The Ventures: Stars on Guitars

If you want to know how it all started with the Ventures and what the guitar driven wave of their career was like, this wonderful film by Staci Layne Wilson immerses you in the men, the woman, and the music that took the world by storm. Chock full of delicious guitar licks and fabulous interviews and recollections, Stars On Guitars takes you there and you're glad you went.

Terrific history of the Ventures with lots of famous musicians contributing commentary. Enjoyed it overall, but was disappointed that there was so little actual footage of the band actually performing! Not one complete song! I realize that the footage is available elsewhere, but I was really expecting to see some of it here.

Great to hear Don Wilson reminisce along with all the others - just wished they played a bit!

As a local Seattle -Tacoma music blogger, I felt this documentary gave a fantastic insight into part of our music history. I love the more intimate insights given from people who knew them well, and loved their music. I am SO blessed to have watched a preview of this movie with one of Don Wilson's daughters. An absolute honor to be able to hear firsthand stories.

I was very lucky to have been given a preview of this documentary. I say lucky because it is packed anecdotes from the band members along with samples of music by those fabulous Ventures. Just as entertaining are the testimonials by dozens of top performers who have, through nearly six decades, been influenced by the official "World's No. 1" Instrumental Group" and their phenomenal output of recorded music. The number of these famous guitarists and bands influenced by The Ventures is surprising and staggering to say the least, and thrilling to hear what they say about the days when they were just getting started in their own musical careers. I can't wait to see Stars On Guitars again when it will no-doubt be shown on the PBS networks, and maybe even on a major network such as ABC.

Well-done musical documentary, very entertaining as well as educational. Loved Billy Bob Thornton's take on things as well as many notable rock stars. You don't have to particularly be a Ventures fan to enjoy this film--although you might be surprised how many of your favorites where actually done by them. Highly recommended!