After Bill Graham died in the helicopter, I attended his Kaddish in a synagogue near the Presidio in SF. Santana played a melody on his guitar that Bill hummed to himself when he was a child refugee in WW2 Europe-it was called “I love you forever.” Billy Preston sang “that’s the way God planned it”.
My mom is Vicky in the office. I used to get to go into the Fillmore before it opened for shows and to dance in the strobe light during the show, which was on the left side of the stage. I was about 6 or 7. I went back recently and it is still quite a bit the same. I figure I've covered a good stretch going there since I'm 60 now. There isn't anyone there from the old days of course. Mom's still in Marin. I met Boz Scaggs and the Jefferson Airplane there.
It's on Market and Van Ness right? It is now being used as an event space correct? I worked in there with Local 16, San Francisco Stagehands Union, a couple of years ago.
They were dances. I sat on the stage while the band played. Sometimes a band member would bum a cigarette. I would always sit close to the piano. People sat on the floor or chairs. People danced and shared. I never witnessed a fight or saw any one dragged out. If someone was in town, they would show up. One night, during a break between band set ups, Bill asked the crowd if they were up to an out of towner. Crowed yelled sure Bill said then give it up for Arlo Guthrie. You were never sure who was playing with what group as a guest. I'm 77. Lived in Haight in the su.mer. College in LA I had no idea I was living through magic.
The 1960’s and 1970’s was the only decades in our history that every kind of band played GREAT music. Rock bands were great, pop bands were great, soul bands were great, Funk bands were great, prog bands were great, country bands were great, disco bands were great, jazz fusion bands were great. Now it’s pot luck as to whether you can find something good to listen to, back then it was almost a guarantee that it was going to be good. Bring back the 70’s attitude and style of music.
Yeah, MUCH creativity, creative freedom which blasted from our radios...now it seems the creativity is funneled thru a cookie cutter approach where it is 'safer' to go with a sound/style/etc. that is more of a sure thing. Great stuff out now if you either know where to find it or perhaps someone you know turns you on to it but NOTHING like the smorgasbord of the 60's airwaves.
@@bepitan I was there for the 80s, the best bands in the 80s were from the 60s and 70s. Some good stuff from the eighties but we've had all these years for the crap to be forgotten about. Same with older stuff too I guess but so much 60s and 70s bands were on fire. By the 2000s almost nobody new can play an instrument.
Northern California was such a special place back then. Bill Graham was everywhere! After this his name was on the radio for years with “Day on the Green” and other promotions. Just one of the many, many iconic figures to shine in that era out of Northern California. Really miss those days and the special people who were alive then
Bill Graham was a legend. From the stage he introduced the shows, would kick giant balls into Day on the Green crowds, throw out Frisby’s and would make sure to tell everyone the tents down on the field were there to help you if you overindulged drugs or alcohol. He made sure his shows were affordable ( Snack Concert 1974 10 headliners for 5 bucks). After many free shows at Golden Gate Park you could join him picking up garbage left by the crowds. Met him a couple of times doing so. I’m glad I had the chance to tell him how much he meant to fans. On 10/25/91 we lost him in a tragic helicopter accident ending the classic concert era that would be eventually corrupted by greed. Thanks for breakfast at dawn and the great memories Bill.
My girlfriend's birthday was last year, and her husband planned a surprise party with a band, but he wouldn't tell me who. Well it was COLDBLOOD! We danced for 4 hours to the 12 piece band with horns, it was great! Lydia was still in top form, sounding just like this still at 70+! It was the best party for 80 people ever!
Cold Blood played at the Concord, CA Thursday night Farmer's market/Concert Series back some 5-6 years ago, and I took off work early to make sure I was there to witness their performance and Lydia was phenomenal. I knew of their Fillmore East set, and I had never had the opportunity to see them in person, so this was a very special night to see this historic band for the first time. What a night, and Cold Blood had a meet & greet tent set up near the outdoor concert stage. I bought a CD and got a chance to meet Lydia and other band members after their second and last set.
I was there too at just 22 standing in line at just 40 seconds in - Thank You Bill for making so much happen and for the sanctuary that was the New Years Eve Grateful Dead shows
Ah, the MANY nights that I spent at the Fillmore West (including the night of my high school graduation). $5.00 for three bands, each playing two sets and not a bad seat in the house! I saw so many great shows and yes, some that didn't work as well, but EVERY show was special. I couldn't get tickets for the final run, they sold out so quickly. But, they were broadcast live, so we could hear ALL of the music. I first met Bill out in front og the Fillmore West in June of 1970, little knowing that I would be working for him at the time of his death. He'll live forever in my heart and memory!
Of the many, many things that I have loved about this documentary, I think my favorite is the performance of Hot tuna with Papa John Creech . My uncle used to tell me how much he loved them. I am glad that it was preserved for prosperity and history, otherwise I would have never heard it.
So many greats bands! Actual musicians who wrote and performed their own music. What a concept! Saw Santana live at Fillmore East. Incredible live show, precision like. Miss those days.
Most of the bands in this film are absolutely terrible, especially the Janis Joplin impersonator(s). An edited version with just the Bill Graham stuff would be good.
@@rhall2307 You are badly mistaken about the quality of the bands and singers. Also, there are no Janis Joplin impersonators in this film. I hope that, like the Grinch, your heart will grow three times this Christmas Day!
Thanks Bill Graham. He always had a kind word for me outside Grateful Dead New Years shows; The Last Waltz was amazing. Imagine all the film footage that wasn't used; maybe a revised edition of the film?
After this gig, the original Santana was no more. David Brown would leave and be replaced briefly by Tom Rutley, followed by Doug Rauch. Then Carabello would be fired, and James Mingo Lewis would take over congas, followed by Armando Peraza. This is the end of an era, folks.
Lamb - "Hello Friends", "Isn't It Just a Beautiful Day" Cold Blood - "You Got Me Hummin'", "Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" Hot Tuna - "Candy Man", "Uncle Sam Blues" The Rowan Brothers - rehearsal jam Quicksilver Messenger Service - "Fresh Air", "Mojo" Jefferson Airplane - "Volunteers", "We Can Be Together" * New Riders of the Purple Sage - rehearsal jam Grateful Dead - "Casey Jones", "Johnny B. Goode" It's a Beautiful Day - "White Bird" The Elvin Bishop Group - "The Sky Is Crying" Santana - "Incident at Neshabur", "In a Silent Way"
Plus Boz Scaggs performing "Make My Life Shine" (after Bill Graham kicks him out of the building) following Cold Blood, also following Graham and Mike Bloomfield reminiscing about Mike's mother attending one of his shows.
My brother in law plays for Lydia and cold blood now, he's the lead guitar player and they just released an album and my sister sang some back up vocals. His name is Steve Dunne.
If you stop at 7 seconds in, you will see me, in blue, standing in line. I hitch hiked to California that summer and fulfilled the hippie dream. I had a telepathic moment with Jerry which bonded me for life. When I eventually returned home and told people about flames shooting out of the amplifiers, no one believed me.
Me too. The summer of 1975 I hitched hiked from my home in Chesapeake, VA and landed in Huntington Beach, CA. Rode the Union Pacific Railway with several others up through the San Joaquin valley jumping off briefly in Kingsburg, CA where i attempted to take a long overdue bath in the Kings River - outside temp over a 100 F but the water was frigid. Got off the train near Stockton IIRC and made it over to Berkeley spending some time sleeping in the little hills around campus and camping out with Robert Pirsig. Finally made it to the Haight, but decided to hitch back home that September.
@@michaelgoodrich6958 - I slept out in the hills behind UC Berkeley in the summer of '75 too! One day someone on the street invited me to a party in Berkeley and I came back to the woods drunk and stoned and saw that someone was sleeping in my spot. I wasn't sure if it was me or not, so just in case I put my sleeping bag farther down the trail. Next morning I woke up just in time to see someone shocked to see another person sleeping in the woods and he took off. Maybe it was you! I roadied for Tom Fogarty of CCR a bit, got a massage degree, etc. and finally got back to upstate New York the following Feb. Cool that you got to hang out with Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a very formative book for me.
Fillmore East was the Cathedral of Rock & Roll. Saw so many shows there. Got a chance to have a brief chat with Bill Graham the night the Fillmore East closed. He was and still is a hero to me.
