Alex Chilton: Why Should I Care? - documentary film trailer/sampler

Here's a tasty ten minute sampler from the feature length documentary currently in production. Find our website at: www.alexchilton.rocks

[@AndySalinger33]

I saw the Boxtops at a casino in Des Moines, IA, c1999. After the killer show, and I mean KILLER…Alex simply walked into the crowd. I talked to him for maybe 5 min. It was awesome. I told him that the “Ballad of El Goodo” was my favorite song. The man started singing the song to me! Seriously. Then he started taking about Chris Bell. It was one of the most crucial moments of my life. Alex Chilton was a good man. I love this band like a brother. Long Live Big Star!!!!!

[@dredtory4705]

Do you recall what he said about Chris?

[@melodymakermark]

I’d like to know as well. Love Alex, but were it not for Chris, there would’ve never been a Big Star.

[@AndySalinger33]

@@melodymakermark right you are! Chris Bell was the soul of the band. His solo record, “I am the cosmos” is one of my favorite albums of all time!

[@AndySalinger33]

@@dredtory4705 sorry I’m just now seeing this question! Yeah, I actually do recall. He was telling me about minor, anecdotal stuff…how much of a sweet soul CB was, etc. he did tell me that during their epic late-night /all night sessions, Chris would talk to him about Jesus. The context of the gig is important…it was a pretty lame venue, and the older audience was only there to hear the hits of the Boxtops, who ruled! But it was as if they were not even aware of Big Star. It was before their semi-resurgence in pop culture; before artists started citing them as influences, etc. so I felt like Alex was just glad someone was there who was a Big Star freak. Idk. That was my impression. He was just very cool. And he looked like he was 25 years old. Seemed vital and sharp and witty. Also, contrary to what some folks believe, very open. Cheers!

[@dredtory4705]

@@AndySalinger33 Thanks for getting back. I've always wondered if "Jesus Christ" was a tribute to, or token of esteem for, Chris Bell, since I've never had the impression that Alex was very religious, and the song is uncharacteristically earnest and unironic. I can't even think of a Chris Bell tune that is quite as explicitly religious.

[@briandonnelly638]

Living life on your terms, never selling out, takes a lot of will.

[@allenf.5907]

"He didn't wear rock and roll like a heart on his sleeve. He was the HEART of rock and roll." Alex Chilton does ROCK.

[@pillettadoinswartsh4974]

Alex was 16 when "Letter" hit #1. He had an early taste of "success" in the music business. Everyone who thinks that getting a hit will make them happy, found out the hard way, that it just don't work that way. Alex knew that before he could even buy beer. Look at his music "career" through that lens, and it all makes sense.

[@landlinesandpercolators8822]

Oh he bought beer ; )

[@s0ld4u]

Never forget the night at Bimbo's in SF, when I hopped onstage and changed a string Alex had just broken on his guitar, while he and the band played another song with him using his second guitar. They played 2 nights, amazingly. This is around 1995, touring with his trio.

[@tomv4408]

Alex was someone whose name I'd seen over the years but whose music I never listened to, other than the Box Tops songs. Thanks to YT & Spotify, this has changed. Fascinating personality & music; he certainly followed his muse. All the best with the doc.

[@auralepiphanies4055]

I love the analogy of 1 hit wonder going downhill from there but the real success grew as he was free to be himself and explore music how he wanted. So punk rock

[@petrovic178]

I saw Chilton playing guitar with Tav Falco one night .It was 1984? in Athens Ga we were waiting and waiting at Broad Street 40 watt ,when they finally showed up at 2:15 in a 59 Tbird with a bull fiddle strapped to the roof >the club was closed. 20-30 of us were un-deterred and knew a place (the now notorious Stitchcraft where many great underground shows happened) so then, what was the middle of the night, we saw one of the greatest performances Chilton blazed on guitar ,never introduced(we knew) Falco the Memphis legend> great show

[@scottdavis0801]

I met Alex Chilton after a show in the late 80s. I was a drunk kid trying to talk about Big Star, etc. He was not interested. When i finally spoke about the drummer Doug Garrison, he lit up and began talking non stop about Doug!

[@teresapruitt851]

Such a voice, such a talent !!! From a childhood fan, still thinking of you Alex & the Box Tops. Missing you Alex !!!

