Cameron Crowe Unboxes His 'Almost Famous' Archive

Filmmaker and former Rolling Stone writer Cameron Crowe unboxes his archive from the making of 'Almost Famous' for the 20th anniversary of the release of the film.
Almost Famous hit theaters in the fall of 2000, and despite critical acclaim and four Oscar nominations, it fizzled at the box office. “Everybody went to see this rerelease of The Exorcist instead,” Crowe says. “It felt like the long arm of 1973 came back to slap us down.” Twenty years later, though, Almost Famous has transformed into not just a cult classic, but one of the most beloved movies of its era. “We were an underdog that gathered support over the years,” he says. “It’s never been as popular as it is right now.”
Crowe has been working on a Broadway adaptation of the movie. As Almost Famous turns 20, the writer-director looks back with a mix of nostalgia and pride: “It’s not written as anything other than ‘I’m getting a chance to do this, like I got a chance to do journalism, and I want to wave a flag for all the people that helped me and paved a path for a music lover like themselves.’ I think people discovered it and brought their own love of music to it, and that is what I’m proudest of.”
Get the full story at: www.rollingstone.com/

[@777malmo]

He's a fanboy for his own movie and I am LOVING it.

[@MidnightVideo]

If you ain't a fanboy for your own life story, you ain't living life

[@deandeck]

@@MidnightVideo Boy does this help me feel better about the unpublished semi-autobiographical novel I wrote 10 years ago! haha lol

[@samjordan3766]

As a young boy of 13 in 1973, and a sponge for all that is rock, I appreciated the detail of the 70s and the underlying feelings for all of these characters. Even the smaller roles, like the Topeks "real" people bring depth, life, and periodic accuracy to the movie. Costume details were so spot-on, as was the Black Sabbath concert. Having already been going to concerts in 1973, the details of Almost Famous make me feel a wonderful nostalgia, every time I see it.

[@Kerry1960]

Almost Famous took me back to a time that I often lament and will always cherish. Thanks!

[@flyjohnson711]

For us rock musicians this movie is quarantine therapy. I’ve watched it twice this week. I watch it often to be inspired. It’s my fave movie of all time. I identify with it to the core of my soul as a musical spiritualist and it resonates more now than ever. It’s a love letter to a beautiful time when magic was a real thing evoked in the energy of sonic waves and passion. There will never be another time like it, and just to get to even touch that feeling for 2 hours gives me enough inspiration to write 10 albums and run up a mountain. I’m still trying to keep that energy alive as a songwriter and player, and will until I drop. It’s for me, everything.

[@rbu2136]

This. Beautifully said, man.

[@johnk7267]

I totally agree with you! I rewatched it again last week while isolating in the bedroom cuz I had COVID, and it was exactly what I needed. Have you seen the Bootleg Cut that has almost 40 extra minutes of footage? That's the version I watched this time around, and it makes an amazing movie even better!

[@ShazzPotz]

You sound like Jeff Bebe, the singer from Stillwater? The only thing you left out is, "And the chicks are great."

[@David-tc6rg]

Thanks for keeping that spirit alive

[@mikewoods8565]

Hi, hope you're doing well I am a stage Tech in Calgary and have been for a long time. I have gone to almost every experience of almost every character in that film. I have started a conversation with my friends asking if there's one film the defined you what would it be ? ( the song they would Define me would be hide in your shell by Supertramp ). Perhaps you can keep the conversation going as I do with my friends. Thank you very much and take care

[@georgel5181]

I watched Almost Famous for the first time yesterday. Thank you, Cameron Crowe!

[@likearollingstone007]

Good for you, I wish I could watch it for the first time

[@richardbrown3055]

@@likearollingstone007 YES to that!!! Almost Famous, more than any other film I have ever seen, gives me that feeling of wishing I could go back and see it again for the first time. Now I’m just waiting for my daughters to get to be old enough to show it to them for the first time.

[@Robcore954]

I liked the video without even watching because how could I not like this video? Almost Famous is one of my favorite movies.

