, The Bar-Kays, The Staple Singers and interludes by comedian Richard Pryor.
Nick Cave's frank discussion of his creative processes and collaborative relationships forms the heart of this episode from the Great Australian Albums series that unpacks the 1995 album “Murder Ballads” while also delving into the band’s transformation from The Boys Next Door to the Bad Seeds.
Brisbane rock pigs Six Ft Hick tour Europe, unleashing their unique shows of blood, sweat and chaos. Band members discuss their passion for music, performing and why they just can't stop. Join Geoff Corbett and members of Six Ft Hick in-conversation with Sean Sennett, Managing Editor, Time Off Media following the screening of the Six Ft Hick documentary.
Martin Scorsese tracks Bob Dylan’s rise to fame during the 1960s. Features a present day Dylan candidly reflecting on his career and rare archive material including footage from the 1966 Manchester Free Trade Hall concert.
Three days of peace and music are captured in this landmark document of music and cultural history. Includes electrifying performances from Joe Cocker with a little help from his friends, Jimi Hendrix's rendition of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’, Santana's 'Soul Sacrifice' and stage announcements about bad drugs circulating amongst the crowds.
Recorded over a twelve-year period, Steven Sebring takes a dive into the philosophy and creative process of Patti Smith, encompassing all of Smith's incarnations as poet, painter, writer and singer.
A celebration of Australian instrumental rock pioneers The Dirty Three. Features interviews with band members, alongside Nick Cave, Noah Taylor, Cat Power, Will Oldham and a searing performance by the band in Tokyo.
A beautifully shot account of the English folk/rock band Mumford and Sons and their exhausting tour schedule. The band savours every moment with infectious enthusiasm.
In this eloquent study of The National recording their critically acclaimed album "Boxer", Vincent Moon eschews the the standard rockumentary format by blending rehearsal sessions, snatches of conversations and performances, building a visual layering of the creative process.
Narrated by Johnny Depp, this riveting chronicle of The Doors includes previously unseen footage of the band as well as a fragment from Jim Morrison's film HWY: An American Pastoral.
An American exchange student and a Londoner fall in and out of love and lust while attending a series of concerts which includes performances by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Primal Scream, The Von Bondies and Franz Ferdinand.
Young upstart 'The Kid' (Prince) must overcome his abusive family environment and the ridicule of less talented musicians in the nightclub he performs to realise his dream of musical recognition. Packed with electrifying performances including 'Purple Rain' and 'When Doves Cry'.
Gary Oldman is uncanny as Sid Vicious in this celebrated biopic of The Sex Pistols seen through the lens of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen's tumultuous and destructive relationship. Also starring Iggy Pop, Nico, Courtney Love and The Circle Jerks.
It Might Get Loud traces the musical roots and inspirations for U2’s The Edge, Led Zepplin’s Jimmy Page and Jack Smith of The White Stripes, culminating in the three iconic rock guitarists jamming together.
Self proclaimed father of Rock n Roll Chuck Berry performs at his 60th birthday concert. Includes interviews with Bo Diddley, Little Richard and Eric Clapton, while Berry himself belts out his charged hits including 'Johnny B Goode' and 'Roll Over Beethoven'.
A portrait of the indomitable rock legend Joan Jett, vocalist Cherie Currie and The Runaways. Kristen Stewart plays the feisty Jett who together with The Runaways and producer Kim Fowley, write 'Cherry Bomb'. The hit propels them to a tour in Japan where it all starts to spin out of control.
Shot in Nashville and featuring live performances of tracks from Neil Young’s album “Prairie Wind” as well as classics from Young’s career including ‘Harvest Moon’, ‘Heart of Gold’, and ‘Old King’. On stage performers include Emmylou Harris and Pegi Young.
A rock documentary unlike any other, Metallica: Some Kind of Monster charts the troubled creation of the 2003 “St. Anger” album. After bassist Jason Newstedt leaves due to differences, the three remaining members call in a therapist to facilitate the fragile relationships in the studio.
Andy Serkis is exceptional in this biopic of British rock rouge Ian Dury, an unsung hero and innovator of the punk and New Wave scene in the 1970s who coined the phrase 'Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll'.
Seeking a refuge on a rainy night, high school sweethearts Brad and Janet are enmeshed in the demented, high camp world of mad scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) and accomplices Riff Raff and Magenta, Rocky and Eddie (Meat Loaf). Let's do the Time Warp again...
