Swagger of Thieves (2018)

(0) based on 0 votes
Over a decade in the making, Swagger of Thieves follows rock band Head Like a Hole from the top of the charts to the bottom of a needle. Staring down their age, two pals and the main guts of HLAH, frontman Nigel Booga Beazley and 'co- conspirator' Nigel Regan strut the hard road out of hell, fighting to reconnect and return their band to past glory, amidst disgruntled band mates, a changed music industry, and disappointed wives. Struggling to place past addictions and sabotaged dreams behind them in their continuing quest for rock music relevance, the ever-collapsing binary stars of any Head Like a Hole lineup, are certain (not) to polish their legacy here. Swagger of Thieves captures what it means to be in a band with a reputation. Unrelentingly raw, wild and honest, to the point of being one of the most insightful music documentaries ever made. Essential viewing. New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), Melbourne International Documentary Film Festival (MIDFF)
Directors
Julian Boshier
Release Date
May 17, 2018
Runtime
01h 47m
Actors
Nigel 'Booga' Beazley, Nigel Regan, Andrew Durno, Andrew Ashston, Tom Watson
Genre
DocumentaryMusic
Available in streaming on

Over a decade in the making, Swagger of Thieves follows rock band Head Like a Hole from the top of the charts to the bottom of a needle. Staring down their age, two pals and the main guts of HLAH, frontman Nigel Booga Beazley and 'co- conspirator' Nigel Regan strut the hard road out of hell, fighting to reconnect and return their band to past glory, amidst disgruntled band mates, a changed music industry, and disappointed wives. Struggling to place past addictions and sabotaged dreams behind them in their continuing quest for rock music relevance, the ever-collapsing binary stars of any Head Like a Hole lineup, are certain (not) to polish their legacy here. Swagger of Thieves captures what it means to be in a band with a reputation. Unrelentingly raw, wild and honest, to the point of being one of the most insightful music documentaries ever made. Essential viewing. New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), Melbourne International Documentary Film Festival (MIDFF)

Movies like Swagger of Thieves

Roadie

A young Texas good ol' boy has a knack with electronic equipment, and that talent gets him a job as a roadie with a raucous traveling rock-and-roll show.
Search similar movies
5.9
Roadie
Roadie

1980

Search similar movies
Ronnie O'Sullivan: The Edge of Everything

Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t had the most harmonious relationship with the media over the years, but his attempt to win the Snooker World Championship for a record 7th time in 2021 apparently proved to good an opportunity to pass up.
Search similar movies
8.0
Ronnie+O%27Sullivan%3A+The+Edge+of+Everything
Ronnie O'Sullivan: The Edge of Everything

2023

Search similar movies
Woodstock

An intimate look at the Woodstock Music & Art Festival held in Bethel, NY in 1969, from preparation through cleanup, with historic access to insiders, blistering concert footage, and portraits of the concertgoers; negative and positive aspects are shown, from drug use by performers to naked fans sliding in the mud, from the collapse of the fences by the unexpected hordes to the surreal arrival of National Guard helicopters with food and medical assistance for the impromptu city of 500,000.
Search similar movies
7.5
Woodstock
Woodstock

1970

Search similar movies
BLOW UP! HIDEKI

Plot unavailable
Search similar movies
BLOW+UP%21+HIDEKI
BLOW UP! HIDEKI

1975

Search similar movies
P!NK: Mein Leben in Songs

She is one of the most influential artists of our time: Alecia Moore aka P!NK. She stands up for women's rights, queer rights and has used her songs to do so time and time again. And she has pushed the boundaries of the pop genre; rock, R&B, hip hop and electro beats - all styles of music can be found in her songs.
Search similar movies
8.0
P%21NK%3A+Mein+Leben+in+Songs
P!NK: Mein Leben in Songs

2023

Search similar movies
Jazz: The Only Way of Life

Dizzy Gillespie is one of the major figures of the 20th Century's music scene. Everything was once said or written about this genius musician, founder of the Bebop. Whereas his public life is known from most, many ignore about the modest side of his character and the story of his long and deep friendship with a man rather unknown from the general public, the Swiss engineer Jacques Muyal. Through previously unrevealed archives as well as musical extracts, this documentary explores the story of the friendship between a genius trumpeter and a man crazy about Jazz.
Search similar movies
8.3
Jazz%3A+The+Only+Way+of+Life
Jazz: The Only Way of Life

