Documentaries can either reach a point where it feels they are dragging on, or they can leave wanting more. If I Leave Here Tomorrow leaves you wanting more.
This documentary does more than simply give out facts about the band's humble beginnings, this film engaging the view on all fronts and you almost feel like you're in the room when the band members are being interviewed.
First and foremost, this film dispels myth and lays out facts. You learn that the band favored gun control (though a few members own guns themselves) and the line from Saturday Night Special about throwing the guns into the bottom of the sea echoes a comment made by Ronnie Van Zant during an interview. You'll also learn that the band wasn't too happy with being associated with the Confederate flag, as that was a way for MCA to market the band to fans in the deep south. Several of the still living members of the band express deep regret in not putting their foot down over the flag's use.
There are several funny antidotes, including several about the early days and recording in the Shack. I'm not going to describe that any further, because that wouldn't do it justice. Watching the band members explain it themselves brings home the rough beginnings the band had.
Perhaps the most amazing feature about this documentary, is that you know how it ends. You know that Ronnie, Steve Gaines, and his sister Cassie are doomed to die at the bands peak, yet it still feels like a shock and the raw emotions you feel as they visit the crash site, without being exploitative, just can not be explained in mere words.
I would highly recommend this documentary to any Skynyrd fan, or music historian in general. No matter what, you'll look upon the band and it's members in a different light after viewing this film, and with a great deal more of respect.
This documentary does more than simply give out facts about the band's humble beginnings, this film engaging the view on all fronts and you almost feel like you're in the room when the band members are being interviewed.
First and foremost, this film dispels myth and lays out facts. You learn that the band favored gun control (though a few members own guns themselves) and the line from Saturday Night Special about throwing the guns into the bottom of the sea echoes a comment made by Ronnie Van Zant during an interview. You'll also learn that the band wasn't too happy with being associated with the Confederate flag, as that was a way for MCA to market the band to fans in the deep south. Several of the still living members of the band express deep regret in not putting their foot down over the flag's use.
There are several funny antidotes, including several about the early days and recording in the Shack. I'm not going to describe that any further, because that wouldn't do it justice. Watching the band members explain it themselves brings home the rough beginnings the band had.
Perhaps the most amazing feature about this documentary, is that you know how it ends. You know that Ronnie, Steve Gaines, and his sister Cassie are doomed to die at the bands peak, yet it still feels like a shock and the raw emotions you feel as they visit the crash site, without being exploitative, just can not be explained in mere words.
I would highly recommend this documentary to any Skynyrd fan, or music historian in general. No matter what, you'll look upon the band and it's members in a different light after viewing this film, and with a great deal more of respect.