This Film Should Be Played Loud! - Marillion, Bruce, The Band, Dio, & Bootsy

Today we introduce "This Film Should Be Played Loud!", a new feature on the site: every so often, we will feature five concert movies that we've been enjoying, spanning all genres and eras. There is no method to the madness, no particular order, no rhyme or reason. We're just presenting concert movies and live videos that we like, hoping that is resonates with someone, somewhere.

In the spirit of transparency, if you buy these products by clicking on the links we've provided, we get a very (very!) small commission... So treat yo'selves!

Marillion - Live in Cologne Germany 2018

Just a splendid show by the English Prog-Rockers. Delicate yet powerful, simple yet sophisticated, this is the perfect example of what a live show should be, transcending the studio versions thanks to the emotive voice of Steve Hogarth and the connection between the band and a spellbound audience.

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band - London Calling Live In Hyde Park 2009

There are several excellent live documents of Springsteen (with or without the E Street Band) and it's hard to single one out. The most classic one is probably the No Nukes Concert (which, for our money, contains the definitive version of Badlands) and the Barcelona concert from 2002 is one of the more epic ones... But this one really hits the spot for us... Starting with a killer version of The Clash's London Calling, this is Bruce doing what he does best: turning an ocean of people into close friends.

The Band - The Last Waltz

Sadly, Robbie Robertson passed away over the summer, leaving Garth Hudson as the lone surviving original member of the venerable group. This documentary on their last concert (before a partial reunion in the nineties) was directed by Martin Scorsese and is one of the best concert movies ever released, featuring legendary performances from guests like Ronnie Hawkins, Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Paul Butterfield, Neil Diamond, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Wood, Dr. John, Emmylou Harris...  An essential addition to any music fan's collection.

Dio - Evil or Divine

This is latter-Day Dio, but Evil or Divine is one of the best Dio concert movies because of the absolutely killer setlist. And, at sixty, Ronnie was still at the top of his vocal game. Pure, unadulterated classic Metal.

Bootsy Collins & the New Rubber Band: North Sea Jazz Festival 1998

This is the New Rubber Band era, the same band that released Blasters Of The Universe and Keepin' Dah Funk "Alive" 4-1995... with suck P-Funk luminaries as Phelps "Catfish" Collins, Frankie "Kash" Waddie, Gary "Mudbone" Cooper and the amazing Bernie Worrell. An avalanche of classic numbers and a typically zany live show make this an indispensable item in any Funkateer's movie library.

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