Watch Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones: Live at the Checkerboard Lounge

Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones: Live at the Checkerboard Lounge is a concert documentary that captures the electrifying live performance of the Chicago blues legend Muddy Waters and the iconic British rock band the Rolling Stones at the Checkerboard Lounge in Chicago on November 22, 1981. The film, which was released in 2012, offers a glimpse into the magical synergy that transcended some of the cultural barriers and musical boundaries that separated the two groups but ultimately connected them through their shared love of the blues.

The concert at the Checkerboard Lounge was a special one. It began with the Stones, who were in town for their Tattoo You tour, had a night off and decided to drop in unannounced to catch Waters’ performance. The audience was already buzzing with excitement, but when Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Ian Stewart unexpectedly took to the stage to jam with Waters, the night was elevated to legendary status. The documentary captures this moment perfectly, starting with the Stones arriving at the club and introducing themselves to Waters. They soon take to the stage and join Waters in a lively celebration of the blues.

The performance is a mix of classic blues tracks and rock ‘n’ roll numbers that reflect the shared influence that the blues had on both the Stones and Waters. The Stones, in particular, pay homage to their roots by performing several blues standards including “Route 66,” “Little Red Rooster,” and “Midnight Hour Blues.” Jagger’s vocals are on point, and his energy and enthusiasm are infectious. The legendary Richards and Wood both display some killer guitar work, while Stewart, as always, is a solid and steady presence on the piano.

Waters’ performance is equally impressive. He is in top form, and his guitar playing and soulful vocals are a testament to his status as one of the greatest bluesman of all time. His musical prowess is on full display in tracks such as “Baby Please Don’t Go,” “Long Distance Call,” and “Mannish Boy.” Moreover, Waters’ interplay with the Stones is exceptional, and it’s clear that they’re all having a blast on stage. In one of the most memorable moments of the show, Jagger, clearly in awe of Waters, happily becomes his backing vocalist for a boisterous rendition of “Got My Mojo Working.”

The concert also features some great guest performances from local musicians such as John Primer, Lovie Lee, and Earnest Johnson. The trio accompanies Waters for several tracks, and their contributions only serve to enhance the electricity of the night.

One of the most appealing aspects of the film is its charm and authenticity. The concert was captured on simple videotape, and the footage is raw and unpolished. There are no fancy camera angles, no special effects, and no overdubs, which means what you see is what you get. The audio is exceptionally good, though, and captures the concert in all its grit and glory. This down-to-earth aesthetic only adds to the concert’s aura of spontaneity and immediacy.

In addition, the film also provides some insightful commentary from the musicians and industry insiders who were there, including Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, blues guitarist Buddy Guy, and former Checkerboard Lounge owner Buddy Scott. Their recollections add context and depth to this historic moment in music, and offer some fascinating anecdotes and perspectives.

In conclusion, Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones: Live at the Checkerboard Lounge is an outstanding concert documentary that captures an iconic moment in music history. The electric union of two of the world's biggest acts, separated by an ocean and a culture, united to celebrate their shared love of the blues. The performances were passionate and energetic, infused with soul and authenticity. If you’re a blues or rock ‘n roll enthusiast, this film is a must-see. It offers an unvarnished portrait of two of the most influential musical groups of the 20th century, in their prime, doing what they do best.

Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones: Live at the Checkerboard Lounge is a 2012 music movie with a runtime of 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.7.