[@ronkopp372]

There were precisely two acts that I would go out of my way to see every time I possibly could. Every show was different, unique and spontaneous - even if the set lists happened to be the same, although I'm not sure they ever were. I started to follow both acts obsessively within a year or so of each other, 1985/86/87, buying everything I could lay my hands on - rarities and imports, spin-off bands, other performers they collaborated with or produced. The first was the Mekons (c. "Fear & Whiskey"). The second was Alex Chilton (c. "Feudalist Tarts"). Needless to say, with Alex I worked my way back to the 3 Big Star studio albums and then soon after the WLIR broadcast, all of which was amazing. Perfection itself, pretty much, purdy & pure, brilliantly produced. But ... those Big Star records never ever altered my deep, dark love for what Alex was doing in the mid-80s with Doug Garrison on drums & Rene Coman or Ron Easley on bass. Funny, but I never managed to work up the gumption to go see the reformed Big Star line-up perform. I liked their new records okay, but they were never more than a pale reflection of the old ones. The shows Alex put together with his regular band never felt like they were trying to recapture something from the past: they were all about the present moment, the music they were making then & there, even if they were covering Nina Simone or Slim Harpo or Cordell Jackson. Except for a few giddy falsettos like the one in "Oogum Boogum" - wonderful stuff! - most of the time with his solo act Alex sang in his natural register, and his voice was never more beautiful. With Big Star he was constantly pushing his range into the upper registers, and although it was exactly what those songs needed, his later work touched me even more. Ditto for his guitar. I miss you, my friend. "Thanks for Being So Nice" looks fab. I'm anxious to see it ... and hear it, of course.

[@oldglory5728]

Very cool the footage of the 'Bangkok demo'! Alex charted 12 Ernie K-Doe songs for me pre-Katrina (and admired the Toussaint writing), I hung a couple French doors for him and not only was he a true gentleman who didn't suffer fools, he was a musical genius who could spell weird chords on either guitar or piano. We all (in N.O.) miss him turrbly. RIP, brah.

[@milkat610]

He's been gone nearly 9 years now and I miss him everyday!

[@TR-yi8up]

I got to see Big Star play at First Avenue in 2000(?) with Slim Dunlap opening. Slim played his usual amazing set, jabbering between every song about how great Alex and Big Star were, and how big a thrill it was to be opening for them. Alex and Co played a great set. After the show we waited to get a minute with Alex, and my friend, who I don’t think had heard more than a couple of their songs before that night (and certainly didn’t know the level of misanthropy Alex was capable of) said to Alex, ‘Baby, you’re a star.’ I’m sure I turned green while waiting for Alex to verbally cut my friend friend down to size…but he seemed to get a kick out of it, and tragedy was averted. He never gave you what you expected, but more often than not, at least in my case, it was exactly what I needed

[@jannaramirez]

I LOVE that Alex sang The girl from Ipanema. I've been listening to alot of older songs (I'm 59ish) and was captured by the same song last night and this morning. Feeling like I'm on vacation...(please order me a cocktail) darn, time to go to work. Also listening to the Box Tops, The Letter...Love the old songs!

[@michaelshirley441]

The only "celebrity" death that really got to me. Alex was the Dali Lama.

[@kevinclements4962]

Like Flies on Sherbert still one of my fave albums of all time. Majestic.

[@markeggins890]

I really hope this gets done. The word 'underated' is way overused but Alex was such a unique musician he really deserves such a tribute to his many talents.

[@xx7secondsxx]

I'm in love!.... with that song!

[@DeliviaMusic]

Has this documentary been made? I assume it hasn't, or I would have known about it by now. I hope I'm wrong. Love Alex and miss him all the time.

[@sirfrancisdrake4285]

History will not deny him his due.

[@Kate1Chopin]

Alex did it his way...! Still love his music.💕

[@timstamps5281]

When I was a kid we shopped at Big Star (on National Ave in Memphis) and I would look across the way at Ardent Studios wishing I could go inside and see what they were recording. One time I believe I saw Alex Chilton in the store. I didn’t know it at the time, but remember what he looked like, and now know it was him. I was sad then not being old enough to even ask (parents, adults) if I could peer inside, and sad now seeing, and hearing, what was behind the door and knowing what I missed.