I attended the Bill Graham memorial in Golden Gate Park 1991. So many great bands that he introduced to the world played that day. And a million people showed up. Thanks Bill!!!!!
I was living in the East Bay (Pleasanton, CA) when I heard the news of Bill's death. Shocking & tragic. Graham was a shrewd promoter & businessman, and a music legend to be sure.
@@Revolution1117 The place was packed and it was a gorgeous day. The highlight for me was John Fogarty singing "Born on the Bayou" backed by the Grateful Dead whileJerry was still with us. The performance is on TH-cam. Check it out. Amazing.
@@clarkewi Thanks man, will do!! I was in SoCal in '71 and didn't make the move to NorCal until '78 so I missed the shows. I was though, able to catch some shows when Bill re-opened it, then also after his death (and the quake). Such a cool venue with tons of history.
i can remember standing in line at winterland and it would be cold as hell and it was 4.00 oclock the show wasnt until nine and bill would let us in and have volleyball or egg races with the winners getting new years tickets. bill didnt have to do this thats what kind of a guy he was.rip bill
I loved him…his concerts saved my life! Saw hundreds of shows! Hitchhiking from Hillsborough to the City! Nothing bad ever happened! Totally blessed & grateful for him! ♥️♥️♥️
Many dont realize that Bill did not really leave the biz after closing the two venues. He took a break but then continued to promote his close friends /bands like the Dead, Santana, and many others John Scher in NJ (a major east coast promoter) teamed with Bill to co promote the Dead. and several gigs. Bill was John's mentor . I met Bill at several huge Dead stadium shows when i worked of Scher and he was always open to talk bout anything we usually didnt talk about the biz cause we were surrounded by it 24/7. I have nothing but respect for him.
I attended my very first concert ever at the Filmore East. I was 13, and it was a blast. What an experience. Tickets were only 5$ back then. I cannot believe my BF didn't buy seats every week. There was no such thing as a bad lineup, and I saw one of the last shows in Feb 1971 with Van Morrison, Fleetwood Mac (b4 Buckingham/Nicks), and Freeway. Elton John and Sanatana were Among the final few shows. It killed me to not have tickets for those shows. It would have been worth the fights with my parents to break curfew every week. Didn't realize Sanatana was being such divas. Sad.
@@greenmanalishi6963@greenmanalishi6963 I Wish I could remember the finer details. I remember it being a GREAT show. It was my very first concert, and I was dazzled by the intimate size of the venue for such big-name acts and the trippy gel backdrops. There were no bad seats.
The Fillmore will always hold a special place in my heart. So many hours I spent listening to some of the best music a soul can encounter. Bill Graham was a mensch! He has done right with me. I only wish I could have seen Rory Gallagher.
I was lucky enough to see Rory at Winterland in 1977'. I was 16 and didn't really even know who he was, heard his name a few times but had never heard his music. He actually played third on the bill to Bob Seger and Blue Oyster Cult were the headliners. As much as I liked BOC in those days neither them or Seger should have tried to play after Rory. I mean he freakin' tore the house down! How many opening acts get multiple encores? Jesus he was on fire that night and I still remember him as being one of the greatest guitar players I've ever seen live. I've seen tons of great players in my day, Clapton, SRV, Page, Winter, Beck (Jeff, not the weird dude with one name), Zappa, Walsh, Santana, just to name a few. That performance that night by Rory was as good or better than any performance I've ever seen live, taped or just listened to.
I lived in East Oakland at that time and it was Fillmore West every weekend...$2.00 bucks! Remember sitting on the floor. Jerry Garcia came out one night throwing hits of acid into the crowd. Not wanting to eat anything that hit that floor, I passed. But did take a pull off the red mountain wine that was going around and found out the hard way that it was full of acid. Oh well, just kick back and trip!
I wasn't there, but I enjoy this video very much. Very familiar and fan of Cold Blood & Santana, my Country man. I understand that Mr Bill Graham, made much of this possible, I wonder, why this have to come to an end? Somehow I was part of this. Thank you Bill Graham. I Know you promoted many of my favorite music bands. Greetings From Mexico.
Documentary rekindled fond memories of the Carousel Ballroom at the corner of Market and Van Ness. Amazing archival footage. I was at it’s close and at so many of the concerts since 1968 and at a lot of the earlier shows from his previous venues… $4.50 to see the top acts in popular music. Boy Howdy!
I grew up on WLS Radio in Chicago, if I tried to explain the music and the era your mind would explode!! I count myself to be extremely lucky to have been in the middle of it. Thanks
In 1968, shortly after Bill Graham assumed ownership of the Carousel Ballroom on South Van Ness Ave. (the de facto Fillmore West), I hitch hiked to San Francisco from my small hometown in the Valley specifically to see the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. The first band of the evening completely blew me, and everyone else away. I'd never heard such intense, percussion driven music in my life & the lead guitarist was phenomenal. I'll never forget Bill Graham's introduction... "If you're wondering where the rock stars of tomorrow are coming from, they're right here from our own backyard. Ladies & Gentlemen...Santana."
I was a regular at the Fillmore East in NYC. It was an amazing thing to see and hear all those groups week in and week out .. such great memories.. put them right up there with Woodstock !!!
gov111w... I went on a blind date at the Fillmore east in 1970, the Allman Bros. were performing. I'm proud to say that we've been happily married for 47 years now.
America was blessed with musical talent, blessed with the intense efforts of Bill Graham and the Fillmore staff as they showcased these musicians to the country and the world. I wish we all could have lived forever, always playing, always grooving, always loving.✌
Wow !!! This was a great time listening to all these different bands and sounds that B.G gave us to hear the Fillmore was the heart beat of S.F. people havein a good time. Open air openness venue !! People helping people was in the air cared helped 1 others .just in time to hear all of this .thanku B.G. and the Fillmore East n West **
Thank you Bill! I worked for him one year. I got to meet him and talk a bit. Worked at some of his shows. People don’t realize that he was part of the whole thing that came outta the Bay Area. He facilitated it. But you see him dealing with boz scaggs.. he was a tough guy. Nyc tough. Jerry needed that contrast perhaps.
This is such an important documentary about the music of the 60s. I was 18 when this movie was in local theaters. I saw it with two buddies of mine, one of whom is gone now. I love this music so much and I'm glad to see this movie on TH-cam. Thank you!
I would love to say that I was there and witnessed every beautiful sound... But that would be a lie! I was in the USAF at the time and stationed at Travis AFB in Fairfield. What I can say is that I listened to the last days of the Fillmore, live on KSAN FM (San Francisco) from my barracks room. It provided me my musical education. I still own my "Last Days" record set and cherish it.
The fillmore brought all of them for us to experience the elusive thing. Never forgotten even though its half a century away. We'll all meet on the other side. Peace and love
aside from catching charismatic graham in action , the real treat to this Doc are the performances of the likes of cold blood and lamb with two exceptional and unknown lead vocalists...music never stops...cheers
Thank you, Michael for the reminiscesI They are the icing on the cake. I frequented the Fillmore East on many a night and weekend. I went to many of the free concerts at Tompkins Square Park, and at the Dom, at The Ballon Farm, Andy Warhol's Exploding Plastic Inevitable and The Electric Circus. I lived right across the street from there (white brick building, where you stepped down to get to the door (entrance/exit) which i believe was black, and then up one step to enter. The summer of Love was about a month away in the East Village .. the Hippies were just starting to come there. The Fillmore East was the greatest music hall that I had ever been to. .... and that was not that many. When I moved from St. Mark's Place to Alphabet City ... a 4 story tenement apartment that a workmate and friend, George T. had.. The fourth floor walk up was insane after a night of partying. hey .. I even hung at the Old Reliable. Thanks for bringing back some great memories.
I love the intro. A camera behind a maverick like Bill Graham swimming against the current and that wonderfully cheerful music in the background... it’s pretty emotional
my husband treasures his june,1971 fillmore west ticket stub for the allman brothers and frank zappa & the mothers. the TRUE last fillmore west concert!! he definatley needs to GROW UP!!!!!!!
Bill Graham will go down in the history books as being the most proficient, thorough, transparent, and blatantly honest rock and roll promoter of all time! And some people love him for that, while others hated him, because he would never give in and allow them to squeeze him for every nickel. If it wasn't for Bill Graham, classic, timeless albums like Live at The Fillmore East by the Allman Brothers Band, The Last Waltz by The Band, and even Woodstock, would not have existed.