A sneak preview of footage from a forthcoming documentary which focuses on Australian rock band AC/DC and their devoted fanbase including interviews with Scott Ian (Anthrax), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) and Brent Hinds (Mastodon).
Splashes of colour shoot across the screen, folding into lights, dancing over grass at night, then black oil seeping out of a wall: ODDSAC connects Animal Collective's music with psychedelic images to create a 'visual album'.
The Take Away Shows
The Take Away Shows are a collection of improvised short performances which film bands in spontaneous settings such as squeezed into a candlelit cafe or singing while walking the streets of Paris. Often what begins as a slightly awkward performer not quite sure of what the filmmakers are asking gives way to the musician caught up in the moment of playing and what emerges as a strong thread throughout the Take Away Shows is the films manage to catch the incredible joy that comes from making music.
Friday Night Sessions
BEN SALTER responds to the music of Joy Division for the screening of Control 2007 / 8.00pm
Best known as a founding member of The Gin Club, Giants of Science and The Wilson Pickers, Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Ben Salter has also been a solo performer in his own right for over ten years. He has played throughout Australia and Europe, where his striking vocal range and captivating lyricism have drawn comparisons to Neil Finn, Elliot Smith and Nick Drake. Whilst many of his solo compositions to date have been gifted to The Gin Club, Salter has also been quietly accruing a collection of songs all of his own, and now, after ten years of empty threats, is finally releasing his debut solo album "The Cat".
MATT SOMERS responds to the music of The Rolling Stones for the screening of Gimme Shelter 1970 / 8.00pm
Matthew Somers is one third of I Heart Hiroshima. They have released 2 albums - Tuff Teef and The Rip; toured Australia, Europe and NZ appearing at numerous festivals. He is now taking his songwriting urges directly to himself and to you. It's insular music about imaginary figures; take one person, one electric guitar, one technically overloaded amplifier and a great deal of nerves. Whisk carefully, and leave to sit for 15-20 minutes. Don't be alarmed if it begins to make some noise.
SEJA VOGEL responds to the music of Arcade Fire for the screening of Miroir Noir 2008 / 8.00pm
Since 1998 Seja Vogel has been an integral member of Brisbane synth-punk trio Sekiden, who have released two albums and two EPs. Sekiden’s high-energy live performances have reverberated worldwide, with extensive touring throughout Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA. 2007 saw Seja join iconic genre-mashers Regurgitator. To date Seja has travelled with the band throughout Australia and on numerous overseas jaunts to Japan, China, Europe and Brazil. Seja has also lent her keyboarding and singing skills to touring buddies such as SPOD and David McCormack. More recently Seja is performing under her own name for her album We Have Secrets But Nobody Cares. Seja’s solo output is a synthesis of her musical lineage to date, with future-pop production and blissful vocal harmonies.
TIM STEWARD responds to the music of The White Stripes for the screening of The White Stripes Under the Great Northern Lights 2009 / 8.00pm
Tim likes cheese, beer, scrabble, playing the trombone, and long romantic walks on the beach at sunset. His first band was the church band at St Alban’s catholic church in London – playing rhythm guitar – he was kicked out after only a few gigs. He grew up on a steady diet of Buddy Holly, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and the Beatles, immediately followed by punk rock. In later life he went on to form Brisbane's iconic indie-rock-lifers Screamfeeder and has released 10 albums under that name as well as under THE WHATS, WE ALL WANT TO and solo.
KATE JACOBSEN responds to the music of The Doors for the screening of When You're Strange: A Film About The Doors 2009 / 7.30pm
Kate Jacobson is one half of popular Brisbane indie-country/folk duo, Texas Tea, whom have been rising in popularity since their inception in 2004. With almost 6 years of song writing, recording and touring up their sleeve, Texas Tea have successfully scratched their name in the oak of Australia’s independent music scene. They have also recently made a name for themselves by touring other countries around the world, with most notable enthusiasm coming from Northern France. Kate solo is reflective of her partnership in Texas Tea. Incorporating voice, guitar and foot percussion, she is enchanting, evocative and unique.
QUAN YEOMANS responds to the music of Prince for the screening of Purple Rain 1984 / 8.00pm
After taking some time out to knit a bunch of jumpers Quan is currently in the studio working on new material. Expect a Disaster of biblical proportions imminently. Quan Yeomans started Regurgitator over 16 years ago and continues to hold sway with his compatriots touring and recording... as well as time spent inside the mind of the artist informally known as Quan the Amateur spewing forth bludgeons of hiphop and R&B.
