Who the F**K is that Guy

Who the F**K is that Guy is a 2017 documentary film that tells the intriguing story of Michael Alago, a man whose impact on the music industry is immeasurable, yet he remains mostly unknown outside of the circle of those who have been directly influenced by his work. Directed by Drew Stone, the film stars Alago himself, with contributions by musicians Phil Anselmo, Mina Caputo along with a host of significant figures in the realm of rock and metal music.

The movie is driven by a probing curiosity to unveil and celebrate the profound influence that Alago has had within the music world. Michael Alago wasn't just a fan of music, he was a passionate enthusiast who had his life fuelled and steered by it. Throughout his career, he managed to push boundaries and diversity in this industry, doing so from various angles.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Alago grew up in a dynamic household, the son of Puerto Rican parents. In his youth, he was drawn to the dynamic and diverse environment of New York City, where he began his meteoric career in the music industry. His early love of music, particularly for the loud, aggressive tones of heavy metal and punk rock bands, set the stage for his impressive career to follow.

The centerpiece of his music career was his tenure as a talent scout where he discovered and signed various renowned metal bands, most notably Metallica. He is credited with giving the group and other fantastic bands like White Zombie and Flotsam and Jetsam their big break. His risk-taking, keen ear for unique sounds, and innate talent for spotting potential superstars are beautifully threaded throughout the narrative of this movie.

The documentary doesn't just focus on Alago's impressive, boundary-pushing career in the rock and metal music industries though. It also delves into his personal life, exploring his experiences as a gay man in an industry and genre that wasn't always welcoming and accepting. Alago's journey through issues of identity, sexuality, and personal growth is interwoven into the fabric of this gritty, real, and powerful cinematic piece.

Despite the challenges he faced, Alago’s story is one of triumph. It maps his journey, from his early beginnings in the gritty streets of New York's East Village in the 1980s to his time at Elektra Records and Geffen Records, and then later at Palm Pictures where he was director of A&R. His colorful professional journey bears witness to some of the most groundbreaking moments in rock music history.

The film also includes numerous in-depth interviews offering diverse perspectives not only from Alago himself but also from several big names he discovered and worked with, including Phil Anselmo of Pantera and Down, and Mina Caputo of Life of Agony. These interviews provide a profound and varied perspective on Alago’s trailblazing career, sharing both the highs and the lows, and everything in between.

While exploring the vibrant, high-paced world of the rock music industry, Who the F**K is that Guy also offers a more intimate look at Alago's personal battle with HIV. His survival and effective management of the disease over the decades are touched on with respect and honesty, for a nuanced portrayal of this struggle.

In essence, Who the F**K is that Guy is a high-energy, emotionally engaging journey that grants the audience an intimate view into the life and career of one of the music industry's most influential figures. This raw and unfiltered documentary is a testament to Alago's incredible resilience, his love for music, and the indomitable spirit that propelled his successful career. It paints an unparalleled picture of a man whose passion for music and untiring perseverance not only transformed his own destiny but also forever shaped the landscape of heavy metal rock. It's much more than a music documentary; it's an exploration into a man's life and the triumph of passion and authenticity over adversity.