[@rollingstone]

Agreed!

[@stefanford732]

One of?

[@evsrax9556]

Understanding seeing it vs understand living it is a tough argument a lot of these frauds don't wanna have

[@raven_of_zoso455]

Almost Famous is the movie that made me become a journalist and a writer. I love late 60s and early 70s rock, and the music in this movie is just my cup of tea. It's also the first movie that had me in tears after I became an adult... it happes right at the end as Tangerine by Zeppelin starts playing, the whole movie takes you on such an awesome journey, full of Easter eggs from actual rock and roll history, lovable characters and all, then comes this amazing end scene that turns everything around and on top of it all, one of my favorite Zeppelin songs starts playing... I get goose bumps just by thinking of it... My absolute favorite movie! Thank you so much Cameron for telling this masterpiece of a story! "Does anybody remember laughter?"

[@Lolilillisjdjdhddj]

Before I saw the movie my dad told me that tangerine was in the movie ( it’s my favorite zeppelin song) I cried when it played at the end

[@ARCADEBLOWTORCH]

When ever I hear stairway to heaven, I always say "does anyone rremember laughter?" at the appropriate time. Great Movie!! A real love affair of music.

[@zeus014]

very well stated!

[@robcreel4257]

I still love this movie after countless viewing. One of my favorite scene is the confessions on the plane. Still makes me laugh.

[@David.S.]

I'M GAY!!

[@SoulShines4U]

"Shut up Jeffrey!!"

[@zeus014]

@@SoulShines4U "I had to live with you. And Now I might DIE with you, and it's NOT. FUCKING. FAIR!"

[@curtconroy8789]

Crowe gave us a gift for the ages with Almost Famous

[@anthonybelfiore7312]

Thank you for the best Rock movie ever!

[@mcblakemore3423]

I love this movie so much, and to hear Cameron talk about how it came to be makes me love it so much more. As a music lover, if I could live my life again, I would want to be Cameron Crowe.

[@briteness]

I think it was Crowe's attention to detail, which he talks about here, that made Almost Famous the classic it is. That, and the fact that the Crowe's real-life story really was extraordinary.

[@mlt3820]

A Great Director gets deep on the details and it pays off quite well. Tarantino goes miles in to one detail and includes it in every movie in some cases (See: Red Apples) whereas Scorsese will detail-out thru the edit room and in a quick flash. Anderson similarly does so with quick details of the everyday life stuff. ✌️🤟

[@spiritgover4223]

Really???? He said TN Ernie Ford was "obscure". WTF??

[@music4thesoul80]

​@@spiritgover4223 - Unless you're over 75 then yes, Tennessee Ernie Ford is *very* obscure at this point. The man was born in 1919 for cripes sake! lol That's why Lester Bangs sent Cameron that photo back in the early 70s, as a joke. Ford was already in his mid 50s by the early 1970s and was considered "old people music", especially to the under 30 crowd and rock journalists like Lester Bangs and Cameron Crowe.

[@stevemuzak8526]

Almost Famous is one of the best movies ever. Insane amount of details.

[@pattytracey3131]

Great Greg Allman story. Wow! Thanks for all your great work covering such a huge period in music history.

[@brucefranklin6295]

Always loved Almost Famous, having grown up in that time.'73 was a great year to archive through Cameron's experiences. The Greg Allman story was revelatory. Cameron seems like a really great guy and so glad he got Almost Famous made ,without some studio executive ruining it.

[@bobfrapples1208]

Are you the Bruce Franklin from the band Trouble?

[@brucefranklin6295]

@@bobfrapples1208 Yes sir. Small world.

[@bobfrapples1208]

@@brucefranklin6295 NO WAY!!!! I saw you guys back in the early 90's in Cleveland. Saw you guy on the Manic Frustration tour. ROCK!!!

[@brucefranklin6295]

@@bobfrapples1208 Very cool! Always love playing in Cleveland.