Was fortunate to see this film in theater in '72 when it was released. MANY times.....the group of people I hung with were music obsessive and although Roanoke, VA wasnt San Fran or NYC we clung to any and all music that spoke to us. There were a fair number of concerts and late weekend cinema showing documentaries and cult films. It MADE and SAVED our lives.
Did anyone attend or remember a Fillmore Concert in Sept 1967 where Bill Graham appeared on stage with a broken leg and a crutch? It’s the only time I recall Bill announcing the next band. It was Jefferson Airplane. The memory is strong cause Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassidy played a long duet. Can’t remember the song but I’m lucky to remember even that much from so long ago.
Just imagine what a miracle is is that Bill survived the holocaust as a child and made it all the way to the promised land! What a wonderful blessing. Just see the difference one person can make in this world.
One of the chateaus that the refugee Jewish kids were hidden in is being restored from a burnt out shell. It's the TH-cam channel Escape to Rural France. He stayed there for a number of months and the kids were taught to forage for food in the woods and from fields and to navigate cross country to their next safe haven. I believe they got out through Spain and Portugal.
I feel so honored to have seen so many outstanding performances there. Thanks to all you incredible musical artist, and to you Bill --- A Giant to San Francisco!
Now that I've watched the whole documentary, I am extremely glad it's made and we have it as a history of what Bill Graham and the bands did in the 60''s. I have been listening to the 3 LP album of this concert since about 1973, whenever it came out, and I was there one night as a 17 year old. I got the recording on CD as soon as I could find it. It is a MUST compliment to this documentary. For one, you get: "And now a BITCH of a band from the east bay, Tower of Power" as only Bill could say it, and then, the best version they ever played of "Back on the Streets Again". Boz, QMS, Lydia, the audio is so much better on the CD, I wish they could marry that audio with this documentary, which really suffers by comparison. Quicksilver is killer on the CD, and only really good here because of poor audio. IMHO. But, love it Bill! Long live (the memory of) Bill Graham and what he meant for our music!
I, too, bought that album when it came out. Still have it, and have kept it in good shape. (Still have the booklet and the ticket replica that came with it!) It really is a treasure, and I still listen to it regularly. Timeless music! Lucky you, being at a Fillmore show!
I was there on Boz Skaggs night. Wanted to go on Tower of Power night. We were nervous because the original lead singer Rufus Miller had quit. Rick Stevens was going to have to take over. We were 16 or 17 and didn't have cars. We begged my BF older sister to take us but she wouldn't. As you know, Rick Stevens killed it, knocked it out of the park!
the Lynn Hughes track "Passion Flower" from Stoneground is one of the best couple of minutes of music on any live album anywhere, withe the whole rest of that 3x disc following just behind it
If I may, nobody outside of family ever called him "uncle bill" and, Mr Graham is sorely missed by the entire world. The night he died, he had been talking to Mick Jagger about doing a benefit concert for fire victims in Oakland, California. Nobody just goes to their Rolidex and has Jagger's phone number. But, Bill Graham could do that.
If anyone’s wondering who the person is that’s arguing with Bill Graham near the beginning of the film at 7:30 mark it’s Mike Wilhelm, who was in a # of notable San Fran bands, including the Charlatans . I came across a message board post Mike made circa 2011 explaining what happened in the film: ****My name is Mike Wilhelm. I am a cold war era Navy veteran, I left active duty in May of 1963. I have great respect for all who serve or have served. I thank you for your service. Now I could take a cheap shot and call you some epithet but I don't know you so I won't. You don't know me, so please refrain from characterizations, thank you. You don't know what you're talking about when it comes to my relationship with Bill. I absolutely knew who Bill Graham was and who he wasn't. He advertised the Fillmore West last gig as having all of the people who were instrumental in founding the scene...a scene which he glommed onto after it was started. I was one of the originals. I figured I deserved a spot on that bill. My band had just torn up the Fillmore West on the Tuesday night previous but Graham was out of town and missed that show. I knew him well enough that I knew if I took no for an answer without a retort he would just forget about me forever. He and I made up within a week and remained friends. Bill called me when he saw the film rushes and asked if I'd sign a release. I was paid a sizable advance against royalties and still get paid every time the film is shown. I was invited to the wrap party where Bill and I hung out together and also the premier showing. The one thing you are absolutely right about is that it was a sad day. Because of the nearly impossible flying conditions, his pilot had suggested Bill take the limo home. Bill should have listened to him. Bill ordered the pilot to take off despite the weather. The pilot is in command in an aircraft. He should have refused to fly. The pilot should have done the right thing even if it meant his job. My feeling is that Bill would have fired him and then hired him back a week later after he'd thought about it. Bill would have arrived home 40 minutes later than if he flew. They would both have lived.
RIP Mike..true legend. the band he was playing in at this time was called loose gravel and they were awesome..theres clips on youtube. Mike also went on to play with Flamin' Groovies..far as I'm concerned Mike was really disrespected by Bill in this instance.
@@moodswingy1973 Eric I do not doubt that, Mike was a fantastic fingerpicker and knew lots of ragtime and old blues..Jerry is a guy who appreciated that old school music
In 69, he hosted a benefit for Peoples Park. It was held at Winterland was headlined by Creedance Clearwater Revival! The other bands were Elvin Bishop, Santana, Greatful Dead and Jefferson Airplabe! I think it cost $3.50! GREAT CONCERT!!
How Bill Delt With these ,,Egomaniacs for 26 years is Beyond Remarkable , To Have That Kind Of Patience is Next to Impossible , and I've Said it Before he Was The Best No Question number 1 Promoter in the World
Nelly Boltram I was at the Humble Pie show and Savoy Brown. think I was 17. hard years to remember saw lots of, great shows. played in the Tuesday night basketball games. they played dirty. It's hard to remember it all. But u right Marriot was great. and the skinny kid in the left playing, ask these melodic, solos. I need to ad Lonesome Dave and Kim Simmons rendition of Leaving Again was a, life, changer. remember,a lot of these old, band's, also played the Family Dog and the Avalon. I was a Mike Bloomfield fan. chow
@@MrMojabo I was at the Savoy Brown / Humble Pie show too. I went on Thursday opening night. Humble Pie definitely smoked that night …and they were third bill lol. Another band that night was Seatrain. They were great and I thought they’d go onto big things, but they sadly faded away. Trivia: Peter Frampton had some unwanted feedback squeals from his red Gibson 335 guitar that opening night. A kid talked to him about it after their set and wound up selling (or gifting) him the famous three pickup Black Les Paul Custom. Peter played it the next night and every night for many years, on Comes Alive etc. It was stolen in South America in the 80s but he got it back in recent years. He now calls it The Phoenix (sp) RIP Kim and Lonesome Dave
Podrán quitarnos los espacios para demostrar nuestro arte pero mientras existan rockeros rockeros no música de computador como hoy el Rock & Roll vivirá en nuestro corazón ✌️🇨🇱
I saw Bill introduce so many acts at so many shows; if his name was attached, you knew it was gonna be great... from Chuck Berry and Blue Oyster Cult to The Who, The Clash, Heart, Ozzy, whether at the Fillmore, Old Waldorf, Wolfgang's or one of the big arenas/stadiums, Bill Graham was everywhere and was truly the patron saint of rock 'n' roll in the San Francisco area for decades.
I remember this movie when it came out. I was 20. 20 years later on a beautiful early November day I attended Bill Graham's memorial at the polo fields in Golden Gate Park. A million people showed up. Was a phenomenal tribute.
Man I really liked Boz Skaggs Make my life shine....never heard it before and didnt even know he played guitar -way cool. Bill could spot the real talent thats for sure. what a time to be alive...
Fun to watch after all these years. My first takeaway is QMS was a totally different, and lesser, band with Valenti. Second....DAMN, Hot Tuna are great! Third.....Bill Graham was the MAN!!
Hey all you modern day cinematographers and directors, this is how its done! Much more watchable when you lay off the quick cuts and get with the fade overlap combined images as seen here. This is a fantastic movie.
Thought I was a music guy but this is the first time I have heard about or heard Cold Blood. 2015! you gotta be kiddin me...Thanks to TH-cam for keeping all of this contributed material...
