Who doesn't want to know the story behind some of their favourite musicians and bands? From epic concert scenes to personal tributes, every musician has their own unique tale to tell. Let's look deeper into the fascinating lives of our most loved singers and bands. Here is our choice of top music documentaries to keep you entertained all summer long.
The ‘Show Must Go On’ documentary follows Queen and Adam Lambert as they take to the road and will be released on Netflix from June 15th. It features unseen footage from shared concerts and interviews with all of the stars. As one of the most renowned bands of all time we know that any movie featuring Brian May and Roger Taylor will be worth the watch.
The Beastie Boys Story has been a highlight of the year so far and quickly climbed into the must-watch lists online. It is a fun trip down memory lane for anybody who remembers these fun loving rappers. Throughout the movie we find ourselves reminiscing and thinking about our fight for our right to party.
We expect nothing less from the ultra ambitious Tay Tay. Miss Americana was recorded over several years and gives us intimate insights into the pop idols career to date. If you want a glimpse into the life, struggles and opinions of a superstar then look no further.
Filmed during the recording of her fifth studio album Joanne, Five Foot Two is a raw look inside the superstars routine leading up to her famous Super Bowl halftime performance. Instead of the high heeled, glamourous version of Gaga that we have become familiar with, we find ourselves intrigued by the real person behind the costume and drama. This movie will truly demonstrate Lady Gaga’s performance capabilities.
This is the story of the underdog, the musician who was never supposed to perform centre stage but became her most colourful self when she did. If you are a Katy Perry fan then you will be pleased to find your fellow fans on this movie. Through a series of old footage and family interviews we start to understand why Katy Perry has had such a varied musical style throughout her career. We get to learn about her strict Christian upbringing and get to see her outpouring of repressed creativity in her elaborate stage productions.
A life plagued by tragedy, AMY pays tribute to one of the most talented stars of the century. Of all the films on this list, we really feel the inner workings of the artist in this mesmerising documentary about. From her raw musical talent to interviews with close family members to the dangers of stardom to her struggle to maintain a level of normality, it is hard to take your eyes off the screen while watching this movie.
This is a real tribute to backup singers who have helped to create some of the most beautiful sounds in music. 20 Feet From Stardom forces us to question the role of backup singers and ask if we marginalise talented women to the sidelines. Filled with touching moments, stories of friendship and wonderful renditions of classic hits, this is a music documentary that you don’t want to miss.
If you want to get to know the man that made Nirvana shine this poignant documentary provides us with a moving tribute to the frontman, Kurt Cobain, who would tragically commit suicide in 1994. Cobain’s widow Courtney Love provides the Director with access to Cobain’s notebooks that bring his hopes, dreams and thoughts to life. We hear interviews with family members and watch vintage home movies by Cobain. The rock lifestyle is unfiltered in this documentary that switches between funny and very dark moments in Kurt Cobain’s life.
With a firm focus on the music, this movie is a firm favourite. Capturing moments by the famous four John, Paul, Ringo and George, Ron Howards documentary we get a true taste of Beatlemania playing out in the 60’s as the band toured in the US. Their camaraderie is evident and the fact that they were surprised by their success makes them all the more loveable. From epic songs to iconic style, Beatlemania is still in the hearts of Beatle fans today.
Gimme Shelter follows the Rolling Stones 1969 US Tour. It succeeds in capturing a dark time for culture in the US but also a time when rock n’ roll is flourishing. We get harrowing insights into a disastrous free concert at Altamont where the Hells Angels wreaked havoc on the crowd after the Rolling Stones had organised a free concert for the public.
Reaching the top 10 on Rolling Stone’s list of rock docs and receiving the Independent Spirit award, this movie allows us to have inside access to Metallica’s creative process. The band members allow filming while they are recording a new album. Tensions rise, arguments follow and we see the honest portrayal of a working relationship between the famous band members.
Following the success of their album Joshua Tree U2 took on America. This documentary captures the real energy that Bono and the boys bring to the stage. With each performance we find ourselves singing along to their best loved tunes. The film captures the life of a band on the road and how each member of U2 brings the stage to life in their own way.
This docuseries is special in that it details the relationship between two visionaries, Dr.Dre and Jimmy Iovine, coming together. Both men are fascinating in their own way. In a series of interviews we learn about their work ethic, ambition and drive to succeed. The movie allows us to reflect on key moments within the hip-hop scene.
Elton John Uncensored
Before the world famous Rocketman feature movie came to life in 2019 Elton John opens up about his troubled past, struggle with addiction and rise to fame. In this one off special with Graham Norton we learn about the relationships surrounding his career. If you want to view a step by step guide to Eltons musical career then this is a great place to start.
Who is a fan of Stevie Wonder? Everybody. Famous singers and artists Beverley Knight, Martin Freeman, James Morrison and more pay homage to this musical genius in this twelve part documentary. His music manages to cross cultural boundaries and land in the hearts of everyone who takes the time to listen. In each episode we hear some of his greatest hits and enjoy reflections of his contribution to the industry as a whole.
Released in 2014 this emotionally charged documentary recounts a time when NAS is reflecting on the poverty and housing conditions of a generation of his neighbourhood in New York. Revisiting his roots NAS highlights the disparity between the haves and have nots, including his own life now that he has made his way out of the poverty stricken area that hasn’t changed much since it inspired his famous Illmatic album.
Beautifully shot, this notable documentary focuses on the last concert of LCD Soundsystem at Madison Square Gardens. With cameos from Reggie Watts and Arcade Fire we get a taste of the band’s energy in a moment of time, just before the band disbanded. Fans of electro pop and rock will enjoy this tribute movie.
The perfect reminder of why this band had such huge fame. This is an epic documentary that tells the story behind this famous band. The Gallagher brothers provide endless entertainment and the film captures the dynamic duo in all their glory, even detailing that shocking fallout. With Noels talented songwriting and Liam’s ego reaching new heights on screen the viewer can’t help but want to see more. This is certainly a must watch music documentary.
This documentary focuses on three sold out Wembley Stadium shows where we get to know some of Eds fans. It features performances of Eds pop hits including Photograph, Thinking Out Loud and I See Fire. A highlight of this movie is when Sir Elton John makes an appearance to join Ed on stage on his second concert. If you are looking for a feel-good factor Ed never disappoints and a positive way to end our list of top music documentaries for the summer months.
From centre stage in musical arenas to the centre of our screens, these artists have transformed the music that we have become so familiar with today. Every music documentary provides new insights into their lives.
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