Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night

What an outstanding film! If, like me, you are already an Ike fan, you will love the behind-the-scenes peek into his life, family, and friends. Amazing footage. If this is the first you are learning about him, you are in for a treat. He is one of the most authentic and compelling songwriters and performers you're ever likely to encounter. Ike's music is hard to capture in a neat description (part, perhaps, of why he isn't more widely known and appreciated). I think the best description I've heard is what Bob Dylan would have sounded like if his inspiration came from Joe Strummer rather than Woody Guthrie.

I have followed Ike all the back to his early times at the Entry. I can sing nearly every song he has recorded as can many of his fans. His lyrics are moving yet troubling to me. Is he an angel or a .....? He is a genius. I have asked his song "Farewell to the Good Times " be played at my "good by" party. The movie has done a good job of capturing his pleasure and pain and the struggle that his been his life. Ike, you have a devoted fan base like no other but I like the movie question why the world doesn't see it. Ike, you are one of the most gifted artist of our time. With you friend. Great movie.

I love how this film captures the authenticity of an unsung music hero, Ike Reilly. Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night is an intimate portrait of Ike's life with his band, and his family; his impact on music should be not be overlooked, even though the wider world has yet to fully embrace him, they should. Exploring the life and backstories of what's behind his music is a fascinating way to tell this story. The story so relatable on so many front, it's funny, poignant and touching. Watch the film, listen to his music, see him live; you will not be disappointed. He'll leave you wanting more and more, guaranteed.

I've been a fan of Ike Reilly and The IRA for a long time, and "Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night" was such a great watch! It really shows off his music and personality. My brother's families and mine have enjoyed his songs and concerts for years, and this documentary gave us a cool look behind the scenes.

The live performances were wonderful, and it was fun to see more of Ike's story. The documentary does a great job of capturing the energy and passion that Ike brings to his music. Also hearing about his families struggles and triumphs make you appreciate his work even more.

One of the best parts was seeing the candid moments and hearing stories that we hadn't heard before. It felt like we were getting an inside look at what makes Ike's music so special. Watch this film! If you weren't a fan before you will definitely be leavin as a fan!! 🎸🎤 💯

A film that reminds you of the pockets of brilliance hidden in every corner of the world, and the beauty of life even when it's sung in a different key. As a fellow Lake County suburbanite, learning about Ike reminds me to make meaning of my surroundings, and to costume your life in a way that no matter where you are, you can still be a rockstar. I'm stunned by the fact that there was such artistic brilliance taking place only 30 minutes away from me! It makes me think of all of the great things that are constantly happening, and what an honor it is to live inside someone else's world for a moment. Life is not a linear story, and there are so many ways to measure what it means to be "successful", and this film reminds us of that oft forgotten fact so brilliantly. Not only that, but it is so well structured in narrative, using quintessential songs from his catalogue as markers for big chapters in his life. It's honest yet sincere, like all great documentaries should be. I feel like I left with such a well rounded understanding of who Ike is, and he's never even interviewed in the movie! I'm so glad I got to see a premiere of this and see him perform right after. I'll never forget it.