Two new music documentary specials have hit the streams this spring, each from a different era in time, yet with so many similarities. The Beastie Boys began their rise to prominence in the mid/late 1980s, and had their share of challenges along the way, much like many of the artists of the 1960s who launched their careers from their homes in Laurel Canyon on the outskirts of Los Angeles. There were hardships and deaths, and their were triumphs and survivors.

For music fans of any era, these two documentaries offer a great insight into what it means to be a musician, from the beginnings in a basement to playing the largest stadiums and festivals around. Fame comes with many challenges, from the initial rise, to the gradual demise.

Beastie Boys Story – A Live Spike Jonze Documentary

Beastie Boys Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz tell you an intimate, personal story of their band and 40 years of friendship in this live on-stage documentary experience directed by their longtime friend and collaborator, and loud chewer, filmmaker Spike Jonze. The film was released on the 26th anniversary of the Beastie Boys’ No. 1 charting 1994 album, “Ill Communication,” and reunites Beastie Boys with director Spike Jonze over 25 years after directing the music video for the album’s immortal hit single, “Sabotage.” The project grew out of Adam’s and Mike’s collaboration on their bestselling “Beastie Boys Book.”

 

Available to stream on Apple TV

Laurel Canyon

Premiering May 31st and directed by Alison Ellwood (History of the Eagles), this two-part doc series features an intimate portrait of the artists who created a music revolution through a wealth of rare and newly unearthed footage and audio recordings. Featuring all-new, original interviews with Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Michelle Phillips, Graham Nash, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Roger McGuinn and more, the uniquely immersive and experiential docuseries goes back in time to a place where a rustic canyon in the heart of Los Angeles became a musical petri dish.

 

Streaming on EPIX

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.