I came here after finishing the book on Bill Graham My Life Inside Rock and Roll. I wasn't fortunate enough to be around then but you can almost put yourself there with his book and then adding this documentary, which is pure 70's badass. One day this will be in VR. thanks to the Producer and props to Bill up there looking down. Thanks for the great music . You sure left your mark.
I wish things were the same these days. Graham was SO special in putting together amazing shows with a wonderful feel for variety. Nobody ever did this again. Too bad . Great doc. Thanks.
stacyblue1980 so special Grams nephew told gram led zeppilen beat him and his friends (his mouth off at Zeppelin kicked their ass) Kicked his nephews ass.. haha. He told gram told Zeppelin never play America ever again.. I would've said fuck that" Don't tell (hand me that crap) unless you want your ass kicked again .You like to watch people get fired?, Employer disappear
Bill sure put up with to much for to dam Long ,I met him 3 times greatest Promoter that ever lived Without Question No one else has or ever will Come Close ,Was Fair far to often to bands and Management Simply to give public Shows they also wanted to see , Managers of dome of these bands what Egomaniacs ,Rest Well Bill I know Your Running Shows in Heaven ,I'd be happy to Attend in Time and Thank you for All the joy You Brought us in Bay Area
The last few seconds of this. Santana finishing "In a Silent Way" with the camera panning over posters, awards and pictures from a magical time in the Bay Area. The last scene of Bill walking across the ballroom floor with a balloon...in the spotlight for a moment, and then walking out of it into the darkness. Like Josh White said, "no one missed it then. Now, its like the True Ark, greatly missed..." Bill, along with Chet Helms invented the modern rock concert and all of the mad genius electrical, sound and lighting techs/engineers created what is now modern sound and light reinforcement. As the years go on, having read and heard so much about this time, it has become obvious to me (Steve Miller said it too) that this moment in time, roughly 1966 to 1971 was a once in a 500 year event. Social upheaval, an urge to explore and get loose from the cultural norms of the early sixties/fifties, music was pushing boundaries, a constant questioning by youth of their culture, drugs as a means to explore creativity...Bill and Chet both provided a place and a space for all of this to come together. Everyone knows the heights that Bill went on to after the Fillmore(s) and Winterland closed, but the cultural phenomenon of these times still is very much alive (unfortunately much more monetized). But this documentary shows the end of the very beginning of this era.
I was there for the Quicksilver Messenger Service show. Love all these bands. Just saw Lydia Pense and Cold Blood for free in Guerneville, and Tower of Power at the Sonoma-Petaluma Fair. When we went to Winterland after the Fillmore closed, Bill Graham was usually at the window selling us our tickets. Back in the day, you could just show up and buy a ticket for like $3.50, none of this service charge crap, and you could buy your ticket right from the producer of the show! RIP Bill Graham, we owe you a big debt for what you did for music in SF.
+Quintessentguy I started working at 13 so I could drive up and see the concerts there were mostly 3 Headliners Concerts in Peoples Park but around 1968 kids with no money or morals showed up ,and speed tore down San Francisco with Politics well before the 70s though still great music 1970 and '71
+Mar Brock Anyway with Happy Trails and Shady Grove they would jam 45 minutes Who Do You Love and the others then the driving force got busted with a couplre joints if memory serves (It doesnt always )Cippolini my wife and I would trade baby sitting nights and I would drive from Haskells 200 Miles to Frisco and back or pay out the $6.66 cents for motel six
+Mar Brock - Did you mean Dino Valenti as "the driving force"? If so he wouldn't be my pick for "driving force" even though he was apparently the most prolific songwriter which QMS sorely lacked. However as good as they all were, and I'm including the superb interplay between Duncan and Cippolina as a top notch attribute, still Cippolina was IMHO the most unique creative force and sound. When he left the band dropped a notch or three and became almost an "also ran" instead of the former "Whoa! What have we HERE!?!"
Who ever thought the end would come for the dreams and hopes of that generation of music that promised to live forever. At some level the beating heart of that sentiment resided in SF at the Fillmore... but music is too important and too expansive to live in one time and place... and we old farts of that "hippy" generation just don't appreciate it reincarnated in the synthesized, digital generation.... and I'm eternally grateful for that sentiment :)
After Bill Graham died in the helicopter, I attended his Kaddish in a synagogue near the Presidio in SF. Santana played a melody on his guitar that Bill hummed to himself when he was a child refugee in WW2 Europe-it was called “I love you forever.” Billy Preston sang “that’s the way God planned it”.
Beautiful, thanks
TY@@raydematio7585
May his memory be a blessing.
instablaster
I remember. He was one of my best friends. I'll never forget.
My mom is Vicky in the office. I used to get to go into the Fillmore before it opened for shows and to dance in the strobe light during the show, which was on the left side of the stage. I was about 6 or 7. I went back recently and it is still quite a bit the same. I figure I've covered a good stretch going there since I'm 60 now. There isn't anyone there from the old days of course. Mom's still in Marin. I met Boz Scaggs and the Jefferson Airplane there.
🌟
It's on Market and Van Ness right? It is now being used as an event space correct? I worked in there with Local 16, San Francisco Stagehands Union, a couple of years ago.
I was there. Out of body experience, phenomenal film. 50 years later, still gives me chills.
You were WHERE?
Please, tell us a few words about how was this show.....and some other that you've been in San Francisco in the 60's or 70's
thanks for sharing ... the best music venues ever
They were dances. I sat on the stage while the band played. Sometimes a band member would bum a cigarette. I would always sit close to the piano. People sat on the floor or chairs. People danced and shared. I never witnessed a fight or saw any one dragged out. If someone was in town, they would show up. One night, during a break between band set ups, Bill asked the crowd if they were up to an out of towner. Crowed yelled sure
Bill said then give it up for Arlo Guthrie. You were never sure who was playing with what group as a guest. I'm 77. Lived in Haight in the su.mer. College in LA
I had no idea I was living through magic.
The 1960’s and 1970’s was the only decades in our history that every kind of band played GREAT music. Rock bands were great, pop bands were great, soul bands were great, Funk bands were great, prog bands were great, country bands were great, disco bands were great, jazz fusion bands were great. Now it’s pot luck as to whether you can find something good to listen to, back then it was almost a guarantee that it was going to be good. Bring back the 70’s attitude and style of music.
Yeah, MUCH creativity, creative freedom which blasted from our radios...now it seems
the creativity is funneled thru a cookie cutter approach where it is 'safer' to go with
a sound/style/etc. that is more of a sure thing. Great stuff out now if you either know
where to find it or perhaps someone you know turns you on to it but NOTHING like the
smorgasbord of the 60's airwaves.
1980s was great
@@bepitan I was there for the 80s, the best bands in the 80s were from the 60s and 70s. Some good stuff from the eighties but we've had all these years for the crap to be forgotten about. Same with older stuff too I guess but so much 60s and 70s bands were on fire. By the 2000s almost nobody new can play an instrument.
@@davidr1676 ...you are talking to a new wave synth fan here.
@@bepitan now youve watched the video what do you think?.
Northern California was such a special place back then. Bill Graham was everywhere! After this his name was on the radio for years with “Day on the Green” and other promotions. Just one of the many, many iconic figures to shine in that era out of Northern California. Really miss those days and the special people who were alive then
This was my youth. Watching this at 64 made me smile and broke my heart. But, no matter what, I will always adore Bill Graham, Z"L.
+Wolff Bachner sometimes remembering can be painful,I wish you good and long life
+Wolff Bachner Same here Wolff, watching at 66.
+Aljoša Klisović Thank you for your kind wishes. I hope you live long and prosper as well.
+Clarence Wooten We keep on truckin.
+Harry Clams I do every day, many times a day.
Bill Graham was a legend. From the stage he introduced the shows, would kick giant balls into Day on the Green crowds, throw out Frisby’s and would make sure to tell everyone the tents down on the field were there to help you if you overindulged drugs or alcohol. He made sure his shows were affordable ( Snack Concert 1974 10 headliners for 5 bucks). After many free shows at Golden Gate Park you could join him picking up garbage left by the crowds. Met him a couple of times doing so. I’m glad I had the chance to tell him how much he meant to fans. On 10/25/91 we lost him in a tragic helicopter accident ending the classic concert era that would be eventually corrupted by greed. Thanks for breakfast at dawn and the great memories Bill.
