I saw A Curious Life at a special screening here in Berlin, followed by an acoustic live performance from The Levellers. The film tells the story of the band, from their beginnings through their incredible run of success through the 1990s, to the present day. It focuses on some band members more than others - probably down to who felt more comfortable on camera - but it is a lovely portrait of a group of musicians who, however unlikely it may have seemed when they were starting out, touched and inspired so many people.
On a personal level, much of the archive footage comes from the 1990s and a time when my teenage self attended countless Levellers gigs, traveled down to Glastonbury, and basically had this band as the soundtrack of my life...
So it was a great trip down memory lane. But at the same time, there was much to discover even for a fan of the band. I don't want to give away any details, but what I would say - and I was thinking this as I watched the band perform following the screening - I think it is heartening and inspiring to see a group of people who have a commitment to their music, their art and their politics, and to have made their way to longevity and success without compromise. A great band, great guys, and a great film.
On a personal level, much of the archive footage comes from the 1990s and a time when my teenage self attended countless Levellers gigs, traveled down to Glastonbury, and basically had this band as the soundtrack of my life...
So it was a great trip down memory lane. But at the same time, there was much to discover even for a fan of the band. I don't want to give away any details, but what I would say - and I was thinking this as I watched the band perform following the screening - I think it is heartening and inspiring to see a group of people who have a commitment to their music, their art and their politics, and to have made their way to longevity and success without compromise. A great band, great guys, and a great film.