[@kookoothebirdgirl1]

So the band was named after the store? It’s a great name, btw!

[@rudimol4045]

One of my favourite albums ever is Alex Chilton's 'Like Flies on Sherbet'. So gloriously ragged and enjoyable.

[@biggestman77]

Agreed! It’s a beautiful train wreck.

[@prainer49]

You are doing God’s work David. Alex❤️💔

[@memphiscameraman]

Thanks Pat. That means a lot coming from you. I'm in Memphis now 'til January 15 gathering a few loose ends. Stay tuned. Slowly but surely.

[@prainer49]

memphiscameraman let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Miss you.

[@mikeyii]

@@memphiscameraman Any updates on this project? I just got back from Memphis and visiting Ardent Studios - do I’m juiced up on Big Star and all things Big Star all over again. Thanks!

[@modrec1]

So grateful that this is being done. Thanks for being so good.

[@serenaradio316]

Que bella voz, rasposa...cuando quería ponía voz dulce y su enigmática imagen sigue dejando huellas...aun hoy en 2021!!

[@mistylavender714]

I can't wait!! This looks great David!!

[@SDGurl1212]

i absolutely adore this ❤️❤️❤️

[@snakewhitcher4189]

The Letter was one of the first songs I ever heard. It predates me by several years. Look for ''Sugar' By Alex Chilton. That's the song you want to know.

[@angelaalbury9985]

Smile for me and Rock me baby are the 2 I love

[@aydenharry6646]

i guess it's pretty randomly asking but do anybody know of a good place to stream newly released movies online ?

[@MrZigz2010]

WOW!!! I took the Airplane Alex sang about for my entire life. What a trip! I just watched this video and it was an outline of the crazy crashing ride DOWN that MY life took too. The last chord/lead/stretch/hammer ons in the last song are terrific. I seek that sound today- and i never even knew Alex Chilton was my hero! Thank you for this video.

[@conigonzalezmarchant2992]

Alex, I love you

[@sinnvollproductions]

this looks amazing!

[@kirbyhade2961]

Dave, you are doing good work here. I’m really proud of you 👍

[@roellassche1403]

15 years,The LETTER;history forever

[@leonaltmark2852]

Fantastic documentary about idiosyncratic genius.

[@originalhaggis]

So much talent.

[@tiagogalindez]

Woooow!!! Can`t wait, guys!!

[@JamesRundeFilm]

CAN NOT WAIT

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

I can’t wait to see this ‘n’ everything.

[@melodymakermark]

Apparently it’s never gonna get done or anything.

[@deoppressoli-bear2600]

Big Star.'. Such an unreal and surreal story.

[@susanedrington427]

I love Alex. ❤

[@CS-sf1rz]

Sweet!!!!

[@phillydog17]

Loved this! Thank you.

[@quynhnhudao5196]

Awesomeness in the bottle of Life

[@kennynowell9679]

Looks like the movie he deserves. His legacy really, really, really needs to be snatched away from all these numbskulls who think that he was some sort of failed indie rock guru. He wasn't "washed up" in the least. He was having a ball.

[@markboyd9275]

kenny nowell agreed 100% people pigeon hole home into what my ex called "sad bastard music" especially now that he's gone. Makes me wanna puke!

[@TheClemcaster]

That's extraordinary. People really hear his music that way....'sad bastard music?' To varying degrees, everything he did was exemplary; the first two Big Star records are clarion calls, and always will be. Flawless. Alex, and people like him and his generation will always be a mystery to the digital generation...for one thing, no one even reads fucking books anymore.

[@gregcooper8647]

I think there is a very large collection of individuals who find Big Star's third album to be extremely important, meaningful and beautiful, including myself.

[@rathmcfreeman2797]

An artist of & for his time & beyond...with angst!!! Well Respected by anyone that is a true musician!!!

[@Broblem12]

I disagree. People are reading books. Oh yes.

