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The film will open with four screenings this weekend at New York City’s New Plaza Cinema, three of which will feature a Q&A with director Ron Chapman. He’ll be joined tonight by Robert Christgau, who covered the 1969 Toronto Rock N Roll Revival and features prominently in the documentary. Tomorrow night, he’ll be joined by the film’s executive producer Chris Hegedus - the late D. A. Pennebaker’s filmmaking partner and spouse - as well as by Molly Davis, who shot the festival alongside Pennebaker (moderated by journalist Jeff Slate). A Sunday afternoon showing will see Chapman joined by Chris Dalrymple, who was also on Pennebaker’s film crew in 1969, as well as critic Joe Neumaier. For full details visit: https://ticketing.useast.veezi.com/sessions/?siteToken=sz5016jfhkjfgdfcpmh564apxm
Promoted by John Brower and Kenny Walker, the 1969 Toronto Rock N Roll Revival marked the first time John Lennon had performed without The Beatles since before their rise to stardom - taking the stage that night with Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann and Alan White. The behind-the-scenes road to booking Lennon is outlined in detail in the film - including near-cancellations, threats from biker gangs and rehearsals onboard transatlantic flights. The fact that Lennon quietly left The Beatles a week later (a decision that would not be made public until the following year) only adds to the historical weight of his performance captured in Revival69.
Additionally, featured throughout the documentary are commanding performances from legends in their prime like Little Richard, Bo Diddley and Jerry Lee Lewis - alongside an interview with Robby Kreiger about The Doors headlining set. First-hand perspective is also given by Alice Cooper, John Brower, Klaus Voorman and Alan White, as well as notable attendees including Geddy Lee, Robert Christgau, Claudja Barry and Shep Gordon. Revival69 is directed by Ron Chapman, written by Phyllis Ellis and produced by Chapman and Ellis alongside Trish Dolman, Andrew Williamson and Sally Blake. The film’s executive producers include Chris Hegedus, Frazer Pennebaker, Kirk D'Amico and D. A. Pennebaker.
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