2019

Search similar movies
Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars

An unflinching and deeply personal journey into the life and work of guitarist Eric Clapton told through his own words and songs.
Search similar movies
7.4
Eric+Clapton%3A+Life+in+12+Bars
Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars

2018

Search similar movies
In Memory of Rock

The rock-wild youth of the 1960s during the apparitions of their idols.
Search similar movies
6.0
In+Memory+of+Rock
In Memory of Rock

1963

Search similar movies
What Drives Us

The stories of some of the biggest artists in music, recalling the romance and adventure, as well as the idiocy and chaos, of their time on the road. While the world has changed, the custom has not changed. There is no other way to know whether you can make it in this business. You have to get in the van.
Search similar movies
6.8
What+Drives+Us
What Drives Us

2021

Search similar movies
Murder Ballads: How to Make It in Rock 'n' Roll

The rapid rise and violent fall of rock band Stack of Corpses whose attempt to jump start their career by stealing another singer’s song ends up with bloody and unexpected consequences. Told through 6 chapters of the band's life.
Search similar movies
Murder+Ballads%3A+How+to+Make+It+in+Rock+%27n%27+Roll
Murder Ballads: How to Make It in Rock 'n' Roll

2023

Search similar movies
Our Hearts – One Sound

A great symbiosis of music and documentary film which creates a true-to-life impression of the sense of community what singing in a choir means. Their film finds humanity in art and magic in music. A moving and immersive cinematic experience of great warmth, emphasizing the unstoppable power of community in times of isolation and understanding how music brings people together.
Search similar movies
8.0
Our+Hearts+%E2%80%93+One+Sound
Our Hearts – One Sound

2022

Search similar movies
Orlando

With an original staging of text and music, Orlando follows the trail of one of the greatest composers of the Renaissance: Orlando di Lasso (also known as Roland de Lassus). His life and masterful oeuvre continue to move people to this day. Although he was a European star at the time, di Lasso had to endure the indignities of his social status as a servant. This documentary explores the relationship between art and power, musically accompanied by the ensemble La Tempête.
Search similar movies
8.0
Orlando
Orlando

2024

Search similar movies
Whitney: Can I Be Me

The life and tragic death of Whitney Houston.
Search similar movies
6.5
Whitney%3A+Can+I+Be+Me
Whitney: Can I Be Me

2017

Search similar movies
The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Trailblazing double bassist Orin O'Brien never wanted the spotlight, but when Leonard Bernstein hired her in 1966 as the first female musician in the New York Philarmonic, it was inevitable that she would become the focus of much interest and fascination. Now 87 years old and recently retired, Orin looks back on her remarkable life and career, insisting that a fuss should not be made, much preferring to play a supporting role to the family, students, friends, and colleagues that surround her.
Search similar movies
6.6
The+Only+Girl+in+the+Orchestra
The Only Girl in the Orchestra

2023

Search similar movies
TaMtAm - Music of the time of troubles

Documentary film about the first St. Petersburg music club TaMtAm. It existed since 1991 upon 1996 and was held by Vsevolod Gakkel, ex-cellist of "Аквариум". The concept was modelled on cult NY club CBGB-OMFUG. Despite its controversial history this is the place where a new generation of Russian punk music was discovered.
Search similar movies
7.0
TaMtAm+-+Music+of+the+time+of+troubles
TaMtAm - Music of the time of troubles

2017

Search similar movies
Moby Doc

A surrealist biographical documentary about trailblazing electronic musician and animal rights activist Moby.
Search similar movies
6.1
Moby+Doc
Moby Doc

2021

Search similar movies
Billy Idol: State Line

Join legendary punk icon Billy Idol as he makes history by playing the first ever live concert in front of the world famous Hoover Dam.
Search similar movies
8.0
Billy+Idol%3A+State+Line
Billy Idol: State Line

2023

Search similar movies
Tales From a Golden Age: Bob Dylan 1941-1966

Documentary - Tracing his career up to the point of his 1966 motorcycle accident and subsequent disappearance from the spotlight, this unauthorized documentary uncovers a side of Bob Dylan never revealed before. Includes extensive interviews and rare footage. - Mickey Jones
Search similar movies
8.5
Tales+From+a+Golden+Age%3A+Bob+Dylan+1941-1966
Tales From a Golden Age: Bob Dylan 1941-1966

