Hired Gun

Hired Gun, released in 2016, is a masterfully crafted underdog story. Not your everyday heroes, but the world’s unsung musicians who have been the secret weapons of superstar bands, making significant contributions behind the scenes. This documentary, directed by Fran Strine, shines a spotlight on these gifted individuals, who have been creating magic with their fingers and voices, adding deeper layers to the phenomenal hits that rule the charts.

The movie delves into the lives of session and touring musicians who are just one call away to perform in the biggest arenas and studio sessions in front of adoring fans around the world. It sews together narratives of many of these vital masters of harmony, including guitarist John 5, known widely for his collaboration with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson; renowned drummer Kenny Aronoff, who has contributed to countless hit songs with his skillful rhythm; and Corey Britz, the bassist for the British rock band Bush.

The journey these musicians embark upon is not one that always heads straight for the spotlight. Instead, it's a hard grind filled with tireless rehearsals, studio sessions, gigs, tours and even times of uncertainty and temporary unemployment. The struggles, challenges, successes and constantly living in the shadows of big-name stars, gives Hired Gun an authentic flavor.

The film invites the audience to gain a rare insight into the world of these hitmakers as they strive to pour out their creativity and make a name beyond backing up the big stars. The rollercoaster that is their careers, showing not only their resilience in the face of near-constant adversity but also capturing moments when they stand on that stage, praising their contribution unfettered by the shadow of the leading artist.

Director Fran Strine's intimate approach in filming the musicians in their natural habitats, whether it's their home, recording studios, or on tour buses, brings a refreshing honesty to the narrative. The movie offers interviews with several professional 'hired guns', as they share personal stories of their career path, the highs and lows of the music industry, and what it feels like to accompany a superstar.

Seeing the interactions between the musicians and stars that they back up, such as Alice Cooper and Pink, offers a unique perspective on the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. It's not as glamorous as one might think from the outside, taking a toll on relationships and personal lives, yet it's fulfilling and a natural part of their identities.

Through sequences of unforgettable performances, candid interviews, unseen archival footage, and snapshots of life on the road, Hired Gun delves into the psyche of the heart and soul of music – the 'hired guns.' The star-studded ensemble and glimpses into their lives seduce us to stand, cheer, and acknowledge the colossal talent that has been enriching our music with their versatility, charisma, and hard work.

The documentary offers an enthralling and relatable human drama but told from a novel perspective. While it resonates a lot with the musicians and music enthusiasts, Hired Gun also has a lot to offer to a casual viewer who is interested in an authentic, backstage view of the music world where the magic happens behind the scenes and beyond the limelight.

Hired Gun is an absorbing, heartening, bitter-sweet journey of dreams, personal sacrifices, persistence and eventually, a tale of unsung heroes living and breathing their passion with every beat, every strum, every note. The film is an ode to the fact that music, in its transcendental quality, is not merely a sum of its parts; it's an intricate, beautiful symphony brought together by the hard work and talent of musicians who might not always stand center stage, but without whom the song of stardom would not be the same.

Thriving on passion, Hired Gun is an unprecedented exploration of the men and women behind the music we love that is sure to pull on the heartstrings of anyone who loves a good underdog story, leaving a profound impact with its raw and intimate portrayal of the 'hired guns' of the music industry.