Graham is a legend. He gave it everything.
True my brother,he didnt bullshit around,grate man he was.
The legend.
I have to agree, lots of foresight on his part. I'm thankful he had such....
My girlfriend's birthday was last year, and her husband planned a surprise party with a band, but he wouldn't tell me who. Well it was COLDBLOOD! We danced for 4 hours to the 12 piece band with horns, it was great! Lydia was still in top form, sounding just like this still at 70+! It was the best party for 80 people ever!
I Am Digging This? Red ♥️ Head 🗣️ And?That!! Voice Of Hers🤗🐇🐇🐇🐇🌺🌹🤣
My brother in law is the lead guitar player for Cold Blood his name is Steve Dunne. They just released an album.
wow
Cold Blood played at the Concord, CA Thursday night Farmer's market/Concert Series back some 5-6 years ago, and I took off work early to make sure I was there to witness their performance and Lydia was phenomenal. I knew of their Fillmore East set, and I had never had the opportunity to see them in person, so this was a very special night to see this historic band for the first time. What a night, and Cold Blood had a meet & greet tent set up near the outdoor concert stage. I bought a CD and got a chance to meet Lydia and other band members after their second and last set.
I saw them summer '75 at the Keystone Berkeley. Great club.
The vibe of the day was what made it happen,the stars were all aligned,glad I was part of the scene.Best time of my life.
I was there too at just 22 standing in line at just 40 seconds in - Thank You Bill for making so much happen and for the sanctuary that was the New Years Eve Grateful Dead shows
What happened at the Grateful Dead NYE shows?
The guy in the blue shirt in a plaid overcoat?
Ah, the MANY nights that I spent at the Fillmore West (including the night of my high school graduation). $5.00 for three bands, each playing two sets and not a bad seat in the house! I saw so many great shows and yes, some that didn't work as well, but EVERY show was special. I couldn't get tickets for the final run, they sold out so quickly. But, they were broadcast live, so we could hear ALL of the music. I first met Bill out in front og the Fillmore West in June of 1970, little knowing that I would be working for him at the time of his death. He'll live forever in my heart and memory!
Of the many, many things that I have loved about this documentary, I think my favorite is the performance of Hot tuna with Papa John Creech . My uncle used to tell me how much he loved them. I am glad that it was preserved for prosperity and history, otherwise I would have never heard it.
This is a historical document.
I am glad that it is preserved.
So many greats bands! Actual musicians who wrote and performed their own music. What a concept! Saw Santana live at Fillmore East. Incredible live show, precision like. Miss those days.
I saw the Santana Blues Band at Altamont in 1969. Jefferson Airplane followed.
Most of the bands in this film are absolutely terrible, especially the Janis Joplin impersonator(s). An edited version with just the Bill Graham stuff would be good.
Did you see Peter Green?
@@rhall2307 You are badly mistaken about the quality of the bands and singers. Also, there are no Janis Joplin impersonators in this film. I hope that, like the Grinch, your heart will grow three times this Christmas Day!
@@rhall2307 : Spoken as one who knows NOTHING of the S.F. music scene of the 1970s.
Thanks Bill Graham. He always had a kind word for me outside Grateful Dead New Years shows; The Last Waltz was amazing. Imagine all the film footage that wasn't used; maybe a revised edition of the film?
I started going to the Fillmore East in 69...what a great venue and a great time for music!!! Bill Graham was a sweetheart who didn't take any shit...
After this gig, the original Santana was no more. David Brown would leave and be replaced briefly by Tom Rutley, followed by Doug Rauch. Then Carabello would be fired, and James Mingo Lewis would take over congas, followed by Armando Peraza. This is the end of an era, folks.
Bozz still rocks. So does hot tuna.And Bob Weir.And Carlos. God bless them all.
era had to end .. they all do ...doo wop...rock n roll.. psychedelic..gone but not forgotten...
Lamb - "Hello Friends", "Isn't It Just a Beautiful Day"
Cold Blood - "You Got Me Hummin'", "Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free"
Hot Tuna - "Candy Man", "Uncle Sam Blues"
The Rowan Brothers - rehearsal jam
Quicksilver Messenger Service - "Fresh Air", "Mojo"
Jefferson Airplane - "Volunteers", "We Can Be Together" *
New Riders of the Purple Sage - rehearsal jam
Grateful Dead - "Casey Jones", "Johnny B. Goode"
It's a Beautiful Day - "White Bird"
The Elvin Bishop Group - "The Sky Is Crying"
Santana - "Incident at Neshabur", "In a Silent Way"
Thanks.
Plus Boz Scaggs performing "Make My Life Shine" (after Bill Graham kicks him out of the building) following Cold Blood, also following Graham and Mike Bloomfield reminiscing about Mike's mother attending one of his shows.
@@billgreen2348 - that was Mike Wilhelm from the Charlatans that Bill kicked out...
@@onazram1 Ah OK. Makes sense
@@onazram1 What happened to peace and love?
My brother in law plays for Lydia and cold blood now, he's the lead guitar player and they just released an album and my sister sang some back up vocals. His name is Steve Dunne.
Pretty incredible of Santana to straight up cover "In a silent way" as part of his performance
They were a cut above everybody else
Miles was a BIG fan of Carlos’ work. Carlos greatly appreciated that.
Boz Scaggs became so much more on his own. A real talent.
If you stop at 7 seconds in, you will see me, in blue, standing in line. I hitch hiked to California that summer and fulfilled the hippie dream. I had a telepathic moment with Jerry which bonded me for life. When I eventually returned home and told people about flames shooting out of the amplifiers, no one believed me.
Me too. The summer of 1975 I hitched hiked from my home in Chesapeake, VA and landed in Huntington Beach, CA. Rode the Union Pacific Railway with several others up through the San Joaquin valley jumping off briefly in Kingsburg, CA where i attempted to take a long overdue bath in the Kings River - outside temp over a 100 F but the water was frigid. Got off the train near Stockton IIRC and made it over to Berkeley spending some time sleeping in the little hills around campus and camping out with Robert Pirsig. Finally made it to the Haight, but decided to hitch back home that September.
@@michaelgoodrich6958 Yeah that water's still damned cold, buddy! Haha.
Peace from Eugene, OR!
Lee Wolfson ....same nose.
I BELIEVE YOU! FIRE
@@michaelgoodrich6958 - I slept out in the hills behind UC Berkeley in the summer of '75 too! One day someone on the street invited me to a party in Berkeley and I came back to the woods drunk and stoned and saw that someone was sleeping in my spot. I wasn't sure if it was me or not, so just in case I put my sleeping bag farther down the trail. Next morning I woke up just in time to see someone shocked to see another person sleeping in the woods and he took off. Maybe it was you!
I roadied for Tom Fogarty of CCR a bit, got a massage degree, etc. and finally got back to upstate New York the following Feb. Cool that you got to hang out with Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a very formative book for me.
Fillmore East was the Cathedral of Rock & Roll. Saw so many shows there. Got a chance to have a brief chat with Bill Graham the night the Fillmore East closed. He was and still is a hero to me.
I attended the Bill Graham memorial in Golden Gate Park 1991. So many great bands that he introduced to the world played that day. And a million people showed up. Thanks Bill!!!!!
I was living in the East Bay (Pleasanton, CA) when I heard the news of Bill's death. Shocking & tragic. Graham was a shrewd promoter & businessman, and a music legend to be sure.
@@Revolution1117 The place was packed and it was a gorgeous day. The highlight for me was John Fogarty singing "Born on the Bayou" backed by the Grateful Dead whileJerry was still with us. The performance is on TH-cam. Check it out. Amazing.
@@clarkewi Thanks man, will do!! I was in SoCal in '71 and didn't make the move to NorCal until '78 so I missed the shows. I was though, able to catch some shows when Bill re-opened it, then also after his death (and the quake). Such a cool venue with tons of history.
