Details from IMDB:
Blue Rodeo: Lost Together
- 2024
- 1h 28m
A feature documentary about one of Canada’s most beloved bands whose songs are like lifelong friends, having seeped into every stage of our lives. Theirs is a tale of determination, success and 40 years of enduring friendships.
Initial Thoughts:
Recently I got the CBC Gem streaming service. I wanted to support Canadian artists and entertainers and had a look around the app. I have enjoyed Blue Rodeo for a long time, saw them 6 times in concert and they are one of the only country bands I like. So with some time Sunday night I decided to give it a watch.
Main Points:
This was an excellent documentary that looks at the band right from the beginning all the way to 2024. I knew that they had some trouble but I had no idea how close the band was to splitting up several times. I also quite liked how while they tried to break in the US market, ultimately they realized the same thing as lots of Canadian bands, they are better off playing to big crowds who love them at home.
The friendship between Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor was tested but you can see at the end how much respect and affection they have for each other. Like Cuddy said, the band is like a marriage and sometimes you need a little time apart for things to get back on track, which is why both he and Greg did solo projects. I loved how I got to see MuchMusic VJs and you could see the love people all over Canada have for this band. I didn’t know that it was MuchMusic that made Blue Rodeo famous in Canada by putting the video “Try” in heavy rotation. It was a great moment to see a corporation helping a band, something you never see these days. I also loved some other interesting trivia like how frustrated Jim Cuddy, who barely drinks, was during the recording of “Five Days in July” album as all the rest of the band were stoned most of the time.
Final Thoughts:
I think Blue Rodeo is a great example of what most Canadian bands are, hard working, full of integrity, love for their home country and able to stick together through thick and thin. The fact that they still tour today and Greg and Jim remain close friends warmed my heart. Of course you also get to hear bits of all their best songs and see all sorts of rare live footage. They are unique as they mixed country together with other styles and became something new and unique, something distinctly Canadian. If you’re a Blue Rodeo fan this is a must watch, my only complaint is that I would have liked more depth, there personal lives are barely touched on, a rare statement for me is that I would have liked 10-15 minutes more. That said I give this a solid 8 out of 10. There is a little bit of coarse language and some mention of pot, so ages 16+.