The award-winning independent film takes music fans inside the lives of roadies
Award-winning indie documentary Roadie: My Documentary, a film by TJ Hoffman and Andy Strohl, is celebrating its fifth anniversary and is now available for viewing on Amazon Prime. Prime members can watch the film for free while others can watch or purchase it for a nominal fee.
A behind-the-scenes look into the unique challenges and benefits of life on the road with renowned touring music artists, Roadie: My Documentary spans the 20-year career of roadie-turned-filmmaker TJ Hoffmann and includes insight from many of his friends in the touring industry. Alongside co-director and co-writer Andy Strohl, TJ takes viewers behind the scenes with a diverse collection of roadies for some of the biggest music acts in history to better understand the unique perspectives of the profession and its enormous impact on the evolution of the touring industry.
Whether they’re defined as a hard-core roadie, instrument tech, or jack of all trades, their backstage presence and impact are undeniable, earning the utmost respect from many of the top performers they’ve helped to launch and support along the way.
“Techs not only can do what we do, but they can fix a broken amp in ten seconds or less,” says guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, formerly with Guns N’ Roses. “They all have skills that we don’t, plus they’re all musicians as well. We couldn’t do what they do, but they could do what we do.”
Powerful interviews in the film include a former Metallica roadie sharing his firsthand account of the tragic tour bus accident that took the life of bassist Cliff Burton in Europe. Another touring vet describes the historical origin of the “roadie,” dating back to his work with The Allman Bros. Band in their early days, and he talks about the role that legendary concert promoter Bill Graham played in the creation of the modern touring model.
Filmed in various countries over ten years, Roadie begins as a quest to discover the passion, motive, or moment that made a person want to become a roadie. But over time, another narrative is discovered as TJ, the man behind the camera, is forced to confront his inner demons from decades of road life.
“I wanted to go on the road for adventure, to be part of something larger than myself. Something amazing. Something no one could do alone. And I did,” says TJ. “I was part of the touring industry during a pivotal time in music. Me. A part of it. A tiny little speck, but a part of it nonetheless.”
Crew members featured in the film have toured with Allman Brothers, Agnostic Front, India Arie, Black Keys, Bon Jovi, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Counting Crows, Peter Frampton, Grateful Dead, Guns N’ Roses, GWAR, Billy Idol, Ignite, Elton John, KISS, Demi Lovato, Madonna, Metallica, M.O.D, Motley Crue, Offspring, Skid Row, System of a Down, Ramones, Rob Thomas and The Who.
The film was crowned winner at the International Independent Film Awards – Summer Session in 2017 and Garden State Film Festival in 2018. It was named the Official Selection of the Austin Spotlight Film Festival, Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards, Brazil Cinefest, Irvine International Film Festival, and WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival, all in 2018.
