The Guide #260: From Oasis to K-pop, music is going mad for the big-screen documentary
A new wave of concert films and career retrospectives is drawing fans to cinemas – but why now?
TL;DR
- The documentary 'Don't Look Back in Anger' explores Oasis's reunion tour and the Gallaghers' reflections on their legacy.
- Music documentaries and concert films are experiencing a boom, with over 30 released this year, ranging from K-pop to legacy rock acts.
- The genre's popularity is driven by the ease of capturing live footage, digitizing archives, and cinemas seeking to attract specific fan demographics.
- Artists and estates can negotiate control over these productions, though Oasis reportedly did not demand editorial control over their documentary.
- Concert films often feature younger artists showcasing live performance energy, while documentaries focus on older artists with extensive archives and narratives.
- Oasis's documentary emphasizes how their music transcends the band, becoming part of a wider public consciousness, as shown by fan sing-alongs and its use during public events.
- Music documentaries can contribute to immortalizing ephemeral rock stars.