Category: 大象传媒
FOUR; Factual
& Arts TV
Date: 06.12.2004
Printable version
大象传媒 FOUR, 21 January 2005, 9.00pm
大象传媒 FOUR focuses on one of England's truly unique and underrated bands
- The Fall - in this special documentary.
One of the most enigmatic, idiosyncratic and chaotic garage bands of
the last 30 years, The Fall are led by the belligerent and poetic Mark
E Smith.
The band grew out of the fringe of the Manchester punk scene and to
date have released in excess of three dozen albums, toured relentlessly,
inspired two successful stage plays, recorded 24 Peel Sessions and performed
with contemporary ballet dancer Michael Clarke, along with various spoken
word events.
All this has happened under the guidance of Smith with various line-ups
currently totalling over 40 different members.
They have never conformed to fashion or musical trends and when asked
why they were his favourite band, John Peel replied: "They are
always different, they are always the same."
This is the first time that Mark E Smith has agreed to the story being
told on television and he, along with many of the major players, takes
us through this unique English rock 'n' roll story.
Their rollercoaster story is told alongside footage of their most recent
and sadly now last Peel Session recorded in August at the legendary
大象传媒 Maida Vale studios.
There is also film of John playing out the session at Peel Acres a
week later.
Contributors include past and present band members including Marc Riley,
Una Baines, Steve Hanley, Ben Pritchard and Eleni Smith plus thoughts
from key fans and critics including Paul Morley, Tony Wilson, Stewart
Lee, promoter Alan Wise, original Buzzcocks manager Richard Boon and
Franz Ferdinand.
The director is Dionne Newton and the producer is Alison Howe.
