McCartney Times

Thanks to that absolute bastard COVID-19, gigs and tours have been largely cancelled for indefinite amount of time.

It’s a huge blow to the music scene in Australia but there are still ways you can show your support during these dark times — buy a freaking band t-shirt, for god’s sake.

And if you’re stuck indoors for a long period of time, you may find yourself starting to crave a gig. Luckily, streaming services are stocked with concert films from the biggest acts on the planet. There are also intimate performances that will make it feel like Harry Styles is doing an impromptu gig in your lounge room.

Here are the best concert films to stream right now.

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Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé (Netflix)

Beyoncé’s headline performance at Coachella is simply one of the greatest live performances you’ll ever see. A magnificent display of artistic precision, Homecoming splices together the sets Beyoncé played over two weekends at the festival in 2018.

You get to see behind-the-scenes to witness how it all came together but a bulk of the film is the concerts in real time. Beyoncé puts her whole career on the stage and embraces her past — the Density’s Child reunion is particularly great. It’s the perfect balance of old and new but entirely Beyoncé.

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The Last Waltz (Stan)

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese is a huge music nerd. His career is peppered with music documentaries about George Harrison and The Rolling Stones, but the ultimate one is The Last Waltz. The film centres on The Band, Bob Dylan’s former backing group who stepped out on their own and become of the most influential rock bands of all time.

But all good things come to and end and The Band called it quits. Before packing it in, The Band planned a farewell concert and Scorsese documented the whole thing. Not only is the gig legendary, it’s one of the definitive concert films. Look out for appearances from Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, and Neil Young. The ultimate jam sash.

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Crowded House: Live at the Sydney Opera House (Stan)

Speaking of bands breaking up, Crowded House broke hearts in 1996 when they disbanded. On the steps of the Opera House in Sydney they staged an emotional Farewell To The World concert.

It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime gigs people still talk about. Jump to 2016, the band re-formed to celebrate 20 years of saying goodbye with another huge concert. It’s two hours of pure joy, and a reminder that Crowded House are one of the greats.

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Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour (Netflix)

A Taylor Swift stadium tour in your living room…yes please! You get a front-row seat to one of the biggest tours from the past decade and the third highest-grossing female concert tour of all time.

The Reputation Tour has giant snakes, elaborate dance numbers and just Taylor, her guitar and hundreds and thousands of people. An artist at the height of her powers plus a bit of an emo phase.

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NPR Tiny Desk Concerts (YouTube / NPR)

The American radio station NPR has been inviting artists to play gigs in their office for over a decade. To-date, roughly 800 acts have done a tiny desk concert, so you’re bound to find a favourite artist in the mix.

That’s what makes Tiny Desk Concerts great: the mix. You’ll find performances from Harry Styles, Lizzo, Adele, John Legend, Courtney Barnett, Khalid, Weezer, Wu-Tang Clan and more. Each performance feels like the act is in the room with you and no artist is too big for the tiny desk.

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Justin Timberlake and the Tennessee Kids (Netflix)

In 2015, the legendary film director Jonathan Demme (Stop Making Sense, Silence of the Lambs) recorded Timberlake’s finale performance of his 20/20 Experience World Tour in Las Vegas.

JT is in bandleader mode here and it’s a concert film that exemplifies his showmanship. After a few recent missteps it’s a good reminder that JT is a dynamic performer.

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Prince: Sign O’ the Times (Amazon Prime Video)

Prince! That’s it, that’s the summary. Okay, if you need more convincing, this concert film features footage from the European Sign O’ The Times Tour in 1987. There, now go watch it immediately.

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Springsteen on Broadway (Netflix)

In these tough times listen to the Boss. Broadway comes to you with an intimate gig where Bruce Springsteen reflects on his life and plays a few songs. It’s very moving so it’s best to use a towel instead of wasting your tissue supply.

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Shut Up and Play the Hits (VOD)

If you’re sensing a theme, yes, band break-ups do make good concert films. This time it’s LCD Soundsystem.

The film follows frontman James Murphy over a 48-hour period that included the band’s final gig a Madison Square Garden, and the morning after.

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Coldplay A Head Full of Dreams (Amazon Prime Video)

Coldplay have been around for over two decades, but have you ever stopped to think where they came from? Regardless of what you think of their music, this is a concert film that contrasts humble beginnings with stadium shows.

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triple j Like a Version (YouTube)

Don’t forget the eclectic mix of covers in the Like a Version back catalogue. Like Tiny Desk Concerts, it feels like each act is busking at your place.

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The Set (ABC iView)

The ABC has been intermittently throwing a little house party hosted by absolute legends Dylan Alcott and Linda Marigliano. Some of Australia’s best acts pop up in a makeshift share house to perform, and it’s a blast.

Source: The Biggest And Best Live Music Films To Watch While You’re Stuck Inside