The Byrd Who Flew Alone: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Gene Clark

I love this DVD partly because it takes me back to my teacher training college days of the early 1970s. I only wish that, then, I had been more aware of the talent that was Gene Clark. But this film fills the gap. Considering the limited footage that was available, Four Suns Productions have created a deeply sympathetic film of a fantastic musician, but is also honest about the flawed man. I find the interviews with family, friends and musicians frank and thought provoking and I have to express my admiration for the interviewee(s). The choice of background music is wonderful and the end footage left me with wet eyes... Thanks must go to Paul Kendall and his sons for the commitment and dedication that went into this tribute to Gene Clark.

Although lacking certain dynamics; I found this film incredibly moving. It almost felt like a family history, contributions from Gene's lovely sister and brother and his two sons made this feel so intimate and up close. A very warm human story with some great contributions, you can almost wait for the tide to come in and go out while David Crosby finds the very most appropriate words to describe Gene's...soul. It is clear that Gene Clark had a profound effect on just about everyone he met. I also found it a valuable guide on how to grow old gracefully, or graciously - some fantastic insights and wisdom from Gene's former band mates, Chris Hillman deserves a special mention as the guy you would probably most wish to be like when in your mid-late sixties. I learn't a lot by watching this film and felt enriched by the experience. An extremely worthy tribute to a mercurial, searching, cosmic American dreamer.

"The Byrd Who Flew Alone" is a labor of love and dedication from Four Suns Productions. It has high production values and great pacing and focus. In addition to the excellence of the film itself, the added features provide even more knowledge and enjoyment.

This movie about Gene Clark is an honest assessment of the triumphs and tragedies of his life. For long-standing fans, it offers intimate details of who Gene was as a human being and as an artist, told by those who knew him and were there as it happened. For those unaware of how important Gene Clark was and is, this movie provides an excellent introduction to a singular talent who deserves to be heard and enjoyed for the richness of his abilities as a songwriter, singer and musician.

Anyone who wants to know more about Gene Clark and his music will be satisfied with what they learn in this film and will come away understanding more about the depth of Gene's music and his life than they can imagine. Highly recommended!

This is a brilliant DVD that tells the story of Gene Clark so well. From his early influences to his latest incarnations the story is riveting. I think, only now, that his band mates in the Byrds are only just starting to realise what an immense talent he was. Chris Hillman is fulsome in his praise but does include the warts. David Crosby is a little more understanding than he was and Roger McGuinn is well, Roger McGuinn. His later collaborators, such as John York,Pat Robinson and Carla Olsen saw a different side of Gene Clark - brilliant song-writer but also a bit inebriated when called upon to do his thing on stage. His demons resurfacing again. All in all though very satisfying.

I've seen and own a lot of rock DVD's, so I can spot a formulaic documentary when I see one. This was an exception, really evoked the times and feeling well, the interviewee's were insightful. A major coo to get the surviving Byrds involved, well done guys. Further to that, it adds credence to the fact that a lot of people rated Gene very highly, both as a Byrd and a solo artist. The fact that alongside the high profile covers (Mr. Tambourine Man, Turn Turn Turn) it was mostly Gene's songwriting keeping the band afloat initially...the drop dead one of the greatest pop/rock singles ever conceived (I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better) and gorgeous ballads like Set You Free This Time. Contributors also note Gene's excellent post Byrds work. So to sum it up, really enjoyable film, that didn't pander, told the truth and was all the better for it. I ordered it from Four Suns Productions and received the film promptly, well packaged. Good work again guys, look forward to what you do next. Get a Terry Reid film done! All the best, Adam