[@tuki6364]

My favorite movie of all time Mr. Crowe. Almost Famous Is just that special. Hope you continue to do movies in the future!

[@postworld1185]

Whenever someone says "I have to go home," I always do the Penny Lane wave "You are home."

[@brinkybrinkz]

It's all happening

[@donnamendez258]

Did you know the line "You are home" wasn't in the movie, Kate just added it. Brilliant--

[@vmoonbeam6571]

@@donnamendez258 I just found that out last week. That’s so awesome

[@brinkybrinkz]

Really great movie! The story, music and actors. I loved the movies Singles.

[@rbu2136]

: )

[@tomandaj1]

Cameron. Having grown up in the Bay Area and being a working musician my whole life AND being 1 year older than you. The movie felt like me watching my teenage years. Wish you’d do another one that furthers the history

[@FirehorseCreative]

*Almost HEAVEN.* I can never get enough of the 'feels like you were there' vibe that Cameron managed to convey with this film and music experience. *Thank you brother!* 🎸💟🎤☮️🎬✨🪽

[@tangocharlie6384]

what a lovely extraordinary man- the movie is a crafted piece of art- thank you for making it …for living it…for ur passion🙏

[@neilcoultis8289]

Thank You Cameron Crowe for Almost famous, your movie resonated for me from the first viewing. 1973 was a breakout year for me and you captured it perfectly, and everytime I rewatch I pick up little things I had not noticed previously. At that time, I attended so many parties like the one where Russell got wasted, I feel like it's '73 again.

[@andymassingham]

That three album breakdown is hilariously on point. The third album should have a single track on side 2.

[@likearollingstone007]

On point suggestion lol

[@SamHarrisonMusic]

The one that everyone skips 😂

[@tungtobak]

@@SamHarrisonMusic Not the stoners

[@ericanderson2152]

it should be called ‘the hermit’s odyssey’

[@SamHarrisonMusic]

@@ericanderson2152 Yeh, plenty of mellotron :)

[@missceciliajo7360]

I literally squealed when I saw penny's tool box

[@ReelRoula]

I’m sure a few people squealed when they spotted that turquoise fridge in his garage! 👍

[@JamesHH]

I've yet to see Almost Famous still so I'm lacking all these emotions. shameful I know. :/

[@KM_1983]

@@JamesHH You are in for a treat!

[@sgtpepper1138]

@@JamesHH I hope you've rectified that by now, if not, watch the bootleg/ untitled cut.

[@ler5299]

One of the best movies ever made. And Kate Hudson's performance as Penny Lane is magical.

[@TheRWE12]

Thanks, Cameron for your outlook and sharing. Cheers.

[@MrChiprocks1]

Thank you 'young me' for seeing this movie when it first came out.🤘

[@-dirk-65]

Genius to think it, live it, & accomplish it. Speaks for our time.

[@dlux8735]

The Movie is a passage of all things that once was Rock and Roll

[@chrisgleason1344]

Thank You for this and Thank You for Almost Famous. I think I love it more each time I see it.

[@fairweatherbird]

Hey Cameron, great reminiscences here. I was in the Miyako Hotel at the same time as you. I was delivering a couple of lids to the Marshall Tucker Band, the Allman's opening act on the tour. Was that a great weekend of music or what!! The band gave me backstage passes for both nights (Oakland Coliseum and Winterland). We set the tape recorder on KSAN before we left for the show and I still have the tape. Thanks for bringing it all back home.

[@marcusfoto]

lids wow haven't heard that in a long time!

[@zeus014]

@@marcusfoto I only ever heard lids on a 1972 Cheech and Chong cassette. "APRIL FOOL! Hey, man what's happenin'? Hey, did I sound like a cop? Only reason I stopped by was, can you sell me a couple a lids?" (this after the occupants, thinking the cops were about to break down their door, flushed all of their drugs down the toilet).

[@marcusfoto]

@@zeus014 a lid was an ounce right??

