CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
‘A Band Called Death’ Proves That Quality Survives
Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Wouldn’t we all like to believe that if one is true to their passion, honest with their creative vision, and unwavering in the world’s inability to embrace them that it is only a matter of time before that changes? We’ve always loved this theme in fiction and the encouraging idea that cream rises to the top propelled “Searching For Sugar Man” to an Oscar because of the goodwill it engendered.
Less than a year later, here comes another (superior) documentary about a Detroit musician for whom fame remained elusive until the next generation discovered his talents. Opening this week in most markets, “A Band Called Death” captures the joy of music, the remarkable influence it can have on future talents, and the importance of appeasing nothing but the creative drive within. It’s been a very strong year for documentaries already with “Stories We Tell” and “The Gatekeepers.” We can add “A Band Called Death” to the list.
A Band Called Death
Photo credit: Drafthouse Films
Bobby, Dannis, and David Hackney grew up in Detroit, one of the most important homes for musical creativity of the last century. But the Hackneys approached music in the early ‘70s from an unexpected angle, taking their fandom of bands like The Who and channeling that youthful energy into punk rock that predated The Sex Pistols and The Ramones. Practicing in their garage, the Hackneys found a driving energy, recorded a demo, and appeared to be on the cusp of breaking through, even getting as far as a meeting with the legendary Clive Davis.
Of course, everyone wanted them to change their name. Death doesn’t sell. But David wouldn’t cave. He felt that giving in a little bit would eventually lead to giving in a lot. The creative guru of the group essentially helped shut the band down rather than submit to interference from outside Death. The demos were put in an attic and the band members moved on to other kinds of music, other bands, and, eventually tragedy.
A Band Called Death
Photo credit: Drafthouse Films
There are few twists in “A Band Called Death.” It’s not “Stories We Tell” in the way that film brilliantly plays games with audience expectations of the form itself. The opening scenes of the film feature interviews with notable musicians like Alice Cooper, Henry Rollins, and Kid Rock talking about Death, so the awareness that those demos must have eventually found life outside of the Hackney’s attic is presented right up front. And the fact that David isn’t included in the interview segments like his brothers telegraphs inevitable tragedy at the heart of this band.
It’s how directors Mark Covino & Jeff Howlett get us there that elevates “A Band Called Death.” The way that the Death saga twists and weaves through the generation below them via record collectors like Jello Biafra and MP3s posted on punk rock websites is captivating. And the joy of the final act, when the Hackney children carry on the creative legacy of their parents, is palpable. Covino & Howlett set up their promise early on – we’re going to tell you the story of a band that you haven’t heard of but that matters in the history of music and we’re going to both entertain you and prove their relevance – and they fulfill on that promise 100%. “A Band Called Death” is entertaining, inspiring, and purely joyful. Don’t miss it.
By BRIAN TALLERICO |