Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who

Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who is a compelling 2007 music documentary based on the life and times of one of the most influential rock bands of all time, The Who. The documentary, directed by Murray Lerner and Paul Crowder, presents an authentic, raw and in-depth view into the band’s trajectory and its indelible contribution to the world of rock 'n' roll. With leading band members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend at the helm of storytelling, Amazing Journey is a must-watch for avid music fans.

Opening with the famous drum kit explosion from the 1967 Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, the viewers are immediately whisked into the vibrant and tumultuous world of The Who from their inception. The film is a chronicle of their rise from an ordinary band playing in small halls and theatres to becoming a global sensation, influencing the music and pop culture realm with their sound, style, and attitude.

The narrative of the movie is greatly enhanced by the insightful and personal recollections of Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. The duo honestly narrates the chronological progression of the band, which allows viewers to perceive the band from their perspective and engage with their passion, vision, and music. The rich layer of commentary instills the documentary with an intimate touch, giving audiences a close look at the group’s dynamics, struggles, and successes.

The film encapsulates the collective spirit of The Who effortlessly by featuring some of the band’s legendary performances and footages. These include the band's groundbreaking performance at Woodstock, the Monterey Pop Festival, and their unrivaled seaside municipal gig. This careful and meticulous selection of media materials breathes life into their journey, making this film a distinctive historical archive for The Who.

Undeniably, Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who respects the band's artistic evolution. It delves into the individual backgrounds of the band members, reflecting their influences on the distinct sound and vibe of The Who. More interestingly, the film explores the story behind Pete Townshend's well-known "windmill" guitar technique, the band's style of smashing their instruments on stage, and their obsession with auto-destructive art. These intricacies expose unknown elements of the band's identity, adding depth to the viewer's understanding of their musical and cultural impact.

Unfortunately, not all band members were there to narrate the story. John Entwistle, the original bass member, passed away in 2002 and iconic drummer Keith Moon died in 1978. The filmmakers, however, managed to include archival interviews of these legendary musicians, encapsulating their spirit, their essence, and their unique contribution to The Who.

In addition to Daltrey, Townshend, and archival interviews of Entwistle and Moon, the documentary also features interviews from significant figures in the music industry who crossed paths with or were influenced by The Who. These range from other musicians, producers, photographers, and managers, to name a few. Their conversations about the band reflect the deep impact The Who left on the music industry and public consciousness.

The 2007 documentary also digs into the band's darker times; their trials and tribulations. It doesn't shy away from discussing their turbulent career, including the infamous Cincinnati concert tragedy and the unfortunate drug-related deaths of Keith Moon and John Entwistle, which forms an integral part of the band’s narrative. It shows them overcoming these dark times, reuniting and making music again, which inspires a sense of resilience in the face of adversity.

Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who, is more than just an account of the band's ups and downs, their triumphs and tribulations. It is an intimate, candid trip down memory lane that elucidates the enduring legacy and influence of The Who in rock and roll history. This film beautifully captures the essence of this legendary band, doing justice to their artistic genius and the indomitable spirit of rock 'n' roll. It's sure to leave a deep impression on both committed fans of The Who and curious newcomers.