[@zeus014]

@@marcusfoto I honestly have no idea. I turned 10 in 1972, when Cheech and Chong's record (Big Bambu) came out. At that time I didn't even know what pot was. By the time I first gave that record a listen I was thirteen, and by that time nobody called them "lids" any more: just quarters, halves and ounces. 😁

[@markrobertdevison1227]

I have watched Almost Famous about 35 or 40 times. It's in my top 5 movies of all time. I love the back story here, gives great insight in to some of the scenes. Thanks Cameron. Give us more, please.

[@jesslafia1]

This movie as many things, but also as a celebration of journalism. Love it. Cameron Crowe's love of the details will always inspire and be so deeply appreciated.

[@cloudpor4445]

I watched this movie last night for the first time and I have to say it’s now in my Top 5 fav movies ever !! And I’m so happy it was a true story ! Amazing

[@wrathchylde9539]

I just watched "Almost Famous" last week as it was offered free on KZbin. Still a great movie!

[@ThreeToesofFury]

THANK YOU! You can post as much as you want about Almost Famous or Crowe and it wouldnt be enough. LOOOVE it!

[@roberthohl2349]

I love Almost Famous! I graduated high school in 1973, the same time that the movie chronicles and this movie spoketo me. The soundtrack of the movie is fantastic. I have it on CD.

[@SuperSoFlow]

Just watched it again over the weekend, and I get something different out of it every time. A wonderful piece of art Cameron!

[@AussieTVMusic]

Stillwater's 4th album was titled "Ain't No Going Back"

[@MrRudyhj]

One of my most favorite movies, I never get tired of watching it. Makes me wish I could've experienced and appreciated what that era had to offer as a young adult, but I was only 7 in 1973. Even during the 80s and 90s, I still preferred music from the 60s and 70s....tell me I'm not alone here.

[@zeus014]

You're not alone here.

[@seanmadill283]

Cameron , dude you just blew my mind . The kid is you ! I always wondered if Almost Famous had a connection with something that actually happened. Omg this makes the story even more incredible. I'm shook bro, Almost Famous means so much to me . You did a fantastic job and the cast was so incredible. Thanks Cameron

[@bloodaonadeline8346]

you didn’t know it was semi autobiographical?

[@marcosgh5183]

You are a genius... an absolute genius. So it was all true, it wasn't just a movie... even without subtitles, I was able to understand some things. Thank you for this wonderful movie, it's the movie of my entire life.

[@hadasb86]

still hopelessly in love with this movie, with journalism and with rock n roll - and feverdog to me is still a super awsome song!

[@thedebster]

One of my favorite movies of all time.

[@mikewoods8565]

I cannot thank you enough Cameron !. I am a stage Tech in Calgary and in that film I am almost every character in the film. I also spend some time working in film , and if I'm not mistaken John toll was the d o p. Just another connection to that film . Thank you so very much

[@iangelb7496]

My favourite movie,,it really pulls the watcher into the experience of each character. That golden age of rock music was just a magical era .Thank you Cameron for sharing your experiences 🙏..We’d all love to see a 3 hr version of this movie with all those amazing deleted scenes…. Maybe one day ??

[@Eric_In_SF]

I’ve never really seen him chat like this. He just seems like a super chill dude just hang out and chat with

[@lisadougherty5999]

My favorite movie, growing up in that era, thanks Cameron.

[@thegood9]

What a life. And such a great movie and story. Thanks, CC!

[@dgmaffi]

Absolutely brilliant movie and an incredible life story.

[@ConstantGardener-q9q]

This was better than any review of the movie!!

[@anthonyparkernearlifeexp]

HTF is this video only have 156k views?!!? This is an amazing story.

[@Cap683]

He really nailed the early 1970s when rock music was the thing and Rolling Stone was still a magazine focused on bands. Love the film.

[@deadfafi]

i could literally listen to him talking for hours and hours!

