Award-winning indie documentary Roadie: My Documentary—a film by TJ Hoffmann and Andy Strohl—is celebrating its 5th anniversary and is now available for viewing on Amazon Prime. Prime members can watch the film for free here, while others can watch or purchase it for a nominal fee. Roadie: My Documentary is also available on additional platforms, which can be found here.
To watch the film trailer, visit https://www.roadiefilm.com.
A behind-the-scenes look at the unique challenges and rewards of life on the road with renowned touring music artists, Roadie: My Documentary spans the 20-year career of roadie-turned-filmmaker TJ Hoffmann. It includes insight from many of his friends in the touring industry. Alongside co-director and co-writer Andy Strohl, TJ takes viewers backstage with a diverse group of roadies who have worked with some of the biggest music acts in history. The film sheds light on the unique perspectives of the profession and its enormous impact on the evolution of the touring industry.
Whether defined as hard-core roadies, instrument techs, or jacks-of-all-trades, their backstage presence and influence are undeniable. They’ve earned the utmost respect from the top performers they’ve helped launch and support along the way.
“Techs not only can do what we do, but they can fix a broken amp in 10 seconds or less,” says guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, formerly with Guns N’ Roses. “They all have skills that we don’t, plus they’re all musicians as well. We couldn’t do what they do, but they could do what we do.”
Powerful interviews in the film include a former Metallica roadie sharing his firsthand account of the tragic tour bus accident that took the life of bassist Cliff Burton in Europe. Another touring veteran recounts the historical origins of the “roadie,” dating back to his work with The Allman Brothers Band in their early days, and describes how legendary concert promoter Bill Graham helped create the modern touring model.
Filmed in various countries over the course of ten years, Roadie begins as a quest to uncover the passion, motive, or moment that made someone want to become a roadie. Over time, another narrative emerges as TJ, the man behind the camera, is forced to confront his inner demons after decades of life on the road.
“I wanted to go on the road for adventure, to be part of something larger than myself. Something amazing. Something no one could do alone. And I did,” says TJ. “I was part of the touring industry during a pivotal time in music. Me. A part of it. A tiny little speck, but a part of it nonetheless.”
Roadies featured in the film have toured with a wide array of music artists, including:
- Alice Cooper
- The Allman Brothers Band
- Agnostic Front
- Billy Idol
- The Black Keys
- Bon Jovi
- Counting Crows
- David Bowie
- Demi Lovato
- Elton John
- Grateful Dead
- Guns N’ Roses
- GWAR
- Ignite
- India Arie
- KISS
- Madonna
- Metallica
- M.O.D
- Mötley Crüe
- The Offspring
- Peter Frampton
- Ramones
- Rob Thomas
- Skid Row
- System of a Down
- The Who
Roadie: My Documentary has been recognized by film festivals in the U.S. and internationally, earning numerous accolades:
- Winner – International Independent Film Awards - Summer Session (2017)
- Winner – Garden State Film Festival (2018)
- Official Selection – Austin Spotlight Film Festival (2018)
- Official Selection – Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards (2018)
- Official Selection – Brazil Cinfest (2018)
- Official Selection – Irvine International Film Festival (2018)
- Official Selection – WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival (2018)
