A new documentary is set to take music fans on a journey back to Toronto’s 1969 Rock N Roll Revival music festival, a historic event that marked John Lennon’s first performance outside of The Beatles. Titled “Revival69: The Concert That Rocked The World,” the film delves into how promoters John Brower and Kenny Walker managed to secure Lennon for the show, despite facing obstacles that almost prevented his appearance. Ultimately, Lennon graced the stage with The Plastic Ono Band, alongside Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, and Alan White.
The documentary also showcases footage from other iconic performers at the festival, such as Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Doors. Interviews with notable figures like Robby Kreiger of The Doors, Voormann, White, Alice Cooper, and Rush’s Geddy Lee, who were in attendance at the festival, are also included.
Featuring archival footage from the late director D. A. Pennebaker, who originally shot the festival for the 1969 documentary “Sweet Toronto,” “Revival69: The Concert That Rocked The World” offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in music history. The documentary is scheduled to be released in theaters and digitally on June 28th.