2004

Search similar movies
Faces Places

Director Agnès Varda and photographer/muralist JR journey through rural France and form an unlikely friendship.
Search similar movies
7.7
Faces+Places
Faces Places

2017

Search similar movies
The King

A cultural portrait of the American dream at a critical time in the nation’s history. Set against the 2016 American election, The King takes a musical road trip across the country in Elvis Presley's 1963 Rolls Royce.
Search similar movies
6.4
The+King
The King

2018

Search similar movies
Cliff Richard: The Blue Sapphire Tour 2023

Celebrating the 65th anniversary of one of Britain’s all-time greatest hit makers and icons, Cliff Richard’s anticipated Blue Sapphire Tour is set to dazzle the silver screen in this two-date only cinema event, recorded from London’s Hammersmith Eventim Apollo. Across his illustrious and unrivalled 8-decade career spanning stage and screen, Sir Cliff Richard has become a British icon and cultural treasure, amassing many gold and platinum records, well over 250 million records sales worldwide, 14 number-one singles, a colossal 96 Top 20 hits, 7 number-one albums and a string of Brit and Ivor Novello awards to his name. Sir Cliff will be bringing a selection from his huge catalogue of hits back to the stage for this monumental celebration in cinemas nationwide, including “Move It”, “Wired for Sound”, “Saviours Day” and “The Young Ones”
Search similar movies
Cliff+Richard%3A+The+Blue+Sapphire+Tour+2023
Cliff Richard: The Blue Sapphire Tour 2023

2023

Search similar movies
This Is Spinal Tap

"This Is Spinal Tap" shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.
Search similar movies
7.4
This+Is+Spinal+Tap
This Is Spinal Tap

1984

Search similar movies
Britney Spears: Workin' It

With the release of her eighth studio album, Britney is back and she's workin' it! This documentary chronicles the career of international superstar from her more innocent years with the release of "Baby One more Time" to being the highest paid judge on US X Factor and collaborating with Will.i.am on her latest album. She is worldwide a pop icon, who continues to grow and deliver to her fans. This is her inside story.
Search similar movies
8.3
Britney+Spears%3A+Workin%27+It
Britney Spears: Workin' It

2014

Search similar movies
Live

A montage that is reproduced as a series of vignettes. Showing the life of any guy, since the first day he becomes independent, to the day he succeeds with his family.
Search similar movies
Live
Live

2014

Search similar movies
Stockholm Syndrome

Stockholm Syndrome chronicles the meteoric rise of contemporary trendsetter A$AP Rocky, capturing the exuberance of youth and urgency of hip-hop in equal parts, before taking a detour into darkness. With amazing access, the film reveals Rocky’s experience with the inequities of the Swedish judicial system and the dangers of stardom and scapegoating through a series of twists and turns, ultimately paralleling the need for prison reform in our own backyard. Directed by The Architects, the film blends archival footage with contemporary interviews, animation, and electrifying live concert footage to tell the astonishing story of how one of rap’s biggest superstars became embroiled in an international incident, leading to an unexpected political awakening.
Search similar movies
Stockholm+Syndrome
Stockholm Syndrome

2021

Search similar movies
Deep Purple: From Here To Infinite

Feature length documentary about the story behind the pioneering and influential British heavy metal band as they enter the studio to record their new album.
Search similar movies
7.7
Deep+Purple%3A+From+Here+To+Infinite
Deep Purple: From Here To Infinite

2017

Search similar movies
American Satan

A young rock band, half from England and half from the US, drop out of college and move to the Sunset Strip to chase their dreams.
Search similar movies
7.2
American+Satan
American Satan

2017

Search similar movies
Backyard Babies - Live at Cirkus

Swedish rock sensation Backyard Babies have delighted us with a truly breathtaking live recording! ‘Live at Cirkus’ contains 17 hits, all taken from the 2016 Cirkus Theatre concert in Stockholm. Nicke Borg and team are in seriously good shape and can literally make the stage shake. If you’re a fan of Hardcore Superstar, Michael Monroe, the Hellacopters or Buckcherry, then the live performance quality of this band will win you over for sure.
Search similar movies
8.7
Backyard+Babies+-+Live+at+Cirkus
Backyard Babies - Live at Cirkus

