The Rainbow

Real stories by the real people who were thereVery well done, real stories by the real people who were there. Great historical documentation of so many bands I grew up with. The history of the era, and how these great bands got their start. You could argue that the documentary is too short, only because it was so good it could've gone on for another hour or two. The backstory of all of these types of places and the bands that went through are fascinating musical history.

Compact documentary at 71mns chronicling life at the Whisky-a-Go-Go nightclub and the nearby Rainbow Bar & Grill (formerly Villa Nova) on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, both owned and operated by Mario Maglieri, "The Pope of the Sunset Strip". Lots of rich and wonderful history at both hot spots sadly leads to the depressing present day, with skinhead bands starting riots, gunshots ringing out and trashcans being thrown. Some may say, "that's just rock 'n roll." Nevertheless, Mario (who passed way in 2017, leaving his son and grandson to run both businesses) is a character you wouldn't want to miss: tough-talking but fatherly, he looked after the guys on the bottom as well as counselling the hard-partying stars at the top. **1/2 from ****

A well made documentary film that brings to life The Rainbow that hard rock and metal fans hear so much about. The development of The Rainbow's history as a family-owned business, legendary venue, and home to rock luminaries of multiple decades makes this film a "must see" for fans and the curious alike.