Bill Graham. I think he knew what he was doing.❤🙂
i can remember standing in line at winterland and it would be cold as hell and it was 4.00 oclock the show wasnt until nine and bill would let us in and have volleyball or egg races with the winners getting new years tickets. bill didnt have to do this thats what kind of a guy he was.rip bill
Yes uncle bill one of a kind ☯️💯🎯☑️💖☮️🎭🎧🎤🎙️🕎💜💙💚💛🧡❤️🖤🤎🤍🎶🎵🎼
I loved him…his concerts saved my life! Saw hundreds of shows! Hitchhiking from Hillsborough to the City! Nothing bad ever happened! Totally blessed & grateful for him! ♥️♥️♥️
Many dont realize that Bill did not really leave the biz after closing the two venues. He took a break but then continued to promote his close friends /bands like the Dead, Santana, and many others John Scher in NJ (a major east coast promoter) teamed with Bill to co promote the Dead. and several gigs. Bill was John's mentor . I met Bill at several huge Dead stadium shows when i worked of Scher and he was always open to talk bout anything we usually didnt talk about the biz cause we were surrounded by it 24/7. I have nothing but respect for him.
The new riders with Jerry Garcia at the pedal steel we're such a treat I still can sit down and throw an album on and be amazed
Geez... I could hear the man ramble on for hours... what a charismatic fella Bill Graham was
Love Lydia Pense and Cold Blood !!!
I attended my very first concert ever at the Filmore East. I was 13, and it was a blast. What an experience. Tickets were only 5$ back then. I cannot believe my BF didn't buy seats every week. There was no such thing as a bad lineup, and I saw one of the last shows in Feb 1971 with Van Morrison, Fleetwood Mac (b4 Buckingham/Nicks), and Freeway. Elton John and Sanatana were Among the final few shows. It killed me to not have tickets for those shows. It would have been worth the fights with my parents to break curfew every week. Didn't realize Sanatana was being such divas. Sad.
No way. Can you pls describe the privilege of seeing Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac live?
@@greenmanalishi6963@greenmanalishi6963 I Wish I could remember the finer details. I remember it being a GREAT show. It was my very first concert, and I was dazzled by the intimate size of the venue for such big-name acts and the trippy gel backdrops. There were no bad seats.
Sanatana. Says it all.😅😂😅
I was fortunate to see Tull and Zep at the Fillmore East.I used to get the Fillmore band schedule in the mail.
my old stomping grounds
@@theotherfinnegan9955, "Don't Stomp" Thinking About Tomorrow! Pax
...golden dudes from a golden age 🐝🌈
The Fillmore will always hold a special place in my heart. So many hours I spent listening to some of the best music a soul can encounter. Bill Graham was a mensch! He has done right with me. I only wish I could have seen Rory Gallagher.
I was lucky enough to see Rory at Winterland in 1977'. I was 16 and didn't really even know who he was, heard his name a few times but had never heard his music. He actually played third on the bill to Bob Seger and Blue Oyster Cult were the headliners. As much as I liked BOC in those days neither them or Seger should have tried to play after Rory. I mean he freakin' tore the house down! How many opening acts get multiple encores? Jesus he was on fire that night and I still remember him as being one of the greatest guitar players I've ever seen live. I've seen tons of great players in my day, Clapton, SRV, Page, Winter, Beck (Jeff, not the weird dude with one name), Zappa, Walsh, Santana, just to name a few. That performance that night by Rory was as good or better than any performance I've ever seen live, taped or just listened to.
@@upperleftcoastchelseafan7718 ...I believe you man..Bright Moments🐝🌈
@@upperleftcoastchelseafan7718 8
Rory is the most underrated in history, the best!! Should of headlined everywhere
I lived in Oakland-so every friday-Sat night,it was the Fillmore or Winterland-1967-71 It was really a different world-a GREAT ONE--Jim F.
You lucky fkn duck
You may have known my mother. Her name was Karen.
@@lastnamefirst4035 I lived in Oakland in 1974 when I was a kid.
I lived in East Oakland at that time and it was Fillmore West every weekend...$2.00 bucks! Remember sitting on the floor. Jerry Garcia came out one night throwing hits of acid into the crowd. Not wanting to eat anything that hit that floor, I passed. But did take a pull off the red mountain wine that was going around and found out the hard way that it was full of acid. Oh well, just kick back and trip!
I wasn't there, but I enjoy this video very much. Very familiar and fan of Cold Blood & Santana, my Country man. I understand that Mr Bill Graham, made much of this possible, I wonder, why this have to come to an end? Somehow I was part of this. Thank you Bill Graham. I Know you promoted many of my favorite music bands. Greetings From Mexico.
Documentary rekindled fond memories of the Carousel Ballroom at the corner of Market and Van Ness. Amazing archival footage. I was at it’s close and at so many of the concerts since 1968 and at a lot of the earlier shows from his previous venues… $4.50 to see the top acts in popular music. Boy Howdy!
I grew up on WLS Radio in Chicago, if I tried to explain the music and the era your mind would explode!! I count myself to be extremely lucky to have been in the middle of it. Thanks
Me too!!!!!!!!😊😊😊😊😊
In 1968, shortly after Bill Graham assumed ownership of the Carousel Ballroom on South Van Ness Ave. (the de facto Fillmore West), I hitch hiked to San Francisco from my small hometown in the Valley specifically to see the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. The first band of the evening completely blew me, and everyone else away. I'd never heard such intense, percussion driven music in my life & the lead guitarist was phenomenal. I'll never forget Bill Graham's introduction... "If you're wondering where the rock stars of tomorrow are coming from, they're right here from our own backyard. Ladies & Gentlemen...Santana."
If you think about it, about 2/3 to 3/4 of Woodstock was Bay Area bands representin'. America's Choice!
@@theoriginalchefboyoboy6025 absolutely, everyone in New York was blown away,but us on the west coast had been listening to for 4 or 5 years
RIP BILLY Thanks for the memories!
I was a regular at the Fillmore East in NYC. It was an amazing thing to see and hear all those groups week in and week out .. such great memories.. put them right up there with Woodstock !!!
gov111w I was a regular at Fillmore East too. We saw many music icons before they were revered
j flo I agree Rising Icons !!
+gov111w I saw FrankZappa and Mothers and ShaNaNa, the only time I sat in front row at the Fillmore East
gov111w... I went on a blind date at the Fillmore east in 1970, the Allman Bros. were performing. I'm proud to say that we've been happily married for 47 years now.
that whole building used to shake
America was blessed with musical talent, blessed with the intense efforts of Bill Graham and the Fillmore staff as they showcased these musicians to the country and the world. I wish we all could have lived forever, always playing, always grooving, always loving.✌
and the liberals have destroyed it!!
@@paultynan8705 Explain, please.
Not only America.
@@bobyoung1698 you cant figure it out??
@@paultynan8705 No, Paul, I can't.
Wow !!! This was a great time listening to all these different bands and sounds that B.G gave us to hear the Fillmore was the heart beat of S.F. people havein a good time. Open air openness venue !! People helping people was in the air cared helped 1 others .just in time to hear all of this .thanku B.G. and the Fillmore East n West **
Ain't nothing wrong with this doc. Except closing of an era in music
Thank you Bill! I worked for him one year. I got to meet him and talk a bit. Worked at some of his shows. People don’t realize that he was part of the whole thing that came outta the Bay Area. He facilitated it. But you see him dealing with boz scaggs.. he was a tough guy. Nyc tough. Jerry needed that contrast perhaps.
This is such an important documentary about the music of the 60s. I was 18 when this movie was in local theaters. I saw it with two buddies of mine, one of whom is gone now. I love this music so much and I'm glad to see this movie on TH-cam. Thank you!
i have a winterland t shirt from 1968.jimi Hendrix &Albert king.its holding up pretty good for being 47 year old.
I would love to say that I was there and witnessed every beautiful sound... But that would be a lie! I was in the USAF at the time and stationed at Travis AFB in Fairfield. What I can say is that I listened to the last days of the Fillmore, live on KSAN FM (San Francisco) from my barracks room. It provided me my musical education. I still own my "Last Days" record set and cherish it.
Great seeing Its a Beautiful Day. Wish New Riders would have.
Jorma is 81 years old
The fillmore brought all of them for us to experience the elusive thing. Never forgotten even though its half a century away. We'll all meet on the other side. Peace and love
stelun56 just listening today some great music to get you mind away from the crazy world peace ✌️
The great Bill Graham in his pomp and strut.This legend helped bring Woodstock. I remember being shocked at his death.