[@teresagonzalez1582]

Love Alex ❤❤❤

[@twilightlover2443]

Precious

[@izaakdaviddiggs]

As much as I love #1 Record, I loved Radio City even more due to the rawness. Technically, Chris Bell was a superior guitarist, he took the time to get things right. When Alex took over, the attitude of f*** it produced raw, undisciplined but timeless and beautiful music. Just the way he alternates between rhythm and lead guitar on O My Soul is enough to recommend that album...

[@PatMcDonald41]

Wonderful …

[@joygimbel7760]

Bravo 👏🏽

[@ctwl2595]

You always be the best, for ever ,I miss you.

[@SKMikeMurphySJ]

Miss you buddy!

[@charliemorris2338]

"The Hitch" loved Alex Chilton also.

[@scott7521]

Please make this happen

[@mfpendle]

One of the great regrets of my life is not going to a solo Alex gig in a small setting not far from where I lived - I was friends with his wife, so likely would've got to meet him. Jesus, I'm a loser

[@sfender2182]

@M Pendleton Pray to Jesus as we are all children of God. Alex did sing about Jesus Christ; God bless Alex and all of us!

[@cindynj]

luv alex

[@Nikkyeshiva83]

Are they still making this? I'd like to contribute some stuff. I went to a few of those jazz punk shows and had my camera.

[@memphiscameraman]

We haven't yet arrived at a final edit so sure - would love to see what you have. You can email me directly through the film's website: www.alexchilton.rocks

[@adamjg4]

The Replacements brought me here.

[@snakewhitcher4189]

Yeah. Me too. And thus the Me Too movement started. The Replacements were at it's helm.

[@josefk5659]

I don’t care for big star but I LOVE Flies on Sherbet and Cubist Blues.

[@silverapples75]

Pah

[@daisyglaze1817]

I love everything Alex. This man changed my world.

[@jhankline8963]

Alex is like you and me we have some kinda of music back gtound from our folks. Your learn instruments and learn piano or guitar. Its just when somebody from either your mom and dad who is in the buisness thats when you get lucky to hit it. Know the doors were smart they made sure these are written songs by electra records. The doors were smart

[@melodymakermark]

Is the full version of “For You” not available? I can’t find it on the tube. His guitar playing covering what were the string charts from the original blows me away here. Sure would like to hear the whole song from that show.

[@cocoygranada9403]

Plays like his hair is going to be seperated from scalp to reach another apex & elevate/levitate further. He lived through a time when music can't be laid down just for pleasure.

[@garymay5524]

Oh wishing you the best! Don't fail to get Poison Ivy Rorschach to talk about Alex Chilton. Everybody loves AC, of course, but not everybody is so inextricably bound to him.

[@twilightlover2443]

He is made of sweeeeet candy..

[@adrianaragon3493]

When is this coming out ? I’m very intrigued

[@markroberts1301]

I really dug Alex's attitude, he was gonna do it his way! RIP.... What is the tune that they start playing about 5 minutes in? They cut away too quick for me to ID it...

[@memphiscameraman]

"Feel"

[@electrawolf5855]

Will we get to see this movie in our lifetime?

[@eiremike1]

When is the documentary coming out?? And is Paul Westerberg financing / presenting / featuring in it? ;-)

[@keithplunk6611]

Nice job! I always will have a soft spot for extremely talented individuals who are mistreated in the music business. ALEX was definitely one of them...as well as Pete Hamm of Bad Finger or Steve Marriott in tge Small Faces. The list goes on and on, not forgetting all the black lives that didn't get compensated for their contributions. Now as a Caucasian musician I can tell you this...they don't call it the "music business" for nothing. It is like any other business with any other product. If you get screwed...it is because you did not have the intelligence to stop it. That's why young artists are victims. You think they (the powers) care...they rarely do. So just be like DAVE CLARK and hold their nuts over the fire. If you have the product, watch everyone and manage yourself! Give it time and don't expect anyone to be the Captain of your ship. Always remember...it IS a business. Kick ass and TELL them vultures who is boss! It's your product! They have nothing without the artist and their songs! Grow some steel plums and go for it! Tell those punk ass music business monkeys you are in charge. If they don't listen...kick'em to the curb quickly! Now get going!!! 🤨

[@JugaJuga14]

I feel like he'd of been a great actor

[@gordonginsberg7976]

He was a great actor. He was acutely and explicitly aware of the acting aspect of music performance (and life itself!), and he was a master.

