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

If anyone has read Einarson's biography of Gene Clark, Mr. Tambourine Man, this movie will tell a familiar tail but what is wonderful is hearing those stories from the musicians and friends that were there when it all went down. David Crosby, who is not known for humility, seems in awe of Clark at times and The Byrds in their original lineup. McGuinn is matter-of-fact but Hillman seems like the warmest of the bunch, the only Byrd who also smiles and laughs in his segments. This also reminded me of Be Here to Love Me, the wonderful film about Townes Van Zandt, in that is does not deify its subject but rather portrays them for the talented but trouble person that they are; the talent is celebrated but you feel the pain that they caused their family, friends and band mates. Enough detail for the casual Clark or Byrds fan, but an abundance of clips and audio to satisfy the die-hards. Well done indeed.

This an excellent documentary, featuring members of Gene's family, friends as well as ex band members. It is thoughtfully presented and gives a good insight into Gene, the man, and what was happening in his life while we were listening to his beautiful, emotional music. A very fitting tribute to a mesmeric man, both on stage and off. I really recommend buying this documentary, it is a compassionate journey through Gene's life. I have watched it many times since I bought it and will do so many more times! The production, as well as the direction, is first-rate. Four Suns deserve plenty of praise for this work and I, for one hope they will give us more! Anything else in the pipeline?

"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