King Rocker

Like others have said, real, honest, fun. Brought back some great memories. In the early 80's we could travel around Brum & the whole of the WMPTE (West-Mids) bus network for 2p a journey, so going up town was cheap as chips. Tickets for gigs were £3-ish, so again, even a broke 14 year old could see some crackers. Pretty sure I saw Fuzzbox at The Odean, but like many, memories are a bit ropey. King Kong was iconic by the flyover. Best watched recorded so you can FF the ads. For an immersive experience, fill an ashtray with old Embassy or JPS dog-ends, open & spill a couple of cans of Holstein Pils, leave for a couple of days & then watch in a dark room. 👍

I've heard Stewart Lee (and Michael Cummings on one) on a round of podcasts promoting this so am well versed on the challenges they had in funding to get this made - as well as it being impossible to distribute in a Covid world.

Furthermore challenges around available footage plus the amused frustration created by finding out elements of story that Lloyd either forgot or hadn't bothered to tell them - with the difficulty on having the opportunity to include these. His friendship with The Ramones is an example of this, albeit they managed to pull off getting this included via Danny Saltzman.

What they have managed to cobble together is a charming ride through the life and career of a real outlier. Lee's relationship with Lloyd is truly one of warmth and really helps the engagement throughout.

So listen to the band!

Warm, bit rough around the edges, p*ss-taking, just like that band it's about. A proper documentary that weaves facts, half-truths and a bit of welcome over-reaching of ideas

There isn't anything in here I dislike. I was hooked from the start as I remembered Manzoni Gardens and trying to scale King Kong after shoplifting in Nelson House weighed down by a leather belt and overly large Brothel Creepers. Stewart Lee drove this vehicle wonderfully and I was hanging on every moment. This is no talking heads/clips compilation but a glorious tribute to one of the best bands to ever come out of Brum. I will watch this film again - but this time with a curry and a couple of beers so I experience the full effect. Good on you Stewart Lee and Michael Cumming for bringing this to our humdrum screens.All hail Robert Lloyd and the Nightingales and bring King Kong back home!

It's amazing to watch Stewart Lee build a riveting viewing experience from scratch. First he has chosen a wonderful subject in Robert Lloyd, the unusual rock star, virtually undiscovered in Birmingham and London. Stewart has been reading books about to make a film work because for some reason he has added a giant statue of a monkey that used to be erected in Birmingham for less than a year when Stewart and Robert were kids. When Stewart and Michael lack footage of some of Roberts stories, the monkey is rendered as a cartoon and acts the story out. I mean, what is the monkey doing in the film and how does it succeed in pulling the film together? Should use the word, genius?

Robert Lloyd seems a good bloke. Drinks a lot and seems to have a good time in general. Plenty of friends and a nice son. When you listen to the Nightingales songs as available on Spotify and Deezer, you are very glad you have finally been introduced to them.

I think the best bit for me was watching the clip of the Nightingales, Fuzzbox and Ted Chipppington on TV. That is pop as God meant it.

Great film. Very entertaining, gripping and interesting.