King Rocker

Finally got around to seeing King Rocker tonight. A really interesting documentary about a musician I had no memory of.

Billed as an "anti-rockumentary", Stewart Lee is our guide through the life of the singer/songwriter Robert Lloyd, and the history of Birmingham's giant statue of King Kong.

I have to admit if I had heard of him or The Nightingales, I've completely forgotten them. Which, after watching this, I find amazing. There were so many touch points where I would've come across them. And listening to the music it's certainly something that would have piqued my interest.

Lloyd is also something of a Northern Zelig, or Forest Gump, character. Popping up in photos with The Ramones, creating videos for St. Etienne, and running a record label are a few of the twists & turns of his life. But whether all of it is true or misremembered (not just by Lloyd) is returned to a couple of times with comic effect.

What I like about this as a documentary idea, it is already based on an unsure, false history.

A really enjoyable film, and interesting look at someone who's never seemed to let the lack of fame stand in their way.

Available for rent on Vimeo.