What did he have to do w woodstock?
aside from catching charismatic graham in action , the real treat to this Doc are the performances of the likes of cold blood and lamb with two exceptional and unknown lead vocalists...music never stops...cheers
Thank you, Michael for the reminiscesI They are the icing on the cake. I frequented the Fillmore East on many a night and weekend. I went to many of the free concerts at Tompkins Square Park, and at the Dom, at The Ballon Farm, Andy Warhol's Exploding Plastic Inevitable and The Electric Circus. I lived right across the street from there (white brick building, where you stepped down to get to the door (entrance/exit) which i believe was black, and then up one step to enter. The summer of Love was about a month away in the East Village .. the Hippies were just starting to come there. The Fillmore East was the greatest music hall that I had ever been to. .... and that was not that many. When I moved from St. Mark's Place to Alphabet City ... a 4 story tenement apartment that a workmate and friend, George T. had.. The fourth floor walk up was insane after a night of partying. hey .. I even hung at the Old Reliable.
Thanks for bringing back some great memories.
Wish I could time travel and catch these shows...starting tonight!
Just pouring out from their heart and soul!!
I love the intro. A camera behind a maverick like Bill Graham swimming against the current and that wonderfully cheerful music in the background... it’s pretty emotional
那個年代的搖滾樂，真好聽！值得懷緬的黃金音樂年代。
I saw this in theaters a bunch of times... wow, flash back... we couldn’t get enough of this stuff.
my husband treasures his june,1971 fillmore west ticket stub for the allman brothers and frank zappa & the mothers. the TRUE last fillmore west concert!! he definatley needs to GROW UP!!!!!!!
Jeez..let the poor guy NOT grow up.Its all been taken from us,
Bill Graham will go down in the history books as being the most proficient, thorough, transparent, and blatantly honest rock and roll promoter of all time! And some people love him for that, while others hated him, because he would never give in and allow them to squeeze him for every nickel. If it wasn't for Bill Graham, classic, timeless albums like Live at The Fillmore East by the Allman Brothers Band, The Last Waltz by The Band, and even Woodstock, would not have existed.
Barbara Mauritz, what a voice!
Was fortunate to see this film in theater in '72 when it was released. MANY times.....the group of people I hung with were music obsessive and although Roanoke, VA wasnt San Fran or NYC we clung to any and all music that spoke to us. There were a fair number of concerts and late weekend cinema showing documentaries and cult films. It MADE and SAVED our lives.
Did anyone attend or remember a Fillmore Concert in Sept 1967 where Bill Graham appeared on stage with a broken leg and a crutch? It’s the only time I recall Bill announcing the next band. It was Jefferson Airplane. The memory is strong cause Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassidy played a long duet. Can’t remember the song but I’m lucky to remember even that much from so long ago.
Just imagine what a miracle is is that Bill survived the holocaust as a child and made it all the way to the promised land! What a wonderful blessing.
Just see the difference one person can make in this world.
One of the chateaus that the refugee Jewish kids were hidden in is being restored from a burnt out shell. It's the TH-cam channel Escape to Rural France. He stayed there for a number of months and the kids were taught to forage for food in the woods and from fields and to navigate cross country to their next safe haven. I believe they got out through Spain and Portugal.
He gets from an orphanage in the Bronz, to a business degree & then this. The American Dream was still possible in the 60s.
I`m proud I could experience those wonderful days and hear those lovely songs.
I have some many great memories of the fillmore concerts
Magical time, i hitchhiked out there in 71 from kentucky,stood on corner of haight ashbury street
Great documentary! I was born in the early nineties and missed out on all of this great stuff and its nice to see some actual footage of the greats
I feel so honored to have seen so many outstanding performances there. Thanks to all you incredible musical artist, and to you Bill --- A Giant to San Francisco!
Great performances from all the bands
I have this show on dvd and every once in awhile I'll sit down and watch it. I was never there, but it's great to watch.
It holds up pretty well - even after all these years
Now that I've watched the whole documentary, I am extremely glad it's made and we have it as a history of what Bill Graham and the bands did in the 60''s. I have been listening to the 3 LP album of this concert since about 1973, whenever it came out, and I was there one night as a 17 year old. I got the recording on CD as soon as I could find it. It is a MUST compliment to this documentary. For one, you get: "And now a BITCH of a band from the east bay, Tower of Power" as only Bill could say it, and then, the best version they ever played of "Back on the Streets Again". Boz, QMS, Lydia, the audio is so much better on the CD, I wish they could marry that audio with this documentary, which really suffers by comparison. Quicksilver is killer on the CD, and only really good here because of poor audio. IMHO. But, love it Bill! Long live (the memory of) Bill Graham and what he meant for our music!
I, too, bought that album when it came out. Still have it, and have kept it in good shape. (Still have the booklet and the ticket replica that came with it!) It really is a treasure, and I still listen to it regularly. Timeless music! Lucky you, being at a Fillmore show!
I was there on Boz Skaggs night. Wanted to go on Tower of Power night. We were nervous because the original lead singer Rufus Miller had quit. Rick Stevens was going to have to take over. We were 16 or 17 and didn't have cars. We begged my BF older sister to take us but she wouldn't. As you know, Rick Stevens killed it, knocked it out of the park!
the Lynn Hughes track "Passion Flower" from Stoneground is one of the best couple of minutes of music on any live album anywhere, withe the whole rest of that 3x disc following just behind it
Bill is sorely missed by his friends and family.Some call him a legend others uncle bill
Godfather of Rock and Roll!
If I may, nobody outside of family ever called him "uncle bill" and, Mr Graham is sorely missed by the entire world. The night he died, he had been talking to Mick Jagger about doing a benefit concert for fire victims in Oakland, California. Nobody just goes to their Rolidex and has Jagger's phone number. But, Bill Graham could do that.
Uncle Bobo
If anyone’s wondering who the person is that’s arguing with Bill Graham near the beginning of the film at 7:30 mark it’s Mike Wilhelm, who was in a # of notable San Fran bands, including the Charlatans . I came across a message board post Mike made circa 2011 explaining what happened in the film: ****My name is Mike Wilhelm. I am a cold war era Navy veteran, I left active duty in May of 1963. I have great respect for all who serve or have served. I thank you for your service.
Now I could take a cheap shot and call you some epithet but I don't know you so I won't. You don't know me, so please refrain from characterizations, thank you. You don't know what you're talking about when it comes to my relationship with Bill.
I absolutely knew who Bill Graham was and who he wasn't. He advertised the Fillmore West last gig as having all of the people who were instrumental in founding the scene...a scene which he glommed onto after it was started. I was one of the originals. I figured I deserved a spot on that bill. My band had just torn up the Fillmore West on the Tuesday night previous but Graham was out of town and missed that show. I knew him well enough that I knew if I took no for an answer without a retort he would just forget about me forever. He and I made up within a week and remained friends.
Bill called me when he saw the film rushes and asked if I'd sign a release. I was paid a sizable advance against royalties and still get paid every time the film is shown. I was invited to the wrap party where Bill and I hung out together and also the premier showing.
The one thing you are absolutely right about is that it was a sad day. Because of the nearly impossible flying conditions, his pilot had suggested Bill take the limo home. Bill should have listened to him. Bill ordered the pilot to take off despite the weather. The pilot is in command in an aircraft. He should have refused to fly. The pilot should have done the right thing even if it meant his job. My feeling is that Bill would have fired him and then hired him back a week later after he'd thought about it. Bill would have arrived home 40 minutes later than if he flew. They would both have lived.
“....under those circumstances, never sweetheart...now get the fuck out of here!...” - Bill Graham aka The Greatest That Ever Was
Awesome Mike
RIP Mike..true legend. the band he was playing in at this time was called loose gravel and they were awesome..theres clips on youtube. Mike also went on to play with Flamin' Groovies..far as I'm concerned Mike was really disrespected by Bill in this instance.
@@raindogred ....and rumor has it he was Jerry Garcia's favorite guitarist.
@@moodswingy1973 Eric I do not doubt that, Mike was a fantastic fingerpicker and knew lots of ragtime and old blues..Jerry is a guy who appreciated that old school music
It's amazing stuff, it's also amazing that there is so little film of the Allman Brothers Band
+Rose Cornell Allman Bros. were not part of the SF Sound..this was for the bands mainly in SF Bay Area..
lots of footage with duane on you tube.
Or Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac
In 69, he hosted a benefit for Peoples Park. It was held at Winterland was headlined by Creedance Clearwater Revival! The other bands were Elvin Bishop, Santana, Greatful Dead and Jefferson Airplabe! I think it cost $3.50! GREAT CONCERT!!
