Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night

I love how this film captures the authenticity of an unsung music hero, Ike Reilly. Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night is an intimate portrait of Ike's life with his band, and his family; his impact on music should be not be overlooked, even though the wider world has yet to fully embrace him, they should. Exploring the life and backstories of what's behind his music is a fascinating way to tell this story. The story so relatable on so many front, it's funny, poignant and touching. Watch the film, listen to his music, see him live; you will not be disappointed. He'll leave you wanting more and more, guaranteed.

A story about an amazingly talented singer and song writer, band , and family. The music is great. The story is even better. Ike is such a poet. The ups and downs of the music industry, raising a family while in that business, touring, friendships - it is all there. When you watch this you will wonder why Ike isn't one of the biggest names out there in the industry. His music is poetry set to an amazing rock and roll story line. The love of his hometown and family is strong. His many friends and supporters also show up for him. The only thing that is missing is a soundtrack to go along with the movie.

A film that reminds you of the pockets of brilliance hidden in every corner of the world, and the beauty of life even when it's sung in a different key. As a fellow Lake County suburbanite, learning about Ike reminds me to make meaning of my surroundings, and to costume your life in a way that no matter where you are, you can still be a rockstar. I'm stunned by the fact that there was such artistic brilliance taking place only 30 minutes away from me! It makes me think of all of the great things that are constantly happening, and what an honor it is to live inside someone else's world for a moment. Life is not a linear story, and there are so many ways to measure what it means to be "successful", and this film reminds us of that oft forgotten fact so brilliantly. Not only that, but it is so well structured in narrative, using quintessential songs from his catalogue as markers for big chapters in his life. It's honest yet sincere, like all great documentaries should be. I feel like I left with such a well rounded understanding of who Ike is, and he's never even interviewed in the movie! I'm so glad I got to see a premiere of this and see him perform right after. I'll never forget it.

The story of an independent musician told by his lifelong friends and famous fans. Executive produced by Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) Ike Reilly is an artist who walks in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie and Joe Strummer. Lots of people have been inspired by Bob Dylan, but instead of music just being a phase of his youth, he actually picked up his guitar and started writing songs. Then he put together a crack band and went on the road. Rock critics frequently write about artists that "march to their own drummer" or have an "uncompromising musical vision" but most of those artists couldn't hold a candle to Ike Reilly. Check it out!

What an outstanding film! If, like me, you are already an Ike fan, you will love the behind-the-scenes peek into his life, family, and friends. Amazing footage. If this is the first you are learning about him, you are in for a treat. He is one of the most authentic and compelling songwriters and performers you're ever likely to encounter. Ike's music is hard to capture in a neat description (part, perhaps, of why he isn't more widely known and appreciated). I think the best description I've heard is what Bob Dylan would have sounded like if his inspiration came from Joe Strummer rather than Woody Guthrie.