The Kids Are Alright (The Who Documentary)

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Pete Townshend turns smashing guitars into a symphony. Keith Moon drives a Rolls Royce into a pool.

And Roger Daltrey somehow keeps it all together.

I love The Who!

The “The Kids are Alright” documentary is like “Spinal Tap” meets “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

It’ll surely rank in the top 10 on my upcoming list of best documentaries on classic rock bands.

Trailer for “The Kids Are Alright”

Watch “The Kids Are Alright”

You can watch “The Kids are Alright” :

If the above links don’t work, YouTube has a free version of the doc (with ads) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ0CaF5nw20 (this can be ad-free if you pay for YouTube Premium) (I do and love it cuz I watch so many YouTube long-form videos)

You might find other streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-who-the-kids-are-alright (but as of January 7, 2024 as I write this, this link does not show any options).

Ratings:

  • My Rating: 92/100
  • IMDB Rating: 8/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 86/100 (Users); 100/100 (Critics)

Release Date: May 24, 1979

My Review of “The Kids Are Alright”

I love The Who.

They just might be the highest caliber band as measured by umph per each of the 4 members.

There’s not a weak link!

The Setup

“The Kids Are Alright” is a freewheeling doc capturing the band’s chaotic energy and unmatched stage presence.

It’s directed by Jeff Stein (also known for known for “Barney Miller” (1975), “Trevor Rabin: Something to Hold on To” (1989) and “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Don’t Come Around Here No More” (1985).

Stein packs this doc with archival footage, including the best live performances, chaotic TV appearances, and candid interviews.

You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up

  • The Smothers Brothers Disaster: During a 1967 TV appearance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Keith Moon packed his drum kit with explosives as a prank. When the stunt went off, it was so powerful that Pete Townshend’s hair caught fire, and his ear was injured. Moon ended up laughing hysterically while the set descended into chaos.
  • Moon Drives a Car into a Pool: In one infamous story recounted in the doc, Keith Moon celebrated his 21st birthday by driving a car into a hotel swimming pool. The band was banned from the Holiday Inn chain for life.
  • Woodstock Chaos: The film shows their legendary 1969 Woodstock performance, where Townshend kicked activist Abbie Hoffman off the stage mid-set. Hoffman tried to grab the mic during “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and Townshend responded by hitting him with his guitar.

More Highlights from the Doc

  • Iconic Live Performances: The documentary features show-stopping renditions of “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” from a 1978 concert at Shepperton Studios, recorded specifically for the film. The camera work and sound capture The Who’s raw power at its peak.
  • Moon’s Madcap Humor: A standout scene shows Keith Moon mocking the band’s overblown reputation. When asked if their success was due to hard work, Moon deadpans, “No, drugs.” It’s a perfect example of his quick wit and irreverent charm.
  • John Entwistle’s Estate Tour: Bassist John Entwistle gives a tour of his home, showing off macabre mounted animal heads and joking about his own role as the band’s quiet member. His dry humor adds a unique counterbalance to the film’s chaos.

Lesser-Known Details from the Doc

  • Keith Moon’s Final Footage: Tragically, Keith Moon passed away just months after the documentary’s release. His vibrant drumming and comedic moments in this film are among his last recorded appearances.
  • A 15-Year-Old Director: Jeff Stein was only 15 when he first started working on ideas for the film. By the time he directed it, he was 21 and already a superfan of the band, giving the project an authentic, fan-driven perspective.
  • No Narration, All Action: Unlike most music documentaries, “The Kids Are Alright” has no narrator or voiceover. Instead, it lets The Who’s performances and interviews tell the story, mirroring their loud and unapologetic style.

Wrap Up

If you love 1970s rock, “The Kids Are Alright” is the best documentary you’ll ever watch about a band at their wildest. It’s loud, messy, and completely unforgettable—just like The Who.

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