[@michaelgray4964]

Cameron Crowe is my age. I was a kid in high school reading his stories. I think I still have that Allman Brothers issue boxed up somewhere. I did a bit of what he started out doing - I hung out at a couple of local radio stations, sat in on interviews, stuff like that. I just never had the drive to push it into actually writing. It's a regret. I flat love this movie. I mean, this *was* my teenage music and band experience. Except for the hanging out with them part, of course, lol. So good.

[@kghardesty]

Wow. Just...wow. Love the music, a time we will likely never see again, and love the movie, too This is great stuff; thanks Cameron Crowe!!!

[@suzannevilicich7637]

I am originally from Detroit. I posed for Bobby Alford to sell Creem Magazine T shirts while in high school. Met Dennis and ALL of The Beach Boys at Olympia Stadium December of 77. My Dad worked for American Airlines so when Dennis gave me his phone number along with his autograph I started flying to Los Angeles with the stipulation my older sister come along. She was 18. Movie very relatable and love all of the Detroit / Michigan references.

[@johnkamola9563]

Love the story about Greg Allman. Love to hear the version of "These Days" that you recorded.

[@mattcolver1]

Almost Famous is one of the few movies that I know I've watched at least 10 times.

[@lawlaw1]

This is amazing. Cameron is our last true time capsule back to playing records in our bedrooms & the 90s ( the greatest decade.. IMO) 🙏🏻 Cheers Cam!

[@jeffjoseph832]

You lived the life I wanted. Thank you for Almost Famous. A true gift.

[@jonmars9559]

"The Mind Can Do Anything". Growing up in the 70s in San Diego, that message was discreetly placed over the door at my mother's house. I knew Almost Famous had the proper authenticity when I saw that little detail had not been overlooked.

[@kjam1709]

There's awesome and then there is AWESOME. This is AWESOME 🙌

[@rockinggator969]

Easily one of the best, if not THE BEST, movies about music ever. Thank you Cameron!!!

[@prainer49]

This is so great. I could watch stuff like this for hours. Thank you Cameron!

[@benjaminperez7328]

What a life Cameron has had! 🤘🏼

[@basking_in_it]

As a kid growing up in the 60s & 70s, the first time I saw this movie when it came out was like going back in time. I've seen it so many times now, I basically run the lines along with the actors through the entire movie. One of my absolute Top 3 movies of all time. It takes me back to a musical heaven. I'm so glad I grew up when I did. Thanks Cameron, for this movie and for the nostalgia it brings every time I see it. And as a side note, I'd love to have the Stillwater albums!

[@briandressel1344]

It's a wonderful film, captures an amazing time in music and in America.

[@carolinelowe6304]

How could anyone dislike this video

[@manasseh36]

Im not sure why but I tear up all throught his movie every time I watch it.

[@zeppelincurse8381]

An absolute gem! Timeless... perfect... delightful nostalgia.🎤🎶🎸😎

[@musical_wheels]

Possibly one of the coolest in music journalism/movies.

[@tracywallace6714]

Cameron is so down to earth. Love this

[@thechazdarby]

So rad. I love that movie so much and Cameron is a treasure. Almost Famous and Singles really changed the social landscape, and his years as a journalist...just fantastic.

[@DelightLovesMovies]

His movies have a lot of heart and so does he.

[@jeffmendelson8039]

I was born in 1967. Both my parents worked a lot, so, while I was growing up during the early and early-mid 1970s, I was left with baby sitters sometimes who looked after me (and always treated me great) during the very last gasp of the hippie era and during the classic rock age during that time. I remember it being such a wonderful time in my young life,, being exposed to and listening to the Stones, the Allman Brothers Band, Zeppelin (and listening to "That's the Way" and Tangerine"), The Who, Crosby Stills and Nash, etc etc. Watching "Almost Famous" brought me back to so many cool times being with people that were much too old for me (Lol) but still being introduced to classic rock music, free spirited thinking and being accepted in the same way William was accepted by Still Water. The film has always been almost like a trip down memory lane (not Penny Lane Lol) for me in some ways. It will always have a soft spot in my heart for that reason... :)

[@Chudley716]

Cameron is such a great guy. I was fortunate to meet him at a Super Bowl party around the time of Jerry Maguire. He was so nice and genuine, without any pretense. A famous guy who acted like anything but.