How Bill Delt With these ,,Egomaniacs for 26 years is Beyond Remarkable , To Have That Kind Of Patience is Next to Impossible , and I've Said it Before he Was The Best No Question number 1 Promoter in the World
biggest shame humble pie never got filmed at the fillmore!!! TANA AND PIE best live bands from that era!!
Nelly Boltram I was at the Humble Pie show and Savoy Brown. think I was 17. hard years to remember saw lots of, great shows. played in the Tuesday night basketball games. they played dirty. It's hard to remember it all. But u right Marriot was great. and the skinny kid in the left playing, ask these melodic, solos. I need to ad Lonesome Dave and Kim Simmons rendition of Leaving Again was a, life, changer. remember,a lot of these old, band's, also played the Family Dog and the Avalon. I was a Mike Bloomfield fan. chow
@@MrMojabo I was at the Savoy Brown / Humble Pie show too. I went on Thursday opening night. Humble Pie definitely smoked that night …and they were third bill lol. Another band that night was Seatrain. They were great and I thought they’d go onto big things, but they sadly faded away.
Trivia: Peter Frampton had some unwanted feedback squeals from his red Gibson 335 guitar that opening night. A kid talked to him about it after their set and wound up selling (or gifting) him the famous three pickup Black Les Paul Custom. Peter played it the next night and every night for many years, on Comes Alive etc. It was stolen in South America in the 80s but he got it back in recent years. He now calls it The Phoenix (sp)
RIP Kim and Lonesome Dave
First trip I'll be making when the time machine becomes available.
Podrán quitarnos los espacios para demostrar nuestro arte pero mientras existan rockeros rockeros no música de computador como hoy el Rock & Roll vivirá en nuestro corazón ✌️🇨🇱
I saw Bill introduce so many acts at so many shows; if his name was attached, you knew it was gonna be great... from Chuck Berry and Blue Oyster Cult to The Who, The Clash, Heart, Ozzy, whether at the Fillmore, Old Waldorf, Wolfgang's or one of the big arenas/stadiums, Bill Graham was everywhere and was truly the patron saint of rock 'n' roll in the San Francisco area for decades.
I remember this movie when it came out. I was 20. 20 years later on a beautiful early November day I attended Bill Graham's memorial at the polo fields in Golden Gate Park. A million people showed up. Was a phenomenal tribute.
Man I really liked Boz Skaggs Make my life shine....never heard it before and didnt even know he played guitar -way cool. Bill could spot the real talent thats for sure. what a time to be alive...
Fun to watch after all these years. My first takeaway is QMS was a totally different, and lesser, band with Valenti. Second....DAMN, Hot Tuna are great! Third.....Bill Graham was the MAN!!
Damn. The good days.
Hey all you modern day cinematographers and directors, this is how its done! Much more watchable when you lay off the quick cuts and get with the fade overlap combined images as seen here. This is a fantastic movie.
Thanks for the compliment. We were all pretty proud of it as well. In fact, it's one of the first multiple screen movies ever made.
wow,first time hearing this,so good
Thought I was a music guy but this is the first time I have heard about or heard Cold Blood. 2015! you gotta be kiddin me...Thanks to TH-cam for keeping all of this contributed material...
Right after Cold Blood that moment with Bill kidding with Mike Bloomfield is great. It’s rare to see video of Bloomfield at all…let alone cracking up.
I came here after finishing the book on Bill Graham My Life Inside Rock and Roll. I wasn't fortunate enough to be around then but you can almost put yourself there with his book and then adding this documentary, which is pure 70's badass. One day this will be in VR. thanks to the Producer and props to Bill up there looking down. Thanks for the great music . You sure left your mark.
Your welcome!
good commnent, I'm on my second eading of "my life inside and out of rock and roll" great book!
I wish things were the same these days. Graham was SO special in putting together amazing shows with a wonderful feel for variety. Nobody ever did this again. Too bad . Great doc. Thanks.
stacyblue1980 so special Grams nephew told gram led zeppilen beat him and his friends (his mouth off at Zeppelin kicked their ass) Kicked his nephews ass.. haha. He told gram told Zeppelin never play America ever again.. I would've said fuck that" Don't tell (hand me that crap) unless you want your ass kicked again .You like to watch people get fired?, Employer disappear
stacyblue1980 The one and only
Jenny_Jenny_nc, and Bill Graham's engineers were no joke, either.
Bill sure put up with to much for to dam Long ,I met him 3 times greatest Promoter that ever lived Without Question No one else has or ever will Come Close ,Was Fair far to often to bands and Management Simply to give public Shows they also wanted to see , Managers of dome of these bands what Egomaniacs ,Rest Well Bill I know Your Running Shows in Heaven ,I'd be happy to Attend in Time and Thank you for All the joy You Brought us in Bay Area
The last few seconds of this. Santana finishing "In a Silent Way" with the camera panning over posters, awards and pictures from a magical time in the Bay Area. The last scene of Bill walking across the ballroom floor with a balloon...in the spotlight for a moment, and then walking out of it into the darkness. Like Josh White said, "no one missed it then. Now, its like the True Ark, greatly missed..." Bill, along with Chet Helms invented the modern rock concert and all of the mad genius electrical, sound and lighting techs/engineers created what is now modern sound and light reinforcement. As the years go on, having read and heard so much about this time, it has become obvious to me (Steve Miller said it too) that this moment in time, roughly 1966 to 1971 was a once in a 500 year event. Social upheaval, an urge to explore and get loose from the cultural norms of the early sixties/fifties, music was pushing boundaries, a constant questioning by youth of their culture, drugs as a means to explore creativity...Bill and Chet both provided a place and a space for all of this to come together. Everyone knows the heights that Bill went on to after the Fillmore(s) and Winterland closed, but the cultural phenomenon of these times still is very much alive (unfortunately much more monetized). But this documentary shows the end of the very beginning of this era.
I was there for the Quicksilver Messenger Service show. Love all these bands. Just saw Lydia Pense and Cold Blood for free in Guerneville, and Tower of Power at the Sonoma-Petaluma Fair. When we went to Winterland after the Fillmore closed, Bill Graham was usually at the window selling us our tickets. Back in the day, you could just show up and buy a ticket for like $3.50, none of this service charge crap, and you could buy your ticket right from the producer of the show! RIP Bill Graham, we owe you a big debt for what you did for music in SF.
+Quintessentguy I started working at 13 so I could drive up and see the concerts there were mostly 3 Headliners Concerts in Peoples Park but around 1968 kids with no money or morals showed up ,and speed tore down San Francisco with Politics well before the 70s though still great music 1970 and '71
+Mar Brock Anyway with Happy Trails and Shady Grove they would jam 45 minutes Who Do You Love and the others then the driving force got busted with a couplre joints if memory serves (It doesnt always )Cippolini my wife and I would trade baby sitting nights and I would drive from Haskells 200 Miles to Frisco and back or pay out the $6.66 cents for motel six
+Mar Brock Awesome, lucky you to have those memories. I still think Cippolina was one of the most unique players.
+Mar Brock - Did you mean Dino Valenti as "the driving force"? If so he wouldn't be my pick for "driving force" even though he was apparently the most prolific songwriter which QMS sorely lacked. However as good as they all were, and I'm including the superb interplay between Duncan and Cippolina as a top notch attribute, still Cippolina was IMHO the most unique creative force and sound. When he left the band dropped a notch or three and became almost an "also ran" instead of the former "Whoa! What have we HERE!?!"
I tend to agree, although I thought Dino kicked ass in the Fillmore movie.
One of my favourite music documentaries of the seventies.RIP Bill Graham and Mike Wilhelm.
Gimme Shelter was the best rock documentary of the 60’s.....and of all time actually.
@@MDavidG1 my correction
Who ever thought the end would come for the dreams and hopes of that generation of music that promised to live forever. At some level the beating heart of that sentiment resided in SF at the Fillmore... but music is too important and too expansive to live in one time and place... and we old farts of that "hippy" generation just don't appreciate it reincarnated in the synthesized, digital generation.... and I'm eternally grateful for that sentiment :)
The end stage "hippies" ruined psychedelia with commies and dope. Jim Morrison called them the "ship of fools".
Wow! Santana at the end there what a sound.
They were the shit back then