The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus
The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus

The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus

1996Movie65 minEnglish

A 1968 event put together by The Rolling Stones. The film is comprised of two concerts on a circus stage and included such acts as The Who, Taj Mahal, Marianne Faithfull, and Jethro Tull. John Lennon and his fiancee Yoko Ono performed as part of a supergroup called The Dirty Mac, along with Eric Clapton, Mitch Mitchell, and Keith Richards.

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Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users88%
Director: Michael Lindsay-HoggGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary captures a unique and eclectic music event organized by The Rolling Stones in 1968. Featuring performances by the band themselves, along with other legendary artists like The Who, Jethro Tull, and Taj Mahal, it was intended to be a television special. However, due to internal band issues and dissatisfaction with their own performance, The Rolling Stones shelved the project for nearly three decades. The film offers a raw and intimate glimpse into the counterculture of the late 1960s and showcases a diverse range of musical talent.

Critical Reception

Upon its delayed release, 'The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus' was widely praised by critics for its historical significance, stellar performances, and unique atmosphere. Reviewers lauded the opportunity to see legendary bands in their prime, particularly The Who's electrifying rendition of 'A Quick One While He's Away'. The film is considered a valuable historical document of a pivotal era in rock music.

What Reviewers Say

  • A fascinating and historically significant music documentary.
  • Features electrifying performances from legendary artists.
  • Offers a unique glimpse into the late 1960s music scene.

Google audience: Google users generally praise the film for its incredible performances and historical value, highlighting the energy of The Rolling Stones and The Who. Some users wished for more behind-the-scenes footage or context, but the overall sentiment is highly positive.

Fun Fact

The "circus" theme was partly inspired by The Beatles' film 'Magical Mystery Tour', and the event featured acrobats, clowns, and other circus performers interspersed between the musical acts.

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