[@1958indyfan]

One of my all time favorite movies. Thank you!

[@benicio1967]

Cameron won an indelible place in my heart from the very first time I saw this movie. It quickly became and remains my favorite movie of all time. I love everything about it. What an honor it would be to be able to thank him for that masterpiece. It has such an effect every time I watch it.

[@nycbren64]

I still like the name we came up with on set during filming, “ Tastes Like Chicken” . Was great working on the movie! So fun . Good memories

[@iggystardust9236]

That's so cool! What was your role in making the movie??

[@nycbren64]

Iggy Stardust set dresser

[@MrEbug68]

That’s the best movie ever, and I love the book Fast Times at Ridgemont high. Cameron Crow is the GOAT

[@SHENDOH]

Thank you for this. I could listen to these stories all day

[@kimberlymilburn9141]

Best movie ever, this is my therapy film. I am a definite fan girl here, grew up in this era, love everything about it especially the music and clothing. You killed me with that last bit, I want that coat so bad!

[@user-ne9ot6hu8o]

Very cool Cameron. Enjoyed the overview of the movie and your history. I loved the movie, and have seen it numerous times. Your behind the scenes, as well as this archive was needed for the fans that didn't want this movie to end. Thank you.

[@nicholegarrett9823]

This is great! Almost Famous is my favorite movie since I first saw it years ago. And I just love everything about it! Thank you Cameron Crowe for making a legendary movie.

[@MickeyBelanger-ve3rl]

Born 1968. I love this movie reminds me of my siblings

[@d.ferrell9978]

Love this Cameron! Thank you for the insight into one of my favorite movies. I have worn out my dvd of Almost Famous. A must watch whenever it pops up on one of my streaming services. Thank you for all you have done. Cheers.

[@danielthompson6880]

This was my musical era. I loved everything rock and roll. I read the album covers completely. I wanted to know every musician who played in every band. This is an iconic movie that always makes me remember the 70's fondly. Makes me remember parties and friends from long ago. Great producing Cameron, it wouldn't have been the same feeling without you. Tugs at my heartstrings.

[@aaronshute5291]

Loved This!!! My favorite movie, great to get to see it deeper!

[@monio.9444]

Thank you, guys, for this video. Ever since I saw this movie many years ago, it has always been on my mind and in my heart, I can never get enough of it and I keep watching it again and again. What an incredible life Cameron had and thank God he really, truly knows how to tell a story in a way that makes you nostalgic for it as if you lived it and are now missing the memory of it. And of course the cast and the entire crew did an incredible job.

[@joemillo]

What fun. Thank you for sharing Mr. Crowe!

[@gregjones3671]

Great writer, rock critic, director, and aficionado, and real person on top of it all. Nice video, concise and soulful. Thanks.

[@peacetrain3320]

This is absolutely great! Loved re-living these times, the movie and Cameron. Just finished Jann Wenner’s book. This video was the icing on the cake! Thanks for the memories, Cameron.

[@bohoxplorer840]

Cameron always keeps things for his archives one of the most caring and sentimental men I know. I wanna stalk him ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ yep after all these year still crushing💋

[@spencermarkic5512]

We need so many more Cameron Crowe videos

[@denisefreitas6727]

Loved the video! I love Cameron Crowe! Almost Famous is one of my all time favorite movies!

[@jmorg1267]

This is awesome! Thanks for this.

[@jayrockskelly]

Loved that ! Thanks much appreciated

[@rbu2136]

Absolutely love Almost Famous. Seen it many times. Just touches me deep in my soul when I do.

[@dsatt57]

Damn, THANK YOU! This is awesome! I was listening to Feel Flows earlier today during work and then discovered this at lunch! Happy Friday!

[@julioarmandobriceno5967]

Great video, for a great movie! One of my all time favorites!