Sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
These are three things I know well, but for Bobby Liebling, lead singer of the
band Pentagram, these things are life. Pentagram is a heavy metal band from the
1970s that for many reasons did not make it to major record label status. One
of the main reasons was Bobby's ego and his artistic inability to be happy with
his music, his band, and, most importantly, himself.
He has been addicted to
heroin for decades, as well as crack and other drugs, but his incessant need to
play music has kept this fossil of a dude going. I identified immediately with
Bobby as I have a hunger for music and musical expression. Anyone who knows the
thrill of a crowd and the need to make a great record will be right at home
with this film. It is difficult not to
root for Liebling.
Shot
truthfully and beautifully, directors Don Argott and Damian Fenton captured the
chaos that surrounds musicians and the often crippling struggle it takes to
complete what some would think to be a small task, such as recording a vocal
track or writing a bridge. This particular story ends happily, through a series
of small miracles and tremendous self-control from an aging, drug-addled rock
star. A must-see for any artist and a definite recommendation to any
documentary filmmakers as well.