2016

Search similar movies
blur at the BBC

Over the years, Damon, Graham, Alex and Dave have helped to change the face of British music, constantly evolving and leaving musical rivals in their wake. This collection of blur’s greatest performances on the BBC delivers all the hits and more, capturing the band’s crowd-pleasing side through fan favourites like Country House, Parklife, and Girls and Boys, as well as their more sensitive and soulful side with tracks including Coffee + TV, Beetlebum, Tender and Out of Time.
Search similar movies
8.0
blur+at+the+BBC
blur at the BBC

2023

Search similar movies
Paul McCartney: In the World Tonight

Documenting the recording process for Paul's 1997 album Flaming Pie, In The World Tonight is a fascinating insight into how a studio album is constructed, following Paul around his home studio and Abbey Road as he creates what would go on to be his first studio album in four years. In many ways there are two Paul McCartneys, the legend and the man. In The World Tonight reveals the man behind the public face, intimately capturing him at work, at ease and as candid as ever.
Search similar movies
9.0
Paul+McCartney%3A+In+the+World+Tonight
Paul McCartney: In the World Tonight

1997

Search similar movies
Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music

Examine the history of bluegrass music, from its origins to its eventual worldwide popularity, and hear from dozens of musicians who explain the ways bluegrass music transcends generational, cultural and geographic boundaries.
Search similar movies
Big+Family%3A+The+Story+of+Bluegrass+Music
Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music

2019

Search similar movies
Appointment in Bray

In 1917, the First World War is raging. Julien is from Luxemburg, so instead of having to go to war he studies piano in Paris. One day his friend Jacques, also a musician and now a fighter pilot on the front, invites him to spend a few days in his family's empty house in Bray. The housekeeper, a beautiful stoic woman lets Julien in, but his friend is late and he is obliged to wait. In the meantime, he starts reminiscing of the pre-war days spent with his friend and Jacques' girlfriend Odile.
Search similar movies
4.5
Appointment+in+Bray
Appointment in Bray

1971

Search similar movies
The All-American Rejects: Live at the Wiltern

Concert film from The All-American Rejects an American rock band from Stillwater, Oklahoma, formed in 1999.
Search similar movies
The+All-American+Rejects%3A+Live+at+the+Wiltern
The All-American Rejects: Live at the Wiltern

2006

Search similar movies
Mind Over Matter

A young man born with Cerebral Palsy battles a paralyzed left hand, bullies and stereotypes about the disabled to defy the odds and make it as a rock and roll guitarist. Ultimately, sharing the stage with the very band that inspired him to start (or to achieve the impossible).
Search similar movies
Mind+Over+Matter
Mind Over Matter

2017

Search similar movies
Songs from the Hole

Sentenced to life in prison at 15, musician JJ'88 finds hope by writing songs during solitary confinement in this award-winning documentary visual album.
Search similar movies
7.5
Songs+from+the+Hole
Songs from the Hole

2024

Search similar movies
Johnny Hallyday - Rester Vivant Tour

Plot unavailable
Search similar movies
9.3
Johnny+Hallyday+-+Rester+Vivant+Tour
Johnny Hallyday - Rester Vivant Tour

2016

Search similar movies
School of Rock

Fired from his band and hard up for cash, guitarist and vocalist Dewey Finn finagles his way into a job as a fifth-grade substitute teacher at a private school, where he secretly begins teaching his students the finer points of rock 'n' roll. The school's hard-nosed principal is rightly suspicious of Finn's activities. But Finn's roommate remains in the dark about what he's doing.
Search similar movies
7.1
School+of+Rock
School of Rock

2003

Search similar movies
Still Crazy

In the 1970s, Strange Fruit were it. They lived the rock lifestyle to the max, groupies, drugs, internal tension and an ex front man dead from an overdose. Even their demise was glamorous; when lightning struck the stage during an outdoor festival. Twenty years on, these former rock gods they have now sunk deep into obscurity when the idea of a reunion tour is lodged in the head of Tony, former keyboard player of the Fruits. Tony sets out to find his former bandmates with the help of former manager Karen to see if they can recapture the magic and give themselves a second chance.
Search similar movies
6.8
Still+Crazy
Still Crazy

1998

Search similar movies
The Spiders' The Reckless Operation

The Spiders, a Japanese pop group, in their first starring role, walk from Yokohama to Tokyo, to prove their love for a girl who told them "the person who can overcome any obstacle will be my lover"! Neither traffic, buildings, nor the police can stop them, in this madcap rock musical adventure!
Search similar movies
The+Spiders%27+The+Reckless+Operation
The Spiders' The Reckless Operation

1967

Search similar movies
A World Without Beethoven?