[@gregnewman2512]

RIP, Alex.

[@macadoo2530]

I hope this comes to fruition..enjoyed the Big Star doc but not enough about Alex for my liking..lots to be unearthed still.

[@steverok67]

When will this come out and how will it be released ?

[@finkboy66]

If he never wrote/sang anything other Thirteen, that would have been enough

[@Mr3DBob]

Quick! Sign up Bob Odenkirk to play Alex in the biopic.

[@1Long2Short]

Any updates on the status of this documentary? Would love to be able to watch this.

[@ebrena1]

There is a documentary BIG STAR on Netflix-it was good

[@zachsmith3]

@@ebrena1 I wish it was still there!

[@nitedreamer23]

Zach Smith it's on tu bi. I just watched it (again) last night.

[@mattmattson7152]

Is this film still being made? I would love to see it!

[@chriscureton622]

When did alex lose his soulful gritty boxtops voice and acquire the softer blg star voice ? 💥

[@jhankline8963]

Wow. Thats all i can say

[@mgkos]

Looking forward to the full doco, sad sad twist of fate. (“Bangkok-little town in Indonesia” ouch that penchant for poor world Geography teaching & awareness in US, great song musically otherwise )

[@Spectrescup]

he later changed it to "a little town in south-east Asia"

[@Dreskiff23]

Where did you get this version of a little fishy?

[@anthonyhunt701]

When is this supposed to be out??? I heard this year according to Julian Leonard

[@SoulWaveLa1]

What's the update on release? Great job.

[@paulbacigalupi8224]

Now I see the influence he had over Paul Westerberg from the Replacements. Sounds just like him.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Saw him out the back of a gig smoking a cig. Fkin rock star pose 'n all. Sadly missed. Never travel far...

[@jeangenet796]

Saw him open for replacements

[@therazband3007]

Any updates on when this will be completed and released?

[@marthastephens2179]

I was at Bar Dkdc here in Memphis for the pre release doc party. Where can this film be seen in its entirety? 👀

[@memphiscameraman]

It isn't complete yet but the edit is coming together and it's looking good. We won't keep it a secret when it's finally ready.

[@tomcallanan1078]

The riff at 6:08 is 'Dirty Vegas' by INXS.

[@memphiscameraman]

It's "Bangkok" by Alex Chilton - 1977

[@Spectrescup]

Ffs

[@jesusonazareth4752]

Anyone know what year(s) Lucky Joe Tivola played bass for Alex? The internet draws a complete blank on that name.

[@memphiscameraman]

It was only for a short tour in the late 80s or early 90s. Joe's played with a lot of people but not always under the same name.

[@jesusonazareth4752]

Ah, thanks. That happens to be the period when a couple of other players did short stints in the trio as well. Mike Maffei and John McClure played bass with him during those years, but never made it to the studio with him. All the gigs I got to see had Ron Easley on bass.

[@urinator111]

What is the the recording from 0:18 - 0:50 ? haunting

[@markheberlein1224]

Where did that acoustic version of “In The Street” come from?!?!???

[@nldaddona]

What's the song he can't remember the words to in the beginning?

[@waterbuffalo901]

what's the track at the start?

[@drewaldrich711]

when when, oh when will this film be finished?

[@jolyonsheate848]

Does anyone know what the song played at the very beginning is? Can't find it anywhere. Also is this out anytime soon?

[@daisyglaze1817]

The song is "A Little Fishy". I think the aim is for the film to be done by years end but you can check in on it at Kickstarter.com, I believe they are still taking donations for the film as well.

[@Spectrescup]

its on the Dusted in Memphis bootleg, which was reissued as a double album a few years ago. Should be easy to find on Discogs.

[@electrawolf5855]

What's the status of this movie? Are they any closer to finishing it?

[@brettsanders616]

Has this doc been finished or out yet

[@starcloud4959]

Did Alex Chilton sort of invent Powerpop(with a dark edge)with Big Star or was it George Harrison ? In any case Big Star just gotta be the best bands i've ever heard.

[@Spectrescup]

Badfinger? When were the Raspberries? Y'know that early Jam single that starts "Pow! Pow! Power pop!"? Not their best but a great intro.