Watch Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years

Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years is a documentary film that celebrates the long-running live music television program, Austin City Limits. The film was released in 2014, and features performances and interviews with some of the most iconic musicians who have graced the stage of Austin City Limits over the past four decades. The film opens with footage of Austin's iconic skyline, and quickly provides an overview of the history of Austin City Limits as a program. Established in 1974, Austin City Limits was one of the first television programs to focus on live music performances. Throughout the years, the show's producers have showcased a range of musical genres, from country to blues, rock to jazz, and beyond.

One of the strengths of the film is that it doesn't shy away from the context of the times during which some of its most memorable performances were recorded. Footage from episodes recorded during the 1970s and '80s shows the style and aesthetics of the era, while interviews with musicians and producers discuss the way in which the music played a role in reflecting and shaping the society around it.

The film also captures the spirit of the Austin music scene, with footage of the city's vibrant live music venues, and interviews with musicians who have been part of the scene for years. There are also interviews with the producers of Austin City Limits, who provide insights into the process of booking musicians for the show, and the challenges and rewards of producing a live music television program.

One of the highlights of the film is the performances themselves. The film includes clips from some of the most memorable performances in Austin City Limits history, including Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt, and Ray Charles. There are also performances from contemporary musicians who have graced the Austin City Limits stage more recently, such as Mumford & Sons, Gary Clark Jr., and Alabama Shakes.

In addition to the musical performances, the film also features interviews with some of the musicians who have appeared on the show over the years. Johnny Bradley, the bassist for the legendary blues band, Delbert McClinton, discusses his experiences playing on the show, and the impact that Austin City Limits has had on his career. Doyle Bramhall II, a guitar player who has played with Eric Clapton and Sheryl Crow, talks about what it's like to perform on the show, and the role that Austin plays in the world of music.

Perhaps the most surprising interviewee in the film is Jeff Bridges, who discusses his own love of music, and his experience performing on Austin City Limits. Bridges, who is known for his roles in films like The Big Lebowski and True Grit, reveals himself to be a passionate musician, and provides insights into the creative process behind his music.

Overall, Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years is a must-see film for music lovers. It provides a sweeping overview of the history of one of the most important programs in the world of live music, and includes performances and interviews with some of the most iconic musicians of the past four decades. Whether you're a fan of Willie Nelson or Mumford & Sons, Stevie Ray Vaughan or Gary Clark Jr., there is something for everyone in this celebration of the power and beauty of live music.

Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years is a 2014 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.