"What would the world be like without Beethoven?" That’s the provocative question posed by this music documentary from Deutsche Welle. To answer it, the film explores how Ludwig van Beethoven's innovations continue to have an impact far beyond the boundaries of classical music, 250 years after his birth.
Search similar movies
7.7
A+World+Without+Beethoven%3F
A World Without Beethoven?

2020

Search similar movies
Jimin's Production Diary

This documentary chronicles the creation of FACE, Jimin's debut solo album, as he embarks on a new artistic journey.
Search similar movies
7.0
Jimin%27s+Production+Diary
Jimin's Production Diary

2023

Search similar movies
Four Minutes

Jenny is young. Her life is over. She killed someone. And she would do it again. When an 80-year-old piano teacher discovers the girl’s secret, her brutality and her dreams, she decides to transform her pupil into the musical wunderkind she once was.
Search similar movies
6.8
Four+Minutes
Four Minutes

2006

Search similar movies
Now and Then - The Last Beatles Song

The story of The Beatles' last song featuring exclusive footage and commentary.
Search similar movies
7.3
Now+and+Then+-+The+Last+Beatles+Song
Now and Then - The Last Beatles Song

2023

Search similar movies
South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert

Trey Parker and Matt Stone celebrate South Park's 25th anniversary with a concert in Colorado, featuring Primus and Ween.
Search similar movies
8.2
South+Park%3A+The+25th+Anniversary+Concert
South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert

2022

Search similar movies
On-Gaku: Our Sound

A bored trio of high school delinquents start a rock 'n' roll band together. They have no skill, money, or even a full set of drums, but are determined to jam out and impress their only friend.
Search similar movies
7.2
On-Gaku%3A+Our+Sound
On-Gaku: Our Sound

2020

Search similar movies
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

An all-girl rock band moves to Hollywood in the hope of achieving success, only to fall into a whirlpool of wickedness and decadence.
Search similar movies
6.1
Beyond+the+Valley+of+the+Dolls
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

1970

Search similar movies
Skating Polly: Ugly Pop

Peyton Bighorse and Kelli Mayo are stepsisters from Oklahoma who founded their band, Skating Polly, in 2009 at the ages of 14 and 9 respectively. They call their style of music "Ugly Pop": building on the sounds of 70s Punk, early Grunge, and Folk, resulting in infectious melodies, but with real-life blemishes still showing. This fascinating in-depth documentary explores the early years of Skating Polly as Peyton and Kelli get their first taste of success, and try to stay true to themselves and their love of music. We see the two grow as people and musicians, and hear how they became the band they are today. Their earnestness throughout is refreshing and inspiring. Featuring Donita Sparks (L7), Kate Nash, SoKo, Lori Barbero (Babes in Toyland), Kat Bjelland (Babes in Toyland), and many more…
Search similar movies
10.0
Skating+Polly%3A+Ugly+Pop
Skating Polly: Ugly Pop

2021

Search similar movies
Classic Albums: Pink Floyd - The Making of The Dark Side of the Moon

Released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of this classic album, learn how Pink Floyd assembled "Dark Side of the Moon" with the aid of original engineer Alan Parsons. All four band members--Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright--are interviewed at length, giving valuable insights into the recording process. The themes of the album are discussed at length, and the band take you back to the original multi track tapes to illustrate how they pieced together the songs. With individual performances of certain tracks from Roger, David, and Richard included, this is an essential purchase for any Pink Floyd fans, and a fascinating artefact for rock historians everywhere.
Search similar movies
7.3
Classic+Albums%3A+Pink+Floyd+-+The+Making+of+The+Dark+Side+of+the+Moon
Classic Albums: Pink Floyd - The Making of The Dark Side of the Moon

2003

Search similar movies
Harry Styles: Are You Curious?

Few could have predicted the unique evolution that Harry Styles would make after leaving his band One Direction back in 2015. Playful and inclusive, sexy and subversive, he has transcended music and become both a screen star and an eccentric fashion trailblazer. ARE YOU CURIOUS? tells Harry’s remarkable story, from a teenage heartthrob to the most distinctive artist of the modern age.
Search similar movies
6.0
Harry+Styles%3A+Are+You+Curious%3F
Harry Styles: Are You